Lowestoft Labour Party

15/06/2026

"I know many residents have contacted me calling for restrictions on social media to better protect their children. Today we start that work to give children their childhoods back. This tech was never developed with children in mind. We protect what they watch on film and games with age appropriate ratings. But then they are given a phone with access to all the harmful content in the world.

And if that isn’t bad enough, those same social media companies algorithmically target our children with the most divisive content. And keep them hooked like addicts, scrolling for hours on end. Affecting sleep, study, social relationships and time spent in real life with friends outdoors.

Following a consultation where 9 out of 10 parents said they were in favour of a ban, this Government is acting decisively. Giving parents back control, creating new norms on when it’s time to give kids access to advertising platforms which monetise their childhood"

Jess Asato, MP

I know many residents have contacted me calling for restrictions on social media to better protect their children. Today we start that work to give children their childhoods back. This tech was never developed with children in mind. We protect what they watch on film and games with age appropriate ratings. But then they are given a phone with access to all the harmful content in the world.

And if that isn’t bad enough, those same social media companies algorithmically target our children with the most divisive content. And keep them hooked like addicts, scrolling for hours on end. Affecting sleep, study, social relationships and time spent in real life with friends outdoors.

Following a consultation where 9 out of 10 parents said they were in favour of a ban, this Government is acting decisively. Giving parents back control, creating new norms on when it’s time to give kids access to advertising platforms which monetise their childhood.

04/06/2026

STATEMENT

Responding to today’s guilty verdict of Anwar Mohamed to SENDING AN INDECENT OR GROSSLY OFFENSIVE ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION WITH INTENT TO CAUSE DISTRESS OR ANXIETY, Jess Asato MP said:

“I am glad this case has finally come to a close, almost two years after receiving a death threat aimed at me and my children.

“Being able to disagree without resorting to abuse, threats, or intimidation is the cornerstone of a healthy and functioning democracy – one that has become increasingly eroded in recent years.

“People who want to serve their communities and stand for elected office should be able to do so without having their safety put at risk.

“It is of particular importance to me that women are not afraid to put themselves forward for election. The abuse and harassment that women in public life receive is unacceptable and I fear women being gradually pushed out of the public realm altogether.

“Today’s verdict underlines the importance of respect in public life and decency in political discussions.”

15/05/2026

Following last week’s elections to Suffolk County Council, Reform has now appointed Michael Hadwen to lead the Council.

He will run a £850 million budget on issues that matter to all of us – including roads, potholes, buses, local schools, SEND support, adult social care, and libraries.

But who is Michael Hadwen?

He’s another recycled Tory with a history of backing the far-right who jumped ship to Reform to save his career and helped run Kent County Council into the ground.

Given the state he left Kent County Council in, what will he do to Suffolk County Council?

15/05/2026

Great info poster from our Gunton and St Margaret's councillors

Firstly, thank you to everyone who has been in touch following the recent Suffolk County Council elections.

I’ve had a number of residents text and email Graham and I saying they were sorry to see that we are “not councillors anymore” but just to reassure everyone, we are absolutely still your councillors.

Graham and I remain your East Suffolk District Councillors for Gunton & St Margaret’s ward, and we are continuing to work hard for local residents every single day.

I completely understand how confusing local government can be. We have Town Councils, District Councils, County Councils and Parliament, all responsible for different things, so I thought it would be useful to put together a simple guide (below) explaining who is responsible for what and who to contact depending on the issue.

For general constituency and national enquiries, you can also contact our Member of Parliament, Jess Asato MP at [email protected].

Of course, regardless of who is responsible, I will always do all I can to support residents wherever possible and help point people in the right direction.

I would also like to congratulate and welcome Cllr Chris Smith following his election as Suffolk County Councillor for Gunton. I look forward to working collaboratively with him in the future for the benefit of our community.

I’ve attached a simple guide below which I hope residents find useful. Stick it on your fridge (if you want to).

09/05/2026

I am disappointed not to see Labour make more inroads in our local area but I want to thank the many people who supported our wonderful candidates.

Reform UK now take over running the County Council from the Tories, and it is my job to hold them to account on the issues they will now have to deliver on, including potholes, buses, SEND, schools, and libraries among many other issues.

I understand that many residents will be concerned by Reform’s record running councils across England but I remain resolute in my determination to stand up for residents and ensure that our County Council, regardless of what colour it is, delivers for people here in Lowestoft, Beccles, and the surrounding villages.

Talking the national talk is one thing – but walking the local walk is another. Suffolk County Council runs a range of vital services and programmes and so I will be keeping a very close eye, as always, on how they are performing.

As ever, if you have any issues with the County, District, Town, or Parish Councils, please do get in touch with me at [email protected]

Jess Asato, MP

I am disappointed not to see Labour make more inroads in our local area but I want to thank the many people who supported our wonderful candidates.

Reform UK now take over running the County Council from the Tories, and it is my job to hold them to account on the issues they will now have to deliver on, including potholes, buses, SEND, schools, and libraries among many other issues.

I understand that many residents will be concerned by Reform’s record running councils across England but I remain resolute in my determination to stand up for residents and ensure that our County Council, regardless of what colour it is, delivers for people here in Lowestoft, Beccles, and the surrounding villages.

Talking the national talk is one thing – but walking the local walk is another. Suffolk County Council runs a range of vital services and programmes and so I will be keeping a very close eye, as always, on how they are performing.

As ever, if you have any issues with the County, District, Town, or Parish Councils, please do get in touch with me at [email protected]

07/05/2026

07/05/2026

Today is polling day! Polling stations are open until 10pm. Remember your voter ID.

Here is information about Labour candidates standing for the County Council elections. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18ZgpEV3aQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Promoted by Peter Byatt on behalf of the Labour Party at 15 Grayson Drive, Lowestoft, NR33 7BA.

07/05/2026

Local elections take place today (Thursday 7 May) - these are Suffolk County Council elections, where you will have the opportunity to vote for your county councillor.

Polling stations are open until 10pm tonight - remember, you’ll need to bring photo ID or your Voter Authority Certificate when voting in person! You can check which photo ID is acceptable at www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/elections-and-voting/voter-photo-id

If you’re not sure where your polling station is, check your poll card for details or enter your postcode at www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/elections-and-voting/find-my-polling-station

If you have not yet returned your postal vote, you can deliver your postal vote to your polling station before 10pm tonight, or to our offices during office hours - you will be required to complete a form when handing it in in order for the vote to be accepted.

Results of the Suffolk County Council elections will be published on our website on Friday 8 May, as they become available: www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/elections-and-voting/suffolk-county-council-elections-may-2026

06/05/2026

Good to speak to residents in Newark Road and Kirkley Street this evening about the difference a hard working local Labour Councillor like Peter Byatt makes.

Use your vote for Labour in tomorrow’s (7 May) County Council elections! 🌹 🗳️

Polling stations open 7am-10pm. You can find your candidates and polling station here: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information

Promoted by Peter Byatt on behalf of Peter Byatt at 15 Grayson Drive, Lowestoft, NR33 7BA.

02/05/2026

Ours team have been with out supporting our candidate Tess Gandy today, in the beautiful warm sunshine

praying it lasts 🙏☀️