Harlow Labour call for council leader Dan Swords to resign
News / Thu 9th Oct 2025 at 11:47am
THE leader of Harlow Labour has called for the council leader, Dan Swords to resign over the Redstone House controversy.
Cllr Griggs said:
“It is now absolutely clear that the Leader of Harlow Council has deliberately mislead the residents of this town and, in so doing, has stoked fear, anxiety and division.
He has repeatedly claimed that the Home Office were aiming to place 204 asylum seekers in Redstone/Endeavour House.
“This is blatantly untrue.
“The consultation document, of which he has published a very selective piece, clearly states that the enquiry is for 3 beds in 2 rooms in 1 flat for a family.
He is now attempting to row back and claim that the 204 figure is across the town and not in just one site. His own words on social media prove this to be untrue.
The consultation document is a standard procedure used to work with councils across the country, most deal with it on a daily basis without fuss or publicity.
His motivation for creating a public furore over this is something he must explain for himself, I’ll leave others to draw their own conclusions.
This situation is a total failure of leadership, his job is to protect our communities not to stoke the flames of division.
“If he has a shred of integrity left he must resign immediately, he is totally unfit for office”.
We have approached Councillor Swords for comment
All stories relating to Redstone House can be found below.
https://www.yourharlow.com/category/politics/
Con
2025-10-09 11:56:07
I don't know what to believe But what I can say 100%, with no bias is that Dan swords has done more for this town than any council leader I can think of
Dave
2025-10-09 12:08:40
Con.....and you believe him?
Con
2025-10-09 12:44:05
Dave I just said I'm not sure what to believe yet. I'll be honest I don't really follow politics that much but as someone that isn't supporting Labour or conservatives and purely looking in from the outside. Dan Swords has worked hard for this town and has done more than anyone I can think of previously
Terence Terrell
2025-10-09 13:06:58
I've lived in Harlow since the 50s, and in all the years that I've been aware of the machinations of Harlow's councils, never has a councilor put his head above the parapet of council duty to actively inform and involve the residents of Harlow in its planning and future, as has the remarkable Dan Swords. No more the head-scratching mysteries of what is happening to our still-wonderful town. Dan, with his dashing, sincere, high-profile appearances on video, keeps us all on board with the reconfiguration and restructuring works, in active operation, and scheduling for future works. This bright, dynamic man has done more in 2 years than the collective socialist party of Labour has done for the town in the last 50 years. The same ineffectual councils that have overseen Harlow stagnate into an urban decay these past 30 or more years. Dan Swords, who is destined for a great political future, is the young, go-getting future that our newly generated, go-getting town has. The future is bright, the future is Dan Swords inspired and led.
Ted Atkins
2025-10-09 13:28:54
Cllr James Griggs should resign! Harlow Council leader Dan Swords has done more for this town than any cllr. Can you imagine a labour led council by Cllr Griggs...it's not worth thinking about. All our support is thrown at Cllr Swords!
Swing Voter
2025-10-09 13:37:21
Dan you have the support of the silent majority. As usual the loud minority make all the headlines. Keep doing what you're doing, fighting for Harlow. Same as Robert Halfon before.... you might or might not like the party but you can't deny he put Harlow first. Chris Vince should follow Robert's lead. I'll be happy if he does, regardless of party.
Toby Le Rone
2025-10-09 13:38:54
Labour ..... calling for some to resign ???? is that even legal ??? in view of what Labour & the left represent Made my day this !
Swing Voter
2025-10-09 13:39:10
Councillor Griggs, you really think the enquiry was for 1 flat, and that would have been the end of it? Come on, that'd be the foot in the door, establish a precedent in principle.
Seamus
2025-10-09 13:41:52
Like it or not, for councillor Griggs to have this faux outrage whilst ignoring the whole situation was created by his own party in government, seems to be beyond the pale. I'm no fan of Dan Swords but Harlow labours constant bickering and attempts at gotchya whilst ignoring the complete failure of Harlow under a Labour council is pure hypocrisy by councillor Griggs.
Jamie
2025-10-09 13:47:22
Swing Voter - I don't remember Robert Halfon lying to his electorate.
Tim smith
2025-10-09 13:58:38
What exactly has demo dan done for harlow, loads of empty shops, town centre looks like a dump and the proposed live theatre still a demolition site and peddles untruths about redstone flats in town centre, little walk and surrounding area still looks like a hole, demolition dan is all about the talk and very little action.
Nicholas Taylor
2025-10-09 14:13:39
Terence Terrell, Cllr Swords, his Party and the council only respond to issue which see him and his party in a good light. Take tonight for example. Residents across the town have been given just a few days notice to respond to a letter about the council selling of council garages and some land to an unamed investor. No mention of consultation, no information about what effect this will have on residents with garages or homes nearby and being given just a few days notice of an agenda being produced for tonights Cabinet meeting. On another subject, the council has done little to involve or inform residents about changes in the way we are to be governed in Essex in just two years time, which amongst many things will see the end of Harlow homes for Harlow people.
Mr George
2025-10-09 14:30:47
If he fibbed about this, what else has he fibbed about that we are yet to find out? It's time we held all our politicians to a high standard, don't care if we like them or not.
Steven walters
2025-10-09 15:05:01
That man dan s done so much for this town unlike the c***** labour party from the past who ruined this town
Ted
2025-10-09 15:08:00
I am more than happy to stick with Dan Swords, than an absolutely useless local Labour party who can't even sort out a budget. My friend became a labour party member in Harlow and left after a few weeks because of the in fighting.
ScottH
2025-10-09 15:17:54
There are grounds to suspect that Cllr Swords acted in haste and with scant regard for the facts before looking to make hay on this issue. The dubious declaration of "victory" over the Home Office 24 hour later smacks of an attempts to shut down the concern already stoked among residents. His actions could be described as clumsy and questionable and he has yet to level with the public, not least by releasing all of the correspondence, something he publicly undertook to do. However, did he deliberately mislead Harlow and is it a resigning issue as the trigger-happy Cllr Griggs demands? That's less clear; censure perhaps, but demanding he resign would seem a step too far. However, Cllr Swords MUST release all correspondence between the Council and the Home Office/Clearsprings, as he promised he would, as to fall short there then becomes a matter of integrity. Scott Hegley Chair- Reform Harlow
Rina Renalds
2025-10-09 15:37:26
Dan awards lied to seem if he was saving us from asylum seekers within the town centre. The town couldn't get any worse it's a dump. All he does is rip buildings down, buy up derelict blocks within the town and does nothing with them.... he micro manages all the staff at the council to the point where everyone wants to quit or call in sick to avoid him
Realist
2025-10-09 15:45:47
Isn’t it funny, the so called Labour left, calling for a Conservative member to resign, saying he lied. Here’s a question for you lot, let’s get all the Labour mob calling for his resignation, to also have all there politicians and councillors, who have also told untruths, to do the same, I wonder how many would have to go? I wonder if that would mean, that maybe the government could lose their majority, and we would need new elections, now theres a nice thought. I believe our chancellor decided on the 26th November for the budget, knowing the CPI and RPI figures are not announced until next week Thursday, that determines pension payments, and how much extra they will need to find, so the budget now claws it all back. Just a thought!
Well Done Dan
2025-10-09 17:00:54
James, please don’t tell us Harlow Residents what we want. I want Dan Swords to stay and I would rather the whole of Harlow Labour resign. Harlow Labour do not represent me and I’d be terrified if they ran the council. Well done Dan! We are behind you
Kevin
2025-10-09 18:03:01
I really don't know how Labour have the balls to criticise anyone given the total mess they are making of this country. Labour take take take
Mike
2025-10-09 18:12:02
In my opinion, if Dan Swords simply made a mistake about the Home Offices plans, then he should apologise. If he deliberately mis-lead the public because he wanted to attack the Government and try to look "tough" in front of the people of Harlow, the he should definitely resign. At a time when there are tensions in the area because of immigration, deliberately making inflammatory remarks would only see an increase in tensions. And that could mean problems for immigrants, whether illegal or not, and possibly for people of ethnic minorities. And that is unforgivable.
Gilbert plumtree
2025-10-09 20:01:09
Seems a pretty decent man to me , for the first time a councillor who's concern is for the town rather than themselves , and their petty point's scoring
Meek
2025-10-09 20:02:01
Labour, what a shambles. Dan well done looking out for Harlow and Harlow residents. Listening to your people, more than what the prime minster does. Yiur doing a great job.
Gertrude
2025-10-09 21:34:28
James Griggs should apologise and resign. He and his Labour shower are totally incompetent. Roll on the elections so we can kick them all out.
Jasper
2025-10-09 22:06:37
Roll on the elections and the lot of them can go. Neither main parties can be trusted.
Mike
2025-10-09 22:14:07
In my opinion, if Dan Swords simply made a mistake about the Home Offices plans, then he should apologise. If he deliberately mis-lead the public because he wanted to attack the Government and try to look "tough" in front of the people of Harlow, the he should definitely resign. At a time when there are tensions in the area because of immigration, deliberately making inflammatory remarks would only see an increase in tensions. And that could mean problems for immigrants, whether illegal or not, and possibly for people of ethnic minorities. And that is unforgivable.
Mr George
2025-10-09 23:04:48
Always amuses me how quickly people forget the previous 14 years when the tories were in power. Of course, everything is Labour's fault, lol.
AB
2025-10-10 01:11:48
Cllr Swords has made a play for the populist vote with his inflammatory claims and, possibly deliberate, misinterpretation of the enquiry the council received. The far right are fickle friends, and he may find his fingers burnt, as they'll inevitably turn on him.
Carole
2025-10-10 06:21:10
Well the story made it to BBC news so DS isn't shining in glory. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly60n52357o But I don't want him to resign. I'd just like to know when and where the promised new M & S will open.
Stockwell Stockwell
2025-10-10 06:51:57
Nobody wants your labour agenda shoved in our face.your all pure lies..I live in a caravan have 2 kids 14 and 12 payed taxes my whole life work .you think I can get help for a place to have more space for me and kids? Nope just ignored .my mate been out or work and claimed universal credit first time.e since covid refused. You your government are scum mate
Stafford Gately
2025-10-10 07:09:15
It’s a shame that people care more about which “side” someone is on left or right than about integrity. Dan Swords shared misinformation, whether intentionally or not, in an attempt at political point scoring. That claim has since been disproven, yet he’s offered no retraction or apology. Is this really the kind of person we want representing our council and making decisions on our behalf?
Adam
2025-10-10 07:12:45
Talking of resignation perhaps the labour government should after they purposely crashed the Chinese spy trial. I bet Councillor Griggs is quiet on that one. As for Dan I cannot stand the conservatives (big state high taxes covid scam) but he is actually doing something with this town which has been allowed to decay for 20 plus years under labour and previous conservative councils. He has done more for this town that councillor Griggs ever has.
Tim Page
2025-10-10 07:37:04
Whether DS has lied or not, hands up all those who have never lied, big or small, for good or bad reasons, publicly, to family, friends or at work!
Stuart G
2025-10-10 07:49:43
If Dan lied, or deliberately twisted the information to his advantage and to stoke tensions in the town, then he should resign. He categorically stated in his social videos that the government was going to place 204 asylum seekers in Redstone house. However, we know this not to be true and even the redacted snippets of information Dan has provided do not support his position. There was an enquiry to use one flat in Redstone house, and this was by a third party provider as part of a consultation and categorically not a statement of fact by the Home Office. Either he lied, he deliberately twisted the information to suit him, or he had no idea what he was reading - none of these is a good position for the council leader to hold. And no matter how much he wants to ramp back and deny.......his statement in his video was categorically untrue. I do think he should resign, or at the very least apologise (properly) for his 'mistake'.
Mr George
2025-10-10 08:21:34
Tim Page - he is an elected cllr! He is leader of our council! When are we going to be treated with more respect? Being lied to by someone who should NOT lie isn't acceptable and sad that you think it is. Perhaps that's what's wrong in the UK's politics, we don't hold them accountable.
Mr George
2025-10-10 08:23:11
Stockwell Stockwell, In what way is this Labours fault?
Jamie
2025-10-10 09:06:41
Lots of whataboutism in these comments. There are plenty of other articles criticising Labour, and plenty of criticism is warranted. But this article shows that the leader of our council deliberately mislead the public. I don't agree that he should resign, but Cllr Swords needs to apologise and stop misleading people for political gain.
MICHAEL BOYLE
2025-10-10 10:05:04
Like some other people on here not sure what to believe, lets face it nearly all politicians lie. I do think Dan Swords and the Tory Council have some good ideas and the Labour government have supplied the funds, for once politics actually worked well in my opinion. Dan Swords and Harlow Council now have to deliver ! Essex County Council have lots to answer for in the deterioration of Harlow in my opinion, anyone remember there stupid decision to close The Square and replace it with a derelict car park, closing Passmores School leaving the site derelict for 10 years and the build an unsafe academy on the site replaced with temporary school buildings.
Lara
2025-10-10 12:35:04
stokewell stokewell correct! it was under the then home secretary Jacqui Smith that she ; opened up our floodgates and uk had a MASSIVE INFLUX of people coming to live and work in uk many of them went on to start off in a flat and eventually managed to get 2 and 3 bedroomed council house whilst folk with kids like yourself are treat like second class citizens in your OWN town/country etc.... no the wonder you despise labour party labour as for Starmer him and his money grabbing lot they are ruining our country putting folk from overseas before their own countrys citizens
Tim Page
2025-10-10 13:48:48
Stuart G - so your hand went up then? Mr George - I don't think I said either he lied or that if he had it was acceptable? Both, smoke and mirrors and misinterpretation by both of you and neither answered my challenge of hands up? Political candidates of the future mayhaps...never made a mistake, never made a decision!
NeonTruckSte1
2025-10-10 13:51:30
Suddenly he's forgotten the mess Labour inflicted on Harlow residents.
Stuart G
2025-10-10 14:07:52
Sorry Tim Page that's whataboutism. If you don't know what that is: it's a propaganda strategy of responding to an accusation with a counter-accusation instead of offering an explanation or defense against the original accusation. It is an informal fallacy that the accused party uses to avoid accountability—whether attempting to distract by shifting the conversation's focus away from their behaviour or attempting to justify themselves by pointing to the similar behaviour (which may be true or false, but irrelevant) of their opponent or another party who is not the current subject of discussion. The point is whether our elected council leader lied or twisted the truth for political gain - what you, I, or anyone else may or may not do is irrelevant to the discussion.
Tim Page
2025-10-10 15:50:20
Stuart G - So we agree then, smoke and mirrors in any other language! Some call it creative avoidance...so when it becomes public from DS that something special is coming to Harlow for Christmas, the theory you quote will no doubt come to the fore from you, your latter point is a mute one as comments areas like with YH/social media dictates otherwise.
anita
2025-10-10 19:49:51
I am not a conservative voter but must agree Harlow has gone to ruin under labour whereas Dan Swords is at least tackling this issue but it all takes a lot of time plus usual red tape etc as for folk saying Harlow town centers a dump ie empty shops SO TOO are hundreds of other town in exactly same situation recession covid etc caused a lot of this
kate
2025-10-10 19:59:21
lets not forget online shopping it too killed off our traditional high street shops and lovely vibrant town centers
keith
2025-10-10 20:16:51
high cost of living in our country adds to problem lots of folk just DONT HAVE as much to spend as was case years ago
Mr George
2025-10-10 20:37:55
Who made cutbacks in funding up and down the country under the guise of austerity, no matter which party ran local councils? Hmm.. Yeah, of course, it's 100% Labours fault, sigh.
Mr George
2025-10-10 20:39:25
Gilbert plumtree, isn't that exactly what he attempted? Point scoring? Taking the glory solving a problem that, well, didn't even exist?
Ted
2025-10-11 15:59:17
The Liebour party state the Tories were useless and left a £20billion pound black hole. (furlough). Now liebour are in power , we have a £50billion black hole , what does that make them. And as for lies, what about all the freebies that were given to the greedy bastards. Any replies cllr Griggs.
Mr George
2025-10-11 19:13:44
Ted, you're so selective in your outrage it's actually quite funny!
Ted
2025-10-12 06:39:38
Mr George. Glad I can amuse you. But if we are talking about lies and the useless Labour party. What about the massive lie Tony Blair said about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq that never was . He should be in court for war crimes.
Mr George
2025-10-12 08:28:48
Ted, were you asleep the last 14 years?
Ted
2025-10-12 09:21:48
George. No I wasn't, I except Tories made mistakes , but I was happy they were in power when covid hit. But the Labour party have been asleep since they got into power , only waking up when they had to do numerous turns. Rachel Reeves is out of her depth . Do you really think labour are doing a good job. Be honest George. Might be difficult for you if you are a Labour supporter .
Mr George
2025-10-12 16:35:58
Ted. You were PLEASED they were in charge during covid times? Why is that? They'd already run the NHS to breaking point through cutting doctor places, nurses bursaries, cutting funding.. then when covid hit it almost finished it off and now we are still paying for that now. Or did you approve of them spending £13.6bn on PPE, of which nearly £10bn was written off because either defective, unsuitable or they over bought so much (kept buying it, even after the pandemic) and will not be used before expiry date? Did you approve of the tory fast lane for their cronies for the tories to purchase PPE at a vastly inflated rate from companies who had NO previous experience in the medical equipment field? What about failed track and trace that cost £22billion? Or buying lateral flow tests that had a 50%50% chance of actually reporting the result correctly? Those cost us £800 million, give or take. No, I cannot see how anyone can be pleased the tories were in charge during covid. This was a peak of their uselessness. But yeah, everything is Labours fault. No, Labour are not making as good a job of it but my goodness, they are nowhere near the tory freakshow.
Mr George
2025-10-12 16:49:43
All that money, Ted, would've paid for a better NHS, more doctors. It may have even helped towards building social housing or helping our schools, all of which the Tories ruined. This is just the tip of the iceburg of the amount of sheer wastage and corruption the tories did under their watch. This is OUR money. Tories brought us under 'austerity', while wasting our billions and billions of our money while we watched our infrastructure get worse and worse. When people bemoan Labour after this is smacks of being incredibly unfair and at least having a very short memory. You go on about freebies, which all politicans get, flipping heck. Selective outrage.
Ted
2025-10-12 16:53:41
Yes , I am glad they were in power as they saved my life and thousands of others.
Ted
2025-10-12 17:44:11
I might add George , saved life as in throwing money at science to develop a vacation in record time . Plus the NHS of course .
Mr George
2025-10-12 21:00:37
Ted, as I said, selective outrage.
anita
2025-10-13 15:37:10
labour in government to date are doing a terrible job total shambles!!!!!!
Adrienne Barlow
2025-10-14 15:15:21
I do think that instead of picking holes in each other you should try and find a real solution. I think everyone should have the right for an opinion.But could we be a bit more action than being rude please.
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