Its got nothing to nothing to do with being PC! he stated that Leyton is a rough and dodgy area - it isnt, simple as that. It is no more rough and dodgy that most boroughs in London, no need to extra vigilant. No one is going to jump you for no reason just because some poeple settled there 50 years ago. Its only sensible to be careful when walking about in dark, unlit streets on a place you dont know; but there is no need to extra careful when in Leyton as it just doesnt have that kind of reputation. Bermondsey maybe, possible some areas near Barking and Canning Town, but not Waltham Forest. I would be willing to bet that there are some areas of Southampton that are a lot worse that Leyton after dark.
Just reeks of some provincial mummies boy that is worried about going to the Big Smoke and the East End!