FANTASY WORLD MEACHER GOES TOO FAR

MY RESPONSE TO MEACHER LETTER IN TODAY'S GUARDIAN

(it's being considered for publication but just in case they don't ....)

Words fail me at the Michael Meacher letter in yesterday's Guardian. Two months ago, I extracted a public promise from him (in the Independent) that he would stand down in the event of getting less nominations than John McDonnell.McDonnell already has 12 publicly declared nominations from MPs on his website. Meacher has NONE.He claims he has signed statements of support from 25 MPs. So where are they? And who are they? In the past nine months, John McDonnell has earned the support of thousands of Party members, trade unionists and supporters who recognise his integrity and principles. Unlike Meacher, John did not support the war in Iraq, did not support top-up fees, foundation hospitals, or any of the other New Labour policies which Meacher subscribed to as a Minister. For most of us on the left, Meacher simply isn't the person to take Gordon Brown on with any credibility. For the most part,he has supported New Labour all the way. His recent "born-again" leftism was until recently accepted as sincere. Now he is using this belated zeal to try and sabotage a campaign with much support hard-won - and backed to the hilt by the grassroots.The notion that Brown would actively encourage John McDonnell as he's scared of a Meacherchallenge is risible. But this isn't funny any more. For the sake of the Labour Party and those of us who care about its future , and for the sake of his own standing within the Party, Michael must stand down now so we can have a contest.His personal attack on John McDonnell has ensured that I would never switch my vote to his under any circumstances. I suspect I am not alone.Coun Susan Press Calder Valley CLP 83 Bridge LanesHebden BridgeHX7 6AT