Ben Kind

Dad. Brixton resident. Proud of my community. Often in Brockwell Park with the dog. Interested in how we make things better.

[Ben Kind @benkind]

In 2022, Ofsted told Lambeth our children’s services required improvement.

Today they rate them Good overall - with Outstanding support for care leavers.

We accepted their challenge and focused relentlessly on improving outcomes for young people… 🧵

[Lambeth Council @lambeth_council]

Ofsted has said that Children's Services in Lambeth have dramatically improved since our last inspection in 2022 💪🥳

We are now rated as 'good', with outstanding support for care leavers ❤️

Find out more 🔗 https://t.co/tPNKJZ4QSY

[Lambeth Labour @LambethLabour]

GREAT NEWS: Buy Back Brixton has been named as the preferred buyer for Brixton Village & Market Row.

But they still need your help to create history and protect it for long term community use. More details below!

We’re proud to support the campaign ❤️

#brixton #community

[Lambeth Labour @LambethLabour]

Help us save Kennington Skatepark 🛹

Six months ago, we saved Kenny, allocating over £550,000 to restore it.

Now, the Lambeth Green administration are refusing to use this money on our much loved park.

Petition and how can you can help on our website!

[Sadiq Khan @SadiqKhan]

Good news for Londoners and visitors to our city.

By the end of this year, we'll deliver 4G and 5G coverage across the whole London Underground network.

[Ben Kind @benkind]

You can sign up to receive free books for your under-5 here https://t.co/LUKoW7Pfjy

Just as important is that you can also make a donation in Dolly’s memory if like her you want to help kids get a head start on reading 📕📚📖

[Rolling Stone @RollingStone]

Dolly Parton's family asked that, in lieu of flowers, fans make a donation to the singer's Imagination Library.

Here's what the charity does ⬇️
https://t.co/wYj727Ao9I

[Ben Kind @benkind]

Very sad news about Dolly Parton.

One small part of her extraordinary legacy lives on here in Lambeth.

In 2024 Lambeth Council under @LambethLabour launched its partnership with her Imagination Library, aiming to give up to 12k under-5s a free book through their door each month

[Dolly Parton @DollyParton]

Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).

A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at https://t.co/cLu9I7M2wC

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at https://t.co/arzrqInqJA

[Ben Kind @benkind]

Within little over a year, nearly half of the children we hoped to reach had signed up.

94% of parents said the books supported their child’s early literacy. 99.8% would recommend registering.

Thousands of children growing up with books. What a legacy!

https://t.co/d0tTiduxaQ

[The New Statesman @NewStatesman]

DID THE GREEN PARTY TOP UP ITS DEPUTY LEADER'S WAGES WITH PUBLIC MONEY?

The Green Party has been accused of using local taxpayers’ money in Leeds to top up the income of its deputy leader, Mothin Ali. A row broke out on 19 August after two Green councillors publicly criticised the allocation of a £5,800 special responsibility allowance (SRA) by the local party’s Green Group to Ali, who is also a member of Leeds City Council. An SRA is an additional payment given to councillors who take on special roles within the council, such as leader or committee chair. They are intended to remunerate councillors for work conducted locally, not to supplement national political activities.

Read @meganekenyon's story this morning: https://t.co/nAzC3iNMBr

[Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @MayorofLondon]

From 3am, London is at risk of severe flash floods.

Intense downpours could see up to 50mm of rainfall arrive in the space of just a few hours - almost the total average rainfall for August.

Don’t be caught out - check your insurance covers flooding and see what more you can do to prepare:
https://t.co/gx1Jg8qnoa

[Ben Kind @benkind]

This is why having Labour in government, locally and nationally, matters.

@LambethLabour pushed for stronger powers locally. Now a Labour PM is acting - scrapping “aim to permit” and giving councils more control.

More power for communities. Less for the gambling industry

[Ben Kind @benkind]

This is a big deal for places like Lambeth! 💪

When @LambethLabour ran Lambeth, we were increasingly concerned about the growth of adult gaming centres (effectively slot machine shops) and the harm gambling premises can cause - especially for some of our most vulnerable adults

[Ben Kind @benkind]

We strengthened Lambeth’s gambling policy, pushing it further than proposed - using public health evidence to demand more from operators. But national law told councils to “aim to permit” betting shops. We joined other London councils calling for change

https://t.co/ayZ3cMqgVB

[Luke Tryl @LukeTryl]

Burnham’s net approvals hit a new high of +20. Badenoch is +2, Davey -5. Polanski is now the most disapproved of party leader at -28, with Farage bouncing up from his low to -25.

[Conrad Quilty-Harper @Coneee]

Great chart in @London_Centric

Newham contributes almost as much income tax as Manchester? Islington more than Birmingham? Fascinating

[LBC @LBC]

'What date did she choose? October the 7th.'

Hackney's Green mayor chose a very specific day to end their 'twin city' status with Israel's Haifa. They say it was an accident, but @Lewis_Goodall wants answers.

[The Labour Party @UKLabour]

We are going to end rough sleeping in this country at the first opportunity.

[Ben Kind @benkind]

Thanks to the officers, councillors, Lambeth Youth Council and, above all, every young person who challenged us to do better.

The accreditation marks the end of UNICEF’s programme. The challenge now is making sure the values we built in Child Friendly Lambeth don’t end with it

[Ben Kind @benkind]

Lambeth has officially been recognised by UNICEF UK as a Child Friendly Community!

The assessment happened in Feb & we knew in April we’d succeeded - but couldn’t say so publicly. As the former Cabinet Member who led this work, I’m incredibly proud of it

https://t.co/fbdO35BBWQ

[Ben Kind @benkind]

CFL also shaped @LambethLabour. Our 2026 manifesto included free gym & swim, more free turn-up-and-play opportunities & continued investment in services for young people, schools & engagement/participation. Listening changed council policy. It also changed Labour’s politics