If anyone needed more proof that the Conservatives are now the party of the NHS, take a look at the attitude of the political parties in Tower Hamlets in East London to Clem Attlee, its founding father, as reported by Iain Dale yesterday.
Outside Limehouse Public Library there is this historic statue of the legendary Labour Prime Minister, Clem Attlee, for many the founder of the NHS. The statue was unveiled by another historic Labour Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, in 1988.
In the Members' Lobby of the House of Commons, Attlee is one of the four 20th century Prime Ministers deemed worthy of a full statue (along with Lloyd George, Churchill and Lady Thatcher). Whatever one's views of his politics, few could deny Attlee's historic importance to twentieth century Britain.
In Fulham, I live next door to the Clem Attlee estate, which is well-maintained by our local Conservative Council. However, it is Stepney and Limehouse where Clem Attlee has particularly strong local connections. Attlee was elected Mayor of Stepney exactly 90 years ago (enlarge on the Council minutes given below, kindly provided to me by Cllr Peter Golds, our Group Leader in Tower Hamlets) on 10th November 1919. He is listed as Major Clement Richard Attlee, living at 638, Commercial Road East.
And this is what the statue looks like today. In the picture with me are our local PPC Cllr Tim Archer and Group Leader Cllr Peter Golds.
The statue has now been boarded up for four years. The historic library in behind was closed down in 2003, and the building, despite being listed, lies empty. Rumours abound that the Labour Council is seeking to sell the building for property development, and that is why the statue is not re-emerging, as it too is earmarked for demolition. The statue was boarded up, I believe, four years ago.
Whatever the reasons for the Council's callous indifference, and whatever one thinks of Attlee's politics in the first place, this is a disgraceful abandonment of local heritage in the East End of London of one of Britain's most significant twentieth century figures.
To join the local campaign, contact our PPC, Cllr. Tim Archer, here
Below are the Council minutes from 1919: