SOUTH YORKSHIRE LRC LAUNCH

It is just under a year since the LRC went national and started to form regional groups across the UK. One of the first was in West Yorkshire. In difficult times politically, we have held it together and met regularlyin Halifax and Hebden Bridge. It would be great to report we now have hundreds of members in and outside the Labour Party. What we have is a base to build on - and a core of supporters loyal to the principles on which the Labour Party was founded.
On Saturday, I wil be speaking at the launch of the South Yorkshire LRC. I think I am billed as Susan West but it's an easy mistake to make...... the meeting is part of the Wortley Hall weekend hosted by the co-op and local MP Michael Clapham will be key speaker. What am I going to say?
First, let's make one thing absolutely clear. I understand there have been recent accusations in my locality that the LRC is a "party within a party" on the lines of Militant. It is not.
The constitution of the LRC is loosely similar to that of the Fabian Society and anyone who does not believe me is welcome to peruse it.
We do not stand candidates against Labour. Those who do stand against Labour cannot join the LRC . Our meetings are open, democratic, with no centralised control.
Policy is decided at the annual AGM .
In times like these, it is understandable that people yearn for "quick fix " solutions to the abyss the Left is looking into. There aren't any.
The hopes we had of "re-claiming " the Party once Blair had gone have not really materialised. Party membership still falls. Trade union leaders let us down.
But the only, serious way we can fight back is from the bottom upwards. Ones and twos, Branch Labour Parties and Constituencies. Talking, also, to comrades who cannot stomach the thought of officially aligning themselves with the Labour Party.
I think they are wrong. I think projects like the "Campaign For A New Workers Party" are utter folly. They only play into the hands of the right. But let us try and have respect for each other's values.
In the shape of the LRC, we have a 1500-strong group which is now the largest on the Labour Left. And, to the right of us, there is Compass.
I have little faith in its leadership. But I do believe there are issues on which we can and must work together with the ordinary members - many of whom are also members of the LRC.
But what is also absolutely crucial is that as many Branch Labour Parties and CLPs afiliate to the LRC to increase our representation at a national level. The South Yorkshire LRC is part of that movement and I look forward to meeting more people on Saturday.