Beckton Cllr David Christie is standing down. He has written to his comrades and colleagues:
I wanted to let you know that I have decided not to stand as a councillor in May. It has been a difficult decision but I think it is the right one.
It has been an honour to represent Beckton ward for the last 8 years. I grew up here and I am so proud to have been able to represent this area and to make a difference to my community.
I am very grateful for the support that many of you have offered me and I wish you all good fortune in the future.
Running Newham council is such an important role and touches everyday life in so many ways. For me, this job has always been about making a difference to individual’s lives and this council has been able to do more than any other because of a single minded focus to support people on low incomes and to build opportunities for them and their families. That is why I have supported Robin over the last few years and hope that he will be Mayor for one final term in May. However, I am choosing to stand down now, at a time when I am proud of my achievements and can take this chance to pursue new opportunities in my career and in politics.
Given the situation we have been in over the last few months, it is a matter of much regret that I have not been able to properly discuss manifesto ideas with many of you in the way I would have wanted. I hope that whatever happens over the next few weeks, that I can contribute to the future policy agenda in Newham.
We were all elected under a Newham Labour brand. Don’t forget that, Look out for each other and see you out on a #labourdoorstep very soon!
forestgatedotnet 
“…and I hope he will be Mayor for one final term….”
Is this something that SRW has promised in the hope of getting the sympathy vote? Please don’t be fooled. He was originally elected for a maximum of two terms until he sat on a committee that changed the rules. He will want to carry on until there is enough in his personal pension pot.
What has David Christie done as his time as Ward Councillor for Beckton. Did he protect his Ward from expansion of London City Airport? Did he stick up for the little guy?
Over eight years, he trousered £80,000+ in salary. Did he do his job to represent locals? Did he do anything to help? Or just fill his pockets with gold.
‘I grew up here and I am so proud to have been able to represent this area and to make a difference to my community.’
Did he make a difference by standing up to the airport?
He adds insult to injury by supporting Sir Robin Wales again. This is his two fingers to his Beckton ward.
Thousands around the airport signed petitions. Did he speak up for the little guy?