WISEMAN FOR NEC 2010 !

LRC member John Wiseman has now withdrawn his bid to stand for the NEC. But along the way some important concessions have been made which will hopefully ensure that an accountable and properly elected left of centre slate is de rigeur in the future. That must include proper hustings and representation from groups including the LRC, COMPASS Campaign for Socialism and others.
No longer must smoke-filled rooms and over-sized egos hold sway over democratic process.
It's five months since I argued for slate elections ( and lost) at an exec meeting of the Campaign For Labour Party Democracy. I think I have since been proved right. And I also think that John's candidature, however much it was opposed by some, has done much to bring some fresh air and accountability to things in the future.
John was never a "spoiler" or kami-kaze candidate. He is a decent honest bloke who simply wanted to stand on a left platform - the principles of which I and many others entirely agreed with. But, having weighed up the options and thought about the long game, he's perhaps wisely decided to stand down.I very much hope he continues to fight for the values he believes in. We need more John Wisemans in this Party - not less.