WHY DIANE ABBOTT ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH

AT this stage in the game, I think most of us have made our minds up how we are going to vote in the leadership election. Some, I know, are not going to vote at all.

But I don't believe in paying £38 a year for the privilege of disenfranchising myself.

When the ballot papers arrive, I will cast my first preference for Diane Abbott and my second for Ed Miliband. and I will do so with no illusions whatsoever.

My vote for Abbott is to stop the left being humiliated. Her candidacy, however, was designed to ensure it.

An MP who had only two nominations after three weeks of campaigning was suddenly railroaded onto the ballot because of the real prospect of a credible left challenge.

As the grassroots clamour grew for John McDonnell to go on the ballot paper, so did Abbott's support in the PLP.

Mysteriously, people like Phil Woolas, Harriet Harman, Jack Straw appeared from nowhere and effectively - with the final vote from David Miliband - nailed a candidacy which they knew was no threat whatsoever to the status quo. And so it has proved.

At recent hustings, Abbott has agreed cuts have to be made (50 per cent rather than 60 per cent ) and ignored the socialist alternative of progressive taxation and nailing the tax dodgers .She has not impressed the grassroots outside London and many LRC members I know up here are simply cutting to the chase and backing Ed Miliband.

I will not do that.

Abbott's stance on Iraq, immigration and civil liberties distinguishes her from the rest

Buty had she really been interested in promoting the cause of Labour Left, she would have supported John McDonnell and done her best to get him on the ballot. He withdrew with dignity. The truth is he would not have had to withdraw at all if she had not stood at the eleventh-hour.

I don't think the Labour left will gain much in the long-term once the ballot papers have been counted. Those in the PLP who aided her appearance on the ballot will actually vote for others. The big trade unions have already swung behind Ed Miliband.

Reluctantly she will get my first preference. But don't expect me to be a cheerleader .

As LRC Secretary Andrew Fisher explains in this article, it could all have been so much better.

And once the contest is over, and Abbott is back on the sofa with Portillo, we will have to keep arguing the case for a real left alternative.

http://www.newleftproject.org/index.php/site/article_comments/only_a_socialist_vision_can_defeat_the_cuts/

NEC RUNNERS AND RIDERS

NEC member Peter Kenyon has outlined why this year there is no Centre Left Grassroots Alliance slate. but there will still be a plethora of people to vote for. On the centre. And on the left. The bottom line for me I suppose is whether candidates really are of the grassroots and will put in the work.
The LRC is officially supporting two candidates - Christine Shawcroft and myself. On a personal level, I will definitely be supporting Peter who has worked his socks off for the past two years on the NEC on behalf of ordinary members. At the end of the day it is down to all of us as individuals to maximise our vote and put forward the best case we can.
I don't know what the final tally of candidates is but it is likely to be more than 12. No-one can argue they don't have a fair choice.......

NEC NOMINATIONS

My thanks to the following 27 constituencies who have nominated me. During the pre-nomination period, I was almost wholly occupied with family illness so contacted not as many CLPs as I would have hoped to. That will change in the coming period.
Alyn and Deeside
Barnsley Central
Bournemouth West
Bradford South
Brentford and Isleworth
Brigg and Goole
Bristol East
Bury St Edmunds
Calder Valley
Cambridge
Cardiff South and Penarth
Christchurch
Hayes and Harlington
Hazel Grove
Hyndburn
Leeds Central
North Ayrshire and Arran
North West Hampshire
Peterborough
Portsmouth South
St Helens South and Whiston
Tooting
Uxbridge and South Ruislip
Warrington South
Weston Super Mare
Workington
Wyre and Preston

HOMES FOR LIFE

It was a throwaway few seconds on last night's Channel 4 News and I would have blogged straight afterwards but post-work exhaustion set in. But I still want it on record that David Cameron's plans announced for fixed term social housing rank as aming the most despicable ideas yet the ConDems have come up with.
Back in March we faced the painful task of handing back my dad's house to the housing association and I believe it's now occupied by a young family complete with new renovations and a satellite disc . Strange to think the place we knew as home for 35 years has gone but that's how it works. Or rather, should.
The idea people who are unable to afford to buy somewhere ( or maybe don't want to) should be kicked out is pretty disgusting. So much for Cam's concern about 'broken Britain.'
At a time when millions more homes are needed for social housing, he is proposing the very opposite. How compassionate. And how very Tory.

MONEY CAN BUY YOU SUPPORT......

On Saturday I got a txt message from Ed Miliband asking if I was supporting him. Being a realist, I clocked that Miliband Junior was not actually at that minute staring at his mobile anxiously waiting my reply. He gets his minions to do it from Labour Party records.
By way of contrast, in the current crop of NEC elections, I did my best to contact as many CLP Secretaries as possible, with no help, and no money, just a wodge of second-class stamps donated by a friend and a list of CLPs donated by a well-wisher. The rest I did for free on the internet.
A few notches up the scale, there is a bit of a hoo-hah over the money David Miliband has put into his campaign. Around £200,000 or thereabouts.
Diane Abbott is right today to complain at the unfairness of canddates being able to buy support, infleunce and possible power just because of rich supporters.
The Labour Party apparently put a "modest" cap of £156,000 on the amount each leasdership candidate could spend. No-one apart from D Miliband has remotely approached that figure.
His camp say loftily it's all AOK because he just happens to be someone who has so much popularity that the money pours in. Wrong. Miliband has rich supporters which the others don't.
In fairness, David Miliband would be in a pretty good position to take a pop at the leadership with or without pots of money. So whuy does he feel the need to blatantly smash the opposition with expensive mail-outs .
Far fairer for the Party to allow each person the same access to membership records, CLP secretaries , envelopes and stamps. And a level playing-field. This contest has turned into an American-style contest where money is in danger of deciding the result.

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS TOAST.......

Tonight a Town Council meeting in Hebden Bridge and look forward to passing on to the smug Lib Dems the news they are set to lose around two-thirds of their MPs according to a new IPSOS poll in the New Statesman. Labour are just two per cent behind the Tories at 38 per cent and the Libdems nowhere at 14 per cent.
Clegg may enjoy swanning and strutting and pretending to be a politician of substance. Hold your ire, comrades, because he is set for a serious kicking by an electorate incandescent at voting "progressive" and ending up with Thatcher's sons......climbing Brokeback mountain.


http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2010/07/puts-labour-poll-tories-mori

And another......

Many thanks to Uxbridge and South Ruislip CLP

MORE NEC nominations

Many thanks to Leeds Central and Cambridge CLP. The tally is now 16 CLPs

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Seventy years ago George Orwell famously commented on the poor diet of the working-class in The Road To Wigan Pier.
Orwell's fly-blown tripe shops may be no more but it seems the gap between life expectancy for the poor and the rich is back to where it was in the 1920's.
Bad nutrition and lifestyle among those with the least money is quoted as key to why people with money are twice as likely to live as their badly-off counterparts past the age of 65.
Teams at the universities of Sheffield and Bristol tracked the total number of deaths before 65 in regions where personal wealth was in the top 10 per cent from Britain , down to areas in the bottom 10 per cent. The figures showed for every 100 people dying under the age of 75 in the best-off areas, 188 were dying in the poorest tenth of areas -apparently the highest relative inequality recorded since at least 1921.
Why so? Last week I wrote a piece on obesity and itys health implications and spoke to a nutritionist in Leeds. She pointed out that these days people with less money are able to eat cheaply - and not feel hungry - but not necessarily well.
The problem is so bad in Yorkshire - second fattest county in the counntry - that Wakefield council is limiting the number of takeaways. Small beer in a world where lager is often cheaper than fizzy mineral water.
The Goverment is also storing up trouble for the NHS by its attitude to preventative health policy. It has just completely axed the £300M-plus budget for the Change4Life programme - launched only last year.
It also refuses to crack down on the bloated food and drink industry - which continues to mislead the public with ambivalent labelling as well as lure them in with loss leader deals on supersized sweets , cheap booze and junk burgers and pizzas.
The ConDems are also determined to cut down on welfare benefits even further so people can afford even less decent stuff to eat.
Ocado on Jobseeker's Allowance? Don't think so. These days, a root vegetable stew costs more to make than a family bucket of KFC.
Yes, people in poorer areas tend to smoke and drink more. They always did.
In the 19th century, gin palaces were said to be "the quickest way out of Salford" We know cigarettes are the number one destroyer of health and smoking is far more prevalent lower down the income scale.
But it is also true that many of the consequences of fags and booze are offset by a good diet and regular exercise.
Moderation may be the watchword of Middle England. It has never been the case amongst the aristocracy who tend to live to ripe old ages despite copious amounts of alcohol ( think Queen Mum and even chain-smoking, whisky-swilling Princess Margaret made it to 72) ) and rich food.
Authors of the recent study say the widening health gap is probably the result of the economic crash of 2008. With the prospect of a double-dip recession, the gap is likely to widen.

PRIORITIES

I've not blogged for a bit. Reason being I'm coming to terms with a very changed life in which me and my only surviving sister are what's left of a family of five.
I don't spend my days disassociated with what's going on politically. Far from it.
Every day brings more bad news about what this wretched Government is doing to dismantle our NHS, the public sector, welfare benefits we have taken for granted over 13 years of a Labour government which , despite its failings, protected the vulnerable and weak.If not enough.
This is a truth ( universally acknowleged) by all the would-be leaders of the Labour Party.Yet I hear the forthcoming Labour Party Conference will be same-old same-old with lots of speeches by ex-Ministers and precious little chance for you and me to have our say.
At the moment, I'm taking pleasure in the very small things of life. Cooking nice meals, drying herbs for winter, reading books (lots) and generally escaping from the facts of a mortality awareness which sometimes threatens to stop one engaging with the immediate.
If I had a time machine I would love to esacape back to the 1980's when death was an impossible. I know now it is an inevitable.
The experience I have had watching my father die has had a profound effect on my life. At 52, I have far more years behind than in front. So it's hard (and frankly pointeless) to get steamed-up about battles which in the long-term, are meaningless.
At the moment. am concentrating my efforts of forthcoming NEC campaign. The last year, though unremittingly bad, has taught me to concentrate on the things which matter. They are: family, friends and principles. I'm taking it all day by day and wish nothing more that in the months to comewe can start to re-build a Labour Party we can be proud of. That still matters enormously. But not as much as putting what's left of my family in order - and ensuring I look after them.

AND ANOTHER...

Thanks to Hyndburn CLP

NEC NOMINATIONS....

thanks to Portsmouth South CLP!

FUTILE, FINISHED AND F........KED

The latest racy instalment of Peter (Ker-ching) Mandelson's memoirs reveal the above slogan was dreamt up by him and the equally droll Alisdair Darling as the rest of the Party gritted its teeth and tried to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. As I said yesterday, Mandelson's spilling of very dirty linen in public is a gross disservice to the Party he claims to love. One can only hope the said slogan applies equally to Mandelson himself.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/jul/12/mandelson-brown-labour-party-finished

PETER MANDELSON

I have always found it ironic that the left is blamed for disloyalty to Labour while the likes of Peter Mandelson have been allowed to get away with Machiavellian posturing for years. Now he shows his true colours by publishing a book slagging off Brown, Blair and everyone else who stopped his narcissistic wishes to be Mr High Command of Labour.
The timing of his book, The Third Man, could not be worse for the Labour Party. This clearly does not matter to someone who has pursued rich friends and high places for over two decades.
If he wishes to use Graham Greene -esque titles for his self-indulgent moneygrabbing, I have another suggestion. He is A Burnt Out Case.

THE MARCH OF TIME.......

Saturday's Durham Miner's Gala was a first for me but the 126th "Big Meeting" to be held. It was a great day.

The banners which were once proudly held aloft by local lodges of the NUM are now in the care of their local village communities but the day still serves as a reminder of the endurance and commitment of the socialist movement to building a better world.

I got my spot under the County Hotel balcony at 8.55am and was still there as the march ended at 13.35. Each banner is accompanied by a brass band and they played everything from the Internationale and Red Flag to Sex Bomb and Let Me Entertain You!

Watching from the balcony were stalwarts like Tony Benn , Bob Crow, and Jeremy Corbyn.

Despite advancing years, Tony Benn joined the march in honour of the banner (pictured) which bears his image- along with Nye bevan and Keir Hardie. But what a blip we all are in the march of time.

The most moving part of the day was at Durham Cathedral, where new banners were blessed and the building resounded with the magnificent sound of the bands marching them out. The stirring rendition of Jerusalem at the end moved many, including me, to tears.

Contingents from UNITE, the GMB, PCS and RMT, added their presence also to the march. I hope next year to be back - with the Labour Representation Commitee banner.

ANOTHER NOMINATION....

From Bournemouth West. Thanks comrades......

CASH FOR CANDIDATES

At last week's UNISON leadership hustings in Leeds, Andy Burnham remarked, quite rightly, that it was time to retreat from "the old ways" of parachuting candidates in and the culture of control freakery which for years has disallowed debate and discussion at events like Party Conference. So it's immensely depressing to note that, yet again, money and famous connections are likely to determine the outcome of the Labour leadership election.
David Miliband has received an astonishing £185,000 from pals like Lord Putnam and that geezer from Blur who fancies his chances as an MP.
Ed Balls has a mere £28,000, from novelist Ken Follett, Ed Miliband £15,000 and poor relations Burnham and Abbott have declared nothing.
Maybe I am naive - but I view the fact that money can seemingly buy expensive leaflets, PR machines and ultimately the highest office in the Labour Party as deeply wrong.
This campaign should be about ideas, not who has most friends in high places. There should be a cap on individual donations -or the same amount allocated to all.

THE BIG MEETING.....

This afternoon I'm up to Durham for the annual Miner's Gala, or the "Big Meeting" as it's often dubbed. I'm looking forward to it immensely after a roller-coaster week in which we finally said goodbye to my father - his funeral was on his 90th birthday July 7 but was happily more a celebration of a life well lived than a day to be sad.
I think anyone who has seen loved ones endure months of suffering will concur with me that there is an immense sense of release when they are finally at peace. After a time of great diostress I have no more crying left to do so, as he would have wished, I shall get on with stuff and be as positive as I can. The Miner's Gala is a good start.

PS: Last week I was sent to cover the Labour leadership hustings in Leeds . Completely uninspiring. None of them really has the gravitas required to be Leader. So in the end for many of us it's going to be a case of "Anyone But David Miliband." Sounds like Blair, talks like Blair, but without the charisma.........at least all the others agree we have to undergo a sea change and admit they got stuff wrong. Miliband senior is yesterday's man and yesterday's politics. Ed Miliband is, realistically, the only one with a chance of stopping him. But, compared to previous contenders, ie Michael Foot, Denis Healey, John Smith, Anthony Crosland, Tony benn, they are all lightweights

ON BALLOT FOR NEC!

In the past few days I have had notification of nominations from Tooting, North Arran and Ayrshire, Bristol East , Warrington South and St Helen's South. I hope more will follow but the good news is I'm now on the ballot! Thanks to all. Update: Weston, Brentford and Isleworth and Hayes and Harlington now added to list.....

JUNE 25 2010

This is my dad almost one year ago at his grand-daughters' graduation. He died today after a long struggle against cancer. Brave brave spirit. His funeral will be on his 90th birthday. And - for the moment - I'm not sad. I'm proud of him. I will get back to the politics ( as he would want) soon

DIRTY TRICKS

I won't be blogging for a little while,But before I head off for Manchester this morning I will draw your attention to Peter Kenyon's entirely accurate assessment of the dirty tricks which have been perpetrated by the Campaign For Labour Democracy in undermining two years of negotiations on the slate by issuing a self-styled Grass Roots Labour leaflet excluding both myself and Peter from the list of names. I would like to thank the individual who sent me all the CLP addresses which I have been trying to work my way through. The work will go on.
In the meantime please try and get me as many nominations as possible. The LRC's two candidates for the NEC are myself and Christine Shawcroft and Peter also deserves support and thanks for his hard work on the NEC.

FATHER'S DAY

My dad was a dignified and private person. He's currently in St Ann's Hospice in Heald Green, Manchester, and about to die. I want to thank all those who have supported me. It's bloody hard. I promise one thing. To carry on his bolshie tradition. John Press I salute you. And I will never let you down.............I love you very much. And I will carry on fighting for the socialist values you believed in. To the end.

NEC CAMPAIGN- GAME ON!

I want to thank delegates at tonight's GC for nominating me to go forward to NEC ballot. I know not everyone shares my politics but I also know that the Labour Party has a renewed vision and belief in the importance of everyone having their say and in uniting against the ConDems.
I plan to work as hard as I can to get as many nominations as I can .
But my greatest joy is knowing that we're all going to work as hard as we can in Calder Valley to see the Tories off. And we will be working together......

BLOODY SUNDAY

The Savile enquiry has conceded the deaths of 14 innocent victims were "unjustifiable." And David Cameron has apologised. Some may say what is the point of all this so long after the event - but to the families who have lived so long with so much grief that will be some comfort in the conclusions.
I was 14 on the day in question and remember it well as I had gone round to my grandmother's . She cried her eyes out as we watched the news in stunned silence on her little black-and-white TV. The image I will always remember is the priest who bravely risked his life trying to save those who had been shot. It was clear something terrible had occurred.
Awful things happened during the Troubles. This was one of the worst.
However much the inquiry cost, if it helps heal the scars of decades it will be worth it.

STANDING UP FOR THE GRASSROOTS....

Have just about recovered from a long day yesterday down to London and back for the Compass conference where the lrc/Labour Briefing had a packed fringe meeting. with speakers John McDonnell and economist Graham Turner, who ariculately and impressively argued the left case against the cuts..
Compass, along with the Fabians, LRC and Save The Labour Party organised a massive e-mail campaign to ask the Party leadership to enable all six declared candidates to stand.
In the event, the only reason there were five was because one candidate stood down and there was then the shambolic sight of last-minute horse-trading which had nothing at all to do with Party democracy - and everything to do with face-saving amid the prospect of four fortysomething male candidates with very similar policy ideas.
We are better off with five than four - but it should have been the case that Party members were not effectively vetoed by the PLP. And it must never happen again.
My guess is the rules will indeed be looked at - and that will happen because of the grassroots campaign which made it clear what loyal Labour Party people wanted.
What is rather sad in all this is that only two members of the NEC put pressure on to change the nomination threshold . They were Peter Kenyon and Christine Shawcroft (pictured with me at last year's briefing AGM)
It is my belief that it is the job of all six constituency representatives to act in the interests of ordinary members. Which is why I am standing for the NEC.
Two years ago, my constituency, Calder Valley, did its level best to get that threshold changed at Labour Party Conference. We failed because we were not backed by the big unions. One hopes they have now changed their view. And that the overwhelming call for an end to the stifling of Party democracy which tarnished the Blair years will now be supported by whoever is the new Leader.

THANKS FOR ORGANISING......

I want to thank all the Party members, LRC supporters and socialists who tried so damned hard to get all six candidates on the leadership ballot.
MPs were lobbied , urged by organisationms from the Fabians to Compass and the LRC to allow a free, frank and honest debate on Labour's future.
Yer nearly 80 Mps chose to (needlessly) nominate David Miliband and nearly 60 his younger brother. Ed Balls, to his credit, did not seek any more nominations after reaching the 33 required.
As Dianne Abbott herself said, the threshold was upped from the original five per cent to 12.5 per cent to keep the left out.
The only reason she is on the ballot is down to the selflessness of John McDonnell in withdrawing - and some last-minute horse-trading.
It is not to the credit of the PLP or the NEC that things have worked out this way. They simply did not listen to the views, not just of ordinary Party members, but to major trade unions like UNITE , the GMB and CWU.
I know there are many thousands of disappointed left Labour Party mmebers out there. I urge you all to support Diane Abbott as first preference and make sure theleft gets a creditable vote. But let's not forget either how she got there. And how wrong it is that a candidate supported by thousands of grassroots trade unionists and socialists will not be on the ballot paper.

LETTER FROM JOHN McDONNELL

Dear Comrades

I am writing to let you know that I have withdrawn from the Labour Party leadership race this morning.

I stood for the Labour leadership as the candidate of the Left and trade union movement so that there could be a proper debate about Labour’s future in which all the wings of the party were fully represented. It is now clear that I am unlikely to secure enough nominations and so I am withdrawing in the hope that we can at least secure a woman on the ballot paper.

We came into this campaign knowing that it would be really difficult to obtain sufficient nominations but we knew we had to try. The support we received from rank and file party members and from trade unionists was just overwhelming but we still could not overcome the barrier of gaining sufficient support from Labour MPs.

I appealed to the party leadership to lower the qualifying bar to allow all the candidates on the ballot paper. It was perfectly possible within the existing rules for this to be done. Reducing the bar to 5% would have allowed all the declared candidates to get on the ballot paper and the Party to have a full and open debate about its future direction. The party hierarchy refused and instead threw its weight behind one candidate.

I know that many Labour activists and trade unionists will be disappointed.

I want to thank you for all your hard work in lobbying and campaigning to secure sufficient nominations to get me on the ballot paper. You could not have worked harder.

I am urging everyone to continue the fight for democracy within the party so that in future elections rank and file members will be represented by the candidate of their choice.

We must also now throw our energies into the campaign to resist the cuts that the Coalition government is launching against our community. Providing
leadership in this struggle is critically important in this coming period. We will be convening rallies and demonstrations and linking up with trade union action to resist the cuts. Let’s rise to this challenge.

Yours in solidarity,

John McDonnell MP

15 NOMINATIONS FOR JOHN McDONNELL

Thanks to: Linda Riordan, Katy Clark, Jeremy Corbyn, Ian Lavery, Jim Dowd, Frank Field, Kate Hoey, Dai Havard, Graeme Morrice, Dennis Skinner, Mike Wood, Ronnie Campbell and John Cryer.
It is surely now time for Dianne Abbott to consider standing down. Or for the NEC to do the decent thing and alow all six on ballot.

KENNY EVERETT MAKES THATCHER LAUGH - LET'S THROW MICHAEL FOOT'S STICK AWAY!

Those shedding tears re Thatcher should watch this...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcSmnBfMhRE

JOHN McDONNELL APOLOGISES FOR THATCHER JOKE

To put a bit of perspective on this, a friend of mine is set to quit the Labour Party if John McDonnell doesn't make the ballot. Thousands of people have joined Labour to vote for change.
There will not be change if all the candidates share the same politics,
For decades, the press has hounded Labour politicians. The distortion of John's comments from a jocular quip - which caused no offence - to a trade union audience into a full-on media bashing is regrettable but typical of the tactics of the right.
It is now also being used by rival supporters to try and persuade John to stand down.
Gaffes litter political history. Aneurin Bevan sparked outrage when he said at a rally back in the 1930's that the Tories were "lower than vermin." There were calls for him to be thrown out of the Labour Party. Ken Livingstone got into bother with the Evening Standard. And then there's Boris Johnson's remarks about Liverpool. Liam Byrne....... the list goes on. It happens
The people who are getting so upset about this particular remark, for which McDonnell has now apologised , shoukd recall the upset Thatcher caused to millions of working people, her ruthless destruction of the trade union movement, and her callous disregard for the millions on the dole.
Those calling for John McDonnell's head also need to get a grip - and focus on what matters, Which is the future of the Labour movement - and a concerted campaign against the cuts which look set to whisk us back in that time-machine to the 1980's. Thatcher or no Thatcher. If you want a reminder, she is visiting Downing Street today.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/politics/10263076.stm

TRAMP THE DIRT DOWN....

The Tory blogosphere is currently in uproar about a throwaway remark made by John McDonnell about Margaret Thatcher.
I would like to remind those blowing a gasket over what was basically a quip at a trade union hustings that Thatcher "assassinated" the NUM, the trade union movement, the hopes of millions on the dole, and indeed the Labour Party as a Government for 18 long years.
I would also remind those frothing at the mouth that it was the late not so great Kenny Everett who inspired hysterical laughter at a Tory rally when he urged the Party faithful to "bomb Russia" and throw away Michael Foot's stick. My guess is that, like John, he did not expect to be taken literally. But the Tory press will of course use any stick to beat the left with. Their apoplexy is nonsensical.

CENTRE LEFT GRASSROOTS ALLIANCE SLATE

It would appear that a leaflet is being circulated from something and someone calling itself "Grassroots Labour" . It erroneously suggests there are only six candidates aiming to be on the CLGA slate. The perpetrators of this leaflet have clearly learned a lot from their years observing the shenanigans of New Labour because in fact as they know there are EIGHT candidates trying to get official backing from the CLGA. The list also includes myself and Peter Kenyon of Save The Labour Party who to be frank has done far more for "grassroots Labour" than most people on the NEC. In recent weeks his voice has been one of the loudest calling for a change in the rules to enable all six leadership candidates on the ballot. In this he was backed by Christine Shawcroft, who like myself is backed by the LRC, Left Women's Network, Campaign for Socialism , Socialist Youth Network and Labour Briefing. I will be asking my CLP to give its backing to Christine and Peter and urge others to do the same. In the next few days I will also be sending a statement to all CLP secretaries in the country.

WE MIGHT JUST MAKE IT - WITH HELP FROM UNITE

Thanks to Alex for this report from UNITE conference


http://labour-uncut.co.uk/2010/06/04/brothers-stand-fast-against-a-“grand-coronation-”-alex-halligan-reports/

DIANNE ABBOTT - SO MUCH FOR DIVERSITY

Labour's Acting Leader Harriet Harman today called for 50 per cent of the Shadow Cabinet to be women. a measure, to be frank, I do not agree with.
Why? Because I happen to think political principles are far more important than gender and also because the current parlous state of diversity and democratic choice is not being supported by the people in the PLP who seem hell-bent on ensuring neither left candidate is on the leadership ballot paper.
As Dianne Abbott points out here, the current rules are a disgrace. And, yes, it is a worse disgrace that thanks to a gerrymandering procedure dreamed up to keep the left out neither she, not fellow left contender John McDonnell, is likely to be able to meet a threshold set ridiculously high.If Ed Miliband supports Harman's call for equality of opportunity he should put his money where his mouth is and tell male supporters to lend nominations.
In the interests of all of us, male and female, in the Labour Party.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article7143741.ece

MEACHER BACKS ED MILIBAND. WHY?

Home from dispensing Labour Party curries to the news that Michael Meacher has apparently backed Ed Miliband. For someone who has recently set up a new blog called Left Futures, this is a profoundly disappointing and irritating move which most of us still fighting for a representative ballot simply will regard as a slap in the face.
Even Ed himself is , I understand, asking supporters not to nomate him as he does not need any more support. Meacher, at the very least, would have been expected to support one of the left candidates if he is to claim any credibility . My guess was he would have lent support to Dianne Abbott.Instead, he's flying in the face of a broad consensus that we need all six on the ballot.In short, it is an unnecessary and seriously unhelpful decision. Bad call, Michael

UNITE BACKS McDONNELL ON THE BALLOT

PRESS NOTICE:FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Unite conference overwhelmingly adopts motion calling for all declared candidates on ballot for Labour leadership election

Following a packed fringe meeting at which John McDonnell spoke, an emergency resolution was put before the Unite conference in Manchester this morning and was overwhelmingly carried calling upon Labour MPs to nominate to ensure all candidates are on ballot paper.
The resolution follows statements of support for John McDonnell's candidacy by a large number of delegates.
Union delegates argued that having a full range of candidates on the ballot paper would give their union members a democratic say over the future of the Labour Party.
The point was forcefully made in the debate that without John on the ballot paper, union members from the Party's largest affiliate would be denied a democratic voice in this election.
John McDonnell MP said:“I’m hoping that Labour MPs will listen to the members of our largest affiliated organisation and nominate so that all declared candidates are on the ballot paper and that trade union members will be given a proper choice.”-Ends-

ONE VOTE MILIBAND - THANKS FOR NOTHING

The other day David Miliband was quoted as desiring " the more the merrier" in the leadership contest. And thousands of grassroots members and trade unionists - from the Fabians to the FBU- have expressed their wish all six should be there.
Today, the actual truth is revealed - if any of the other three make it to 32 he will, in great magnanimity, give them his vote.
With nearly 70 nominations from the PLP. Miliband senior has no need of any more support.
The sad fact is he has ignored the wise counsel that a full and free debate is the one Party members want. If we end up with only three or four) on a ballot thanks to a system deliberately designed to keep the left out and if MPs veto the candidates many of us want to then there will be widespread anger and much incredulity that one so allegedly gifted and politiically savvy can be so stupid and short-sighted.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/jun/02/miliband-nominee-leadership-ballot-labour

GUARDIAN SAYS -LET IN THE LEFT!

Labour leadership race: Let in the left
Are Messrs Balls, Miliband and Miliband really best placed to force each other to think afresh?

During the month of May, Labour made two moves to encourage a full-blooded leadership contest – deferring the ballot until September, and extending a deadeningly early deadline for nominations. Both decisions were shrewd because, as the contenders today make plain on our pages, the battered party has a great deal to discuss. It is troubling that much of it may go unsaid, because the two candidates offering the clearest critique of what went before look unlikely to make it on to the ballot paper.
The online nominations ticker last night recorded the leftwingers John McDonnell and Diane Abbott with the backing of six MPs and one respectively. Even if they pool their efforts, as they certainly should, they will probably fail to reach the hurdle of 33 which must be cleared before ordinary members get a say. The pair can sound naive in characterising public opinion, but on specific issues such as ID cards, Iraq and tax their arguments do not merely resonate on Labour's radical fringe, but across swaths of middle England. Perhaps particular policies are less important than the character of a leader. It is certainly true that old Labour bickered over detailed plans while ignoring the need to win over the voters. It is equally true that previous Labour leaders have served the party creditably after studiously avoiding taking distinctive positions during the leadership race, Jim Callaghan's victory in 1976 being a case in point.
Callaghan, however, was strengthened by taking on and beating the leftists Tony Benn and Michael Foot. The prospect of someone called Ed or someone called Miliband prevailing over a namesake is a different proposition. As well as being close ideologically, the leading contenders are united in having spent their adult lives in greater Whitehall. The words that tend to litter their speech – progressive, reform and aspiration – are words seldom heard beyond its borders. None of this is to demean Messrs Balls, Miliband and Miliband, each of whom has an impressive ministerial record and a decent claim to the crown. It is merely to question whether such similar figures are really best placed to force each other to think afresh. Will they, for example, push one another to admit that Iraq did not just "cost trust" but was also a mistake? Will they press each other to explain where they stand on proportional representation, or maintain collective ambiguity?
The Brown coronation was disastrous as it anointed a man without requiring him to define himself. All the leading candidates say they want to renew their party. How better to prove it than to lend their surplus nominations to Mr McDonnell, Ms Abbott and for that matter to the New Labour populist Andy Burnham? If renewal means anything, it is surely a truly open race.

JOHN MCDONNELL IN TODAY'S GUARDIAN

From the Fabians to the FBU, it is a truth now almost universally acknowledged that unless all the six decalred candidates for Labour leader get on the ballot the Party Establishment is set to make another huge mistake.
MPs have been coming under increasing pressure in the past few days not to nominate candidates who don't need any more support - and vote for their chosen preference when it comes to the crunch.
We shall see whether Mps are going to listen to the grassroots - or wilfully ignore the groundswell of support for real renewal - and a real debate. The next few days will tell whether or not we all start to work together again - or whether it is going to be a case of several candidates who basically all agree with each other. But whose views are not necessarily those shared by many in the Party and the trade union movement. John McDonnell argues the socialist case for Labour in today's Guardian.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jun/01/labour-leadership-hustings-john-mcdonnell

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jun/01/labour-leadership-hustings-john-mcdonnell

NEC - MY STATEMENT

Feel free to cut and paste - I will be circulating as many CLP Secretaries as I can in the weeks ahead .Thanks to all who have offered help within the LRC and beyond.....

Labour has a once-in-a-generation chance to change.

Since the General Election, 13,000 people have joined us. The bad news is that Party democracy is still being stifled and many members’ voices remain unheard on everything from leadership elections to Parliamentary selections and Labour Party Conferences where policy decisions are ignored.

I’m standing because I want to be one of the six CLP representatives who can fight the corner of the grassroots. I want to see our Party return to democratic socialist values – the kind of values which made me join the Labour Party in 1976.

In the past seven years I have worked with a variety of other organisations including Save The Labour Party, the Campaign For Labour Party Democracy and the Labour Representation Committee of which I’m currently co Vice-Chair.

I live in West Yorkshire where I am a Labour councillor and a member of Calder Valley CLP. At the last election, I was shortlisted for the Keighley constituency and came second out of 10 PPC candidates in an AWS selection.

I am also a trade union activist in the NUJ I believe we must all work together across the Party to renew membership, improve Party democracy and fight for democratic socialist policies on everything from peace to privatisation.

If Labour can be Labour once again, we will bring back the millions who deserted us in 2010 and expose the “new politics” of the ConDem coalition for what they are – the same old Tories and the same old politics of punishing the poor for the mistakes of the rich.

Susan Press Calder Valley CLP Membership number L0017551 SsPre2'aol.com

KEEP THE PRESSURE UP!

There are few Mps who can now be unaware of the heartfelt wish of ordinary Party members that we do not have a debate neutered by MPs - but a full and frank discussion of where Labour is heading. The three front-runners are now on the ballot so do not need any more nominations. David Miliband has said he is happy for MPs to "lend" nominations so the outsiders with backing from the grassroots at least get their chance at the hustings.
My maths is not very good. But as things stand the votes of 75 MPs who have not yet voted would ensure Andy Burnham, John McDonnell and Dianne Abbott all make it to the starting-block. Over 90 still have ti make their mind up.
Nominating MPs who are already there is a slap in the face for the thousands who are now saying they want eveyyone on the ballot paper. It is crucial that over the next few days Party members keep the pressure up. As indicated here
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article7139735.ece

TRIBUNE LENDS SUPPORT TO THE GRASSROOTS CALL FOR A SIX-STRONG BALLOT

Thanks to editor Chris McLaughlin for the support- but time is running out.........

http://www.tribunemagazine.co.uk/2010/05/28/the-leadership-debate-needs-all-six-contenders/

ARE THEY GOING TO COMMIT HARI-KARI AGAIN?

24 hours on from the original deadline for PLP nominations and only Ed and David Miliband have made it. Ed Balls likely to follow at 5.30pm
Which leaves Andy Burnham in at fourth , and John McDonnell and Dianne Abbott still way short of the 33 needed. At a rough count, there are just about enough MPs left to make sure all of them get on the ballot. So why don't they do it? Tribune , the Fabian Society, Compass and the LRC rarely agree 10 per cent. On this one, we are in unison
The following letter is an adapted version of one I have sent to a Labour MP I have known for many years. I am hoping he will listen and knock some sense into MPs currenntly ignoring what we are saying
If the PLP does not listen, they have clearl'y not learned from the mistake of Gordon Brown's coronation. Why are they seemingly incapable of understanding that a contest with disparate candidates of different backgrounds and beliefs would be anything but divisive. There is still time for them to see sense........ just


I'm e-mailing you because as I'm sure you aware there is a growing campaign to allow all six leadership nominees onto the final ballot. and find the means necessary to do that There was a letter in today's Guardian jointly signed by the Fabians, LRC, Compass and Save The Labour Party - which must be a first!
The point is we as yet have only two candidates who have made the ballot and three - at least - are finding it hard to make the cut.
This is not because they do not have support in the wider party and trade union movement. Far from it.
Yet thanks to an onerous system agreed in very different times it is likely thousands of party members will not be able to vote for their first choice as MPs have the first say on who gets on the ballot.
Many are calling for a re-think of the rules and I think that is something which should be done but in the meantime a myriad of groups and many MPs are saying we need to work together to achieve a full, fair and wholly democratic debate involving the whole Party.
Around 18,000 people have joined Labour in the past three weeks which is marvellous. But that enthusiasm and commitment ro re-building Labour may well dissipate if we are seen to needlessly exclude people from taking part in the debate.
Gordon Brown once talked of a Government of "all the talents" Well, I think it's time for a contest of all the talents, too.
For many of us, this is not about who wins. It is knowing that after a long time the Party is finally ready to acknowledge its mistakes and include us all in a broad church where we can work together as much as possible and agree to disagree when we have to.
A hustings with Ed and David miliband, Ed Balls, Andy Burnham, Dianne Abbott and John McDonnell would not be divisive but rather a unifying event which will inspire people and send the message out that we are not Old or New Labour - just Labour people who, whatever our differences, are a genuine "family." - and a diverse one too.
Our goal in aiming for a wider voting constituency is to make sure there is only one winner in the long-term - the Labour Party.. The rules were waived on the nominations period. Now it's time to do the same on the nominations theshold.
Yours, Susan Press Calder Valley CLP

AND NOW THE GUARDIAN!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/may/27/mps-candidates-ballot-labour-leadership

TELEGRAPH PICKS UP ACTIVISTS' CAMPAIGN

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/labour/7769231/Labour-activists-try-to-avoid-a-Miliband-contest.html

CENTRE LEFT JOINS FORCES IN INTERESTS OF THE PARTY

This letter steps up the ante on the growing calls for a fair and democratic contest. Well done all....


http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/may/27/mps-candidates-ballot-labour-leadership

FRANK FIELD NOMINATES JOHN McDONNELL

As the febrile atmosphere re the Labour leadership continues to grow, thanks to Frank Field and Dai Havard for nominating John McDonnell, who now has 4 official nominations ( with more to come) The Miliband boys are now ensured a place on the ballot so let's politely ask them to truly listen and send the message out loud and clear to MPs.
Across the political spectrum in the Labour Party, the mood is not one of same old, same old. Grassroots members want to be heard - and this time they are doing their utmost to ensure we have a democratic debate. Not a shoo-in Nominations are not votes - and there are now plenty to go round. More here: http://www.frankfield.co.uk/

GET SIGNING!

ACTIVISTS awake! In the past few hours NEC members Christine Shawcroft and Tribune editor Chris McLaughlin have signed Duncan Hall's letter to the NEC which has doubled signatories in a matter of hours. Please e-mail me SsPre2@aol.com if you wish to add your voice to the growing opposition to another stitch-up ........and add your CLP or trade union

GET LOBBYING!

Friendly, polite e-mails to the following MPs. Just copy the list and do it. .....the campaign is growing momentum and could mean ALL SIX on the ballot.Which would be fantastic news for Labour


scottsl@parliament.uk, Ainsworthb@parliament.uk, Alexanderd@parliament.uk, Alexander@parliament.uk, Alexanderh@parliament.uk, Alir@parliament.uk, Alleng@parliament.uk, Andersond@parliament.uk, Austini@parliament.uk, Baileya@parliament.uk, Bainw@parliament.uk, Ballse@parliament.uk, Balls@parliament.uk, Banksg@parliament.uk, Bayleyh@parliament.uk, Begga@parliament.uk, Bells@parliament.uk, Bennh@parliament.uk, Bentonj@parliament.uk, Bergerl@parliament.uk, Bettsc@parliament.uk, Blearsh@parliament.uk, Blenkinsopt@parliament.uk, Blomfieldp@parliament.uk, Blunkettd@parliament.uk, Bradshawb@parliament.uk, Brennank@parliament.uk, Brownl@parliament.uk, Brownn@parliament.uk, Brownr@parliament.uk, Bryantc@parliament.uk, Buckk@parliament.uk, Burdenr@parliament.uk, Burnhama@parliament.uk, Byrnel@parliament.uk, Cairnsd@parliament.uk, Campbellr@parliament.uk, Campbella@parliament.uk, Catonm@parliament.uk, Chapmanj@parliament.uk, Clarkk@parliament.uk, Clarket@parliament.uk, Clwyda@parliament.uk, Coakerv@parliament.uk, Coffeya@parliament.uk, Connartym@parliament.uk, Cooperr@parliament.uk, Coopery@parliament.uk, Corbynj@parliament.uk, Crausbyd@parliament.uk, Creaghm@parliament.uk, Creasys@parliament.uk, Cruddasj@parliament.uk, Cryerj@parliament.uk, Cunninghamt@parliament.uk, Cunninghamj@parliament.uk, Cunninghama@parliament.uk, Curranm@parliament.uk, Dakinn@parliament.uk, Danczuks@parliament.uk, Darlinga@parliament.uk, Davidw@parliament.uk, Daviesh@parliament.uk, Daviesg@parliament.uk, Pierog@parliament.uk, Denhamj@parliament.uk, Dobbinj@parliament.uk, Dobsonf@parliament.uk, Dochertyt@parliament.uk, Donohoeb@parliament.uk, Doranf@parliament.uk, Dowdj@parliament.uk, Dromeyj@parliament.uk, Dugherm@parliament.uk, Eaglea@parliament.uk, Effordc@parliament.uk, Elliottj@parliament.uk, Ellmanl@parliament.uk, Engeln@parliament.uk, Estersonb@parliament.uk, Evansc@parliament.uk, Farrellyp@parliament.uk, Fieldf@parliament.uk, Fitzpatrickj@parliament.uk, Flellor@parliament.uk, Flintc@parliament.uk, Flynnp@parliament.uk, Fovarguet@parliament.uk, Francish@parliament.uk, Gapesm@parliament.uk, Gardinerb@parliament.uk, Gilmores@parliament.uk, Gilmore@parliament.uk, Glassp@parliament.uk, Glindonm@parliament.uk, Godsiffr@parliament.uk, Gogginsp@parliament.uk, Greatext@parliament.uk, Greenk@parliament.uk, Greenwoodl@parliament.uk, Griffithn@parliament.uk, Gwynnea@parliament.uk, Hainp@parliament.uk, Hamiltond@parliament.uk, Hamiltonf@parliament.uk, Hansond@parliament.uk, Harmanh@parliament.uk, Harrist@parliament.uk, Havardd@parliament.uk, Healeyj@parliament.uk, Hendrickm@parliament.uk, Hepburns@parliament.uk, Heyesd@parliament.uk, Hillierm@parliament.uk, Hillingj@parliament.uk, Hodgem@parliament.uk, Hodgson@parliament.uk, Hoeyk@parliament.uk, Hoodj@parliament.uk, Hopkinsk@parliament.uk, Howarthg@parliament.uk, Hoylel@parliament.uk, Huntt@parliament.uk, Illsleye@parliament.uk, Jacksong@parliament.uk, Jamess@parliament.uk, Jamiesonc@parliament.uk, Johnsond@parliament.uk, Johnsona@parliament.uk, Jonesk@parliament.uk, Jonesh@parliament.uk, Joness@parliament.uk, Jowellt@parliament.uk, Joycee@parliament.uk, Kaufmang@parliament.uk, Keena@parliament.uk, Kendalle@parliament.uk, Khans@parliament.uk, Lammyd@parliament.uk, Laveryi@parliament.uk, Lazarowiczm@parliament.uk, Lesliec@parliament.uk, Lewisi@parliament.uk, Lloydt@parliament.uk, Lovea@parliament.uk, Lucasi@parliament.uk, MacShaned@parliament.uk, Mactaggartf@parliament.uk, Mahmoodk@parliament.uk, Mahmoods@parliament.uk, Mannj@parliament.uk, Marsdeng@parliament.uk, McCabes@parliament.uk, McCannm@parliament.uk, McCarthyk@parliament.uk, McClymontg@parliament.uk, McDonaghs@parliament.uk, McDonnellj@parliament.uk, McFaddenp@parliament.uk, McGovernj@parliament.uk, McGoverna@parliament.uk, McGuirea@parliament.uk, McKechina@parliament.uk, McKinnellc@parliament.uk, Meacherm@parliament.uk, Mealea@parliament.uk, Michaela@parliament.uk, Milibandd@parliament.uk, Milibande@parliament.uk, Millera@parliament.uk, Mitchella@parliament.uk, Moonm@parliament.uk, Mordenj@parliament.uk, Morriceg@parliament.uk, Munnm@parliament.uk, Murphyj@parliament.uk, Murphyp@parliament.uk, Murrayi@parliament.uk, Nandyl@parliament.uk, Nashp@parliament.uk, ODonnellf@parliament.uk, Onwurahc@parliament.uk, Osbornes@parliament.uk, Owena@parliament.uk, Pearcet@parliament.uk, Perkinst@parliament.uk, Phillipsonb@parliament.uk, Pounds@parliament.uk, Primarolod@parliament.uk, Qureshiy@parliament.uk, Raynsfordn@parliament.uk, Reedj@parliament.uk, Reevesr@parliament.uk, Reynoldsj@parliament.uk, Reynoldse@parliament.uk, Riordanl@parliament.uk, Robinsong@parliament.uk, Rotherams@parliament.uk, Royf@parliament.uk, Royl@parliament.uk, Ruanec@parliament.uk, Ruddockj@parliament.uk, Sarwara@parliament.uk, Seabecka@parliament.uk, Sharmav@parliament.uk, Sheermanb@parliament.uk, Sheridanj@parliament.uk, Shukerg@parliament.uk, Singhm@parliament.uk, Skinnerd@parliament.uk, Slaughtera@parliament.uk, Smitha@parliament.uk, Smithn@parliament.uk, Smitho@parliament.uk, Soulsbyp@parliament.uk, Spellarj@parliament.uk, Strawj@parliament.uk, Stringerg@parliament.uk, Stuartg@parliament.uk, Sutcliffeg@parliament.uk, Tamim@parliament.uk, Thomasg@parliament.uk, Thornberrye@parliament.uk, Timmss@parliament.uk, Trickettj@parliament.uk, Turnerk@parliament.uk, Twiggd@parliament.uk, Twiggs@parliament.uk, Umunnac@parliament.uk, Vazk@parliament.uk, Vazv@parliament.uk, Walleyj@parliament.uk, Watsont@parliament.uk, Wattsd@parliament.uk, Whiteheada@parliament.uk, Wicksm@parliament.uk, Williamsonc@parliament.uk, Wilsonp@parliament.uk, Winnickd@parliament.uk, Wintertonr@parliament.uk, Woodm@parliament.uk, Woodcockj@parliament.uk, Woodwards@parliament.uk, Woolasp@parliament.uk, Wrighti@parliament.uk, Wrightd@parliament.uk

THIS PLP IS BIG ENOUGH.......OR IS IT ?

Guardianista Jackie Ashley is a permanent resident in the Westminster media bubble with little concept of life outside London and the ( what was) New Labour elote. Yesterday she expounded on the merits of the forthcoming mayoral contest for London and the Labour leadership candidate. Message, Ooona King is a woman and black so therefore must be the 2012 candidate. Dianne Abbott is a black woman too so John McDonnell should "do the decent thing" and stand down. This is tokenist rubbish. Never mind the genders, what about the politics?
John's riposte is in todays's Comment Is Free and, as he points out, this eagerly-awaited contest is rapidly becoming a farce in which there could well be only two candidates.
No women, no ethnic minorities, no-one from a trade union background, no-one from outside London, no-one( hell forfend) from a working-class background., and quite probably no-one from the left.
In short, a two-horse race already stitched up by the PLP which will make the Labour Party a laughing-stock if it goes ahead.
I mean no disrespect to the Milibands. But many Labour Party members are getting very angry indeed at the appalling prospect of two MPs hoovering up nominations - which neither of them now need - to get on the ballot. And thereby depriving other candidates and the the Party of the chance to seriously talk about where we need to be to defeat this Coalition Government in a couple of years' time
Even in 2007, when we had the coronation of Gordon Brown, Labour's deputy leadership race had five candidates - and people felt seriously involved.
Can you imagine three solid months of hustings in which Milibands junior and senior traverse up and down the country talking to each other? A nightmare
The whole point of the electoral college as successfully campaigned for in 1981 was to stop MPs vetoing potential for debate and having the only say in who was leader and deputy .
The rules were sadly skewed in the 1990's to quell dissent which is why we have these absurdly high nomination thresholds. But dissent and discussion in very different times is now exactly what we need if this Party is to get up off its knees and build and grow in the years to come. It's time to send out a message that we are a broad church once again.......and get everyone on that ballot paper.

THIS IS A DISGRACE!

I have just had an e-mail from a Labour Party member to say his MP is not nominating anyone for the leadership because she "doesn't know" any of the candidates.
Now i am not on first name terms with Ed Miliband myself but the notion I would not want to vote is unthinkable. The fact is that many MPs are blatantly ignoring the wishes of thousands of members and treating us with contempt.
However I am glad to say Tom Harris MP has joined the growing chorus asking for a lowering of the nominations threshold to 5 per cent of the PLP . More info about it over at Labour List and on the John4Leader Facebook group - which now has nearly 1700 members

FIGHT FOR A PROPER CONTEST

Thanks to Katy Clark MP, Kate Hoey MP and Tom Harris MP for adding their voices to the increasing uproar from the Labour grassroots at the prospect of a leadership contest with MPs vetoing everyone but the likely winners. Bit like a Grand National with only the hot favourite runners and riders being allowed at Aintree.
What happened in 2007 was ultimately a disaster for Labour and for Gordon Brown. We simply cannot allow Westminster to tell us who we have a right to vote for.Or not.
I don't question the likelihood of one of the Milibands taking the top prize. But why can't Andy Burnham, John McDonnell and Dianne Abbott take their place at the hustings and let us at least rest safe afterwards knowing our views were represented
The rule-book has been torn up over the nominations period so now let's fight to have a leadership contest we can all participate in . Like Peter Kenyon, I urge CLPs and Party members to lobby the NEC. Now

WHY I'M STANDiNG FOR THE NEC

The next 10 days are going to be absolutely crucial for the future of the Labour Party. We now have a once-in-a-generation chance to make it clear we are a broad church with room for views across the spectrum and a diverse discussion as to where we want our Party to go with a new Leader
Talking to friends in the Party , many of whom don't share my political views. they agree the need has never been greater for a leadership contest in which everyone has a say.
The sad fact is we're looking at a situation in which everyone apart from David and Ed Miliband is struggling to get the 33 nominations from MPs required to stand. Why should MPs have the veto on a contest in which most of us would like ALL the declared candidates to have a chance. We pay £39 a year in subs yet it looks as though the PLP is dismissing what is a clear grassroots wish to waive the ridiculous threshold figure and allow a really interesting debate which would bring thousands back to Labour and restore our reputation as a Party which welcomes diverse views. Don't let them do it!
I'm standing with Christine Shawcroft as the LRC's candidate and one of 8 CLGA candidates seeking nominations. Christine has a fine track-record as an incumbent who has stood up for activists for many years.
I also want to put in a word for Save The Labour Party's Peter Kenyon, who and has done sterling work on our behalf both on the NEC and in the ast seven years fighting for Party democracy.
I've been a Labour Party member since the 1970's. I am a local Labour councillor, trade unionist and socialist activist. I need as many nominations as I can muster from CLPs to boost our case for a renewed, socialist Labour Party. A formal statement will follow but for now please do all you can to support myself and fellow LRC supporter Christine Shawcroft.
It is time the grassrotos had a serious voice in fighting the undemocratic stage-managed procedures and Parliamentary selections which have marred our Party in the recent period, And allowed the NEC to make wrong-headed decisions which have disillusioned many. We want our Party back! My membership number for CLP nominations is L0017551

LABOURLIST POLL BOOST FOR JOHN McDONNELL

THESE are very different days from 2007 and the groundswell of support for a truly inclusive leadership contest is growing apace- boosted by the power of the blogosphere.
LabourList, arguably the most mainstream of all the Labour-supporting blogs, today released poll figures placing John McDonnell THIRD on the list of preferred contenders. I urge all MPs to take this poll very seriously. They will not be easily forgiven if they take no notice, disenfranchise the left and bar all sections of the Party from having their place at the hustings. This time the grassroots and trade unionists who are backing socialist candidagtes must have a say and a real choice between different political directions. We now need to keep the pressure on - so far we have managed to extend the deadline. How about the NEC reducing the threshold to ensure all six a place in the debate.


http://labourlist.org/may-21-labourlist-leadership-poll-the-results

NOMINATIONS PERIOD TO BE EXTENDED?

My reliable comrade Peter Kenyon reckons the NEC may, in the wake of wide dismay at the ridiculously short time given to garner nominations, extend the period when candidates can earn support. Let's keep our fingers crossed . Whoever wins, a debate with all six declared candidates - and then a nominations tallly - would engage the Party and give everyone a platform,. Let'a hope they listen to commonsense........to end the debate before it even starts would be a great loss to Labour activists. Update: Apparently the deadline has indeed been extended to June 9 so how about some TV debates between ALL the candidates.

TWO LEFT CANDIDATES......

Dianne Abbott has unexpectedly thrown her hat in the ring for Labour Leader. And you don't have to be a rocket scientist to work out there is not room for two lefts on the ballot.
I'm disappointed Dianne has done this. I'm not going to pretend otherwise.
Unlike John McDonnell she does not have grassroots support in the trade unions or much support in the CLPs across the country. If she does make the ballot, I fear a bad result for the left.
But we will just have to see what happens.
All I will say is this. That for the past 24 years I have fought in the Labour Party for socialist policies. And splitting the votes in this way will not be helpful for any of us.

29 NAMES TO GO

A big big thanks to Sunny Hundal over at Liberal Conspiracy for launching a determined bit to get a proper debate going for Labour's leadership and future direction. More info here and thanks to new MP Graeme Morrice from Robin Cook's old constituency who is apparently backing John. MPs need to understand we don't want a non-contest with the same old politics.

There is only one left candidate - please do what you can to get him nominated.

http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/19/getting-john-mcdonnell-nominated-for-labour-leadership-we-need-your-help/

WHAT A B****UP!

I truly have no agenda against Ed Balls. He is one of several Labour leadership candidates who are more or less indistinguishable. But, if his interview on PM is anything to go by, the lad doesn't stand a chance at any hustings.
If I was embarrassed on his behalf what on earth must his supporters have thought as he froze dead on PM. Asked to outline his disagreements with Gordon Brown, he clearly couldn't think of any. It was so bad I felt seriously sorry for him. But far more sorry for the Labour Party members who look likely to be denied any left candidate at all in the forthcoming election

INACCESSIBLE IVORY TOWERS

It's sad to learn that the richest teenagers are still seven times more likely to go to a top university than those from the poorest backgrounds.
As the Russell Group, the elite band which distinguishes itself from the newer universities, prepares to hike up tuition fees even further, this is bad news for our education system and even worse news for youngsters.
My niece is currently teaching English in Barcelona after four years at Lancaster University - and a good degree. This week she received her outstanding bill for tuition fees - £15,000 plus interest.
Because of the debts accrued by any other route, her younger brother chose to stay at home with mum and dad and attend nearby Salford University. He gets a bursary, and supplements his income with other work.
In a few years' time, I'm sure they will both have decent jobs and incomes. Even so, their parents have made huge sacrifices. Some kids just aren't that lucky.
One of Labour's biggest disappointments was its backing for tuition fees - as predicted, the cap is now set to be scrapped and the way clear for a return to the kinds of inequalities not seen since before the Second World War. The Parliamentary generation which most recently benefited from free university education ( mine) should be ashamed for letting our children - and theirs - down,

LET'S FIGHT THIS SHOO-IN BY NEC!

I don't think anyone, whaetever their political persuasion, wants to see a fraternal contest with just two candidates. Even if Balls and Andy Burnham join in they are ALL the same age, same politics, same backgrounds. It's ludicrous. The 10,000 people who have re-joined Labour surely deserve a choice and a contest representing all wings of the Party. At the moment we just don't have it.
Labour now has an opportunity to re-build and recruit on the basis we are a democratic broad church. If the NEC refuses to reverse its barking decision to allow only four days for nominations this contest is a farce which once again excludes grassroots activists and CLPs. . It looks as though, again, we might not have that choice, So please lobby your Labour MPs to give us a voice..... Give socialists in the Labour Party a chance for once to get their message across with hionest debate and discussion by candidates . Support John McDonnell and tell the NEC what you think about their timetable - now slammed by everyone from Ed Balls to Cruddas and Ed Miliband

http://unionfutures.blogspot.com/2010/05/press-notice-labours-national-executive.html

ANOTHER SHOO-IN?

Today, the papers report Jon Cruddas's announcement he will not be running for Labour Leader. The news will come as a surprise to some and a disappointment to many.
Actually, I am not surprised as it has been clear for some time that Cruddas is going to be supporting David Miliband. And running against him would not have been helpful to his chances.
There are many already, including trade unions and MPs, re-inventing Ed Miliband as the candidate of the left. It's nonsense.
I have just been reading the column written in his name in the Sunday Mirror and it is, to be honest, reactionary stuff. Two twin planks of his campaign appear to be clamping down on immigrants and tougher measures on welfare benefits. Yes, I appreciate it was a tabloid piece but why the same old mantras about "hard-working families" and other platitudes from the New Labour songbook.
Sure, if you asked me to choose, I would probably vote for the younger Miliband, He is more personable, less geeky, and not quite so tainted with the Mandelsonian mantle. But what a choice!
In his Sunday Mittor piece, Ed Miliband says he wants a contest with a broad swathe of candidates. Now Jon Cruddas has ruled himself out, how is that going to be likely?
The only other candidate so far, Ed Balls, is of exactly the same ilk as the Milibands. But, with a Parliamentary majority of less than 1500, also eminently vulnerable at the next election.
The idea that a choice between three fortysomething , middle-class males of roughly the same politics bears any relation to the broad church Labour Party of years gone by is a nonsense. The left should have a candidate. And, as Cruddas is not going to stand, the PLP should listen to the many members who want to see John McDonnell on the ballot paper. A woman candidate would be helpful too. But if it ends up in a Milband v Miliband race, frankly why bother spinning it out until September. Might as well toss a coin.......

WHY IT CAN'T BE DAVID MILIBAND...

As the dust settles, and the vile reality sinks in, that we have been conned into a Tory Government, the runners and riders are starting to emerge for Labour Leader.
I'm not sure the news that Charlie Falconer and John Hutton ( who?) are backing David Miliband will exactly boost his chances. But yes at this stage he's favourite to win
However, I have been reading some of the testimonies from people who have re-joined Labour after being hoodwinked by the Liberal Democrats.
Most have expressed their disillusion and disbelief at the duplicity of MPs like Clegg and supposed "leftie" Huhne, saying a perfunctory goodbye to his anti-nuclear power and anti-Trident position and waving hello to a fat salary and limo.
In recent years, many voters were understandably seduced by the Party's holier-than-thou presentation of itself as to the left of Labour. Many, understandably given New Labour's appalling record on civil liberties, believed it. They fthought us foolish for staying put and sticking with it despute being in the minority.
But now the leaders of their Party have done a disgusting volte face and with jaw-dropping arrogance and lack of judgment expect their own not to be dismayed.
Which is why 10,000 more people ( most Lib Dem supporters) are Labour Party members one week on from May 6. Welcome to all - however, it's just not enough to take the subs and carry on with the status quo.
The Party - from top to bottom - must recognise that its policy agenda and the way it treats its membership has to change if any gains from LibDem anger are to be permanent. Because let's face it one of the reasons we lost was so many things could have been so different.
Labour, too, had its cuts agenda. Threre is no point in pretending otherwise
But there is now the chance to start building an alternative.socialist policy platform
The savage and immediate £6 billion in cuts coming from the loved-up CamClegg hypocrites must be opposed and we must defend with all our might the frontline services which now are going to be attacked. Trade union rights must be defended and jobs defended.
That kind of radical change cannot possibly hapen with a Leader still signed up to cuts and privatisation, a Leader tainted by support for war in Iraq, and above all a Leader who is the elite's agreed heir to Blair. They may be nailing their coliors firmly to the mast. It is our job as ordinary activists to burst the David Miliband bubble.

A VERY SHABBY COUP

THE shocked faces of the young people who had voted Liberal Democrat said it all. Watching Question Time last night, it was clear that Simon Hughes's disingenuous prattle was doing little to assuage the rage of the idealistic kids who had thought that in voting Lib dem they were voting for change.
To hear Hughes dismissing the abandonment of core LibDem policies as a necessary "concession" with a quite breathtaking lack of shame, was a revolting sight. And this is someone on the "left" of the Party. "New politics?" Oh please.
The Libservatives are now trying to stitch up a deal whereby a 55 per cent Parliamentary majority is needed to get rid of them. Shameless, undemocratic, inexcusable stuff worthy of North Korea. Word is already it will get kicked out into the long grass by angry MPs. Let's hope so as the arrogance and smugness of this marriage made in political hell is already too much to bear. The only good news is that 10,000 people joined the Labour Party this week.

JOIN IN THE CONDEM NATION !

Today very pleased to speak to more people in Calder Valley who are re-joining Labour.......I have aded the Party membership facility to my gadgets and hope more of you do the same. In the meantime we could all do with a laugh so take a dekko at the website below.....oh, and I've also joined Twitter having finally worked out how it's done.!


http://www.condems.org.uk/

NO MORAL COMPASS.....

Compass got it blindingly, spectacularly wrong on the desirability of a Lib-Lab pact. As you would expect from a group led by the chattering classes with no base at all outside the metropolitan elite. I am profoundly relieved that the overwhelming majority of the Party, right across the spectrum, from left to right and centre, saw the foolishness and danger of the coalition called for by Neal Lawson, Polly Toynbee et al. But there was one bit of this otherwise nonsensical mutual suicide pact of "progressive coalition" which these two got absolutely right. As follows.......


If the Liberal Democrats enter a formal coalition with the Conservatives or prop up a minority Conservative government then they will lose for a generation and probably forever the right to call themselves a party of progress. The party would be split and Labour, if it gets its act right on the issue of proportional voting, Trident, tuition fees, fair taxes, immigration, civil liberties and much more, could eat up the thousands of Liberal Democrat activists and millions of Liberal Democrat voters.
On Thursday, at least 57% of the British people voted for parties seen as being on the centre left. The next few days will determine whether that perception was right.
Neal Lawson is Chair of Compass. Richard Grayson is Vice-Chair of the Liberal Democrat federal policy committee and was Liberal Democrat director of policy 1999-2004

A LONG TIME IN POLITICS..........

""There is just a gulf between what David Cameron stands for and what I stand for, in terms of values, in terms of internationalism, in terms of fairness, in terms of progressive tax reform, in terms of political reform" Nick Clegg, May 1 2010

CROSS THE FLOOR, CHARLIE!..

Nick Clegg and David Cameron may today be prancing around Number 10 like a posh political version of Jedward. The good news is that like the other talentless twins this gruesome twosome face long-term oblivion in the wake of their foolish decision to sign an accord which is a death warrant for the Orange Tories. And , hopefully, for Cameron.
I understand from today's papers that the only voices to speak out against this wanton betrayal of the "progressive"values LibDems allegedly embodied up to 48 hours ago were Charlie Kennedy and Menzies Campbell.
I urge both of them to get the hell out and cross the floor to Labour - it will do both them and us the world of good.
What price did Cleggeron and his Lib Dem weasels pay for this disgusting con-trick? Oh, just £6billion worth of immediate cuts, replacement of Trident and agreeing to a cap on non-EU immigration. And that's just for starters. Forgive my somewhat howling mode but, for most of us, it's only today that the vile reality has sunk in. This is not a "hung Parliament." It is a National Government and, like ramsey McDonald before him, Clegg will one day be kicked into the long grass by his Party. And the electorate.

ELECTION JET LAG

It's that moment on election night when you buy another packet of fags and go in for some serious drinking. Unfortunately it is six days after the General Election and I have to be up in six hours' time to go to work. My anger and outrage at the Libservatives is such am not sure will be able to sleep. But tomorrow, as Scarlett O'Hara said, is another day. And I understand the Labour Party website has been inundated with new recruits......night all.

THE FUTURE IS NOT ORANGE......OR BLUE

I daresay all of us feel nauseous and upset at the sight of Cameron in Downing Street. It's horrible. But the truth is, however much it hurts ( and it does) the Labour Party will re-emerge strengthened by the bankruptcy and hypocrisy of the Liberal Democrats.
To those who voted for "change", sympathies. You have ended up with a Tory Government.
But I guarantee that the moral and political bankruptcy of the Liberal Democrats will destroy them in the end.
That end will not be so far away. The notion a coalition built on expediency can survive for long is simply not going to happen. As hard as it is, the Labour PLP has done the right thing in refusing to endorse a dodgy deal which would have killed us as a credible, radical force,
Now is our chance to bring people back, re-build and bring people home to Labour. But, yes, I feel as bad as everyone else.

THE LEFT AND THE LEADERSHIP ELECTION

At what point exactly did Ed Balls become a candidate of the Left? Having scraped into his new Leeds constituency, Brown's former henchman is allegedly the candidate who will be backed by UNITE. This mammoth union has traditionally been kingmaker for Mps and Parliamentary candidates. Isn't it time the grassroots had a say?
Last time we tried, in 2007, UNITE swung its mighty weight behind Gordon Brown. Effectively stopping a contest. We are now living with the consequences.
Our friends in the media now want to do the same and have already decided that Miliband D is the only choice. But they, thankfully, are not the ones who will decide.
Jon Cruddas, rumour has it, is prepared to stand on a dream ticket with Miliband to ensure no-one else gets a look-in. Or Cruddas may, of course, stand himself in a wrecking move to stop a true left candidate.
Last time round, John McDonnell put up a brave fight - securing 29 nominations from the PLP - 16 short of the 45 needed and an impossible task given the machinery which was wheeled out to stop him.
This time round, it will be 32. The task will be no easier. But already there is a groundswell of support from activists for John which I hope he will consider in the next few days.
If we are to build an honest, renewed Labour Party in Opposition, the PLP needs to listen to its core supporters and give them a socialist voice in the contest - faux lefts like Cruddas and Balls are not the only option. Whatever they say in the Guardian - and after the debacle of the Lib-lab padt, who in their right minds would listen to them

COALITION AGAINST THE CUTS - JOIN THE LABOUR PARTY!

I happened to be in Westminster last night as Gordon Brown announced his resignation. It was a last-ditch bid by New Labour to keep the keys to Number 10 but my belief is still that Clegg will sign a deal with the Tories. Whatever game he is playing to suggest otherwise
I sincerely hope so because if Clegg listens to Mandelson, Miliband et al he will not only sign a death warrant for his own Party. It is also the end of Labour's status as a party of the left.
It has been interesting to see that people like John Reid and David Blunkett have rightly been speaking out against a Lib-Lab pact. Rightly, they see that in the long run it will destroy, not save, the Labour Party.
In opposition, Labour can build a resistance to the ne-liberal accord of Cameron and Clegg. It can also act as a beacon to those who have lost faith in us as the voice of democratic socialism.
The LRC is unequivocal about where it stands. Against this dishonourable stitch-up, an end to the horse-trading of New Labour, and a return to the kind of Labour values which will see us re-gain mmebers.
In the past 24 hours, I have had messages from several people who have re-joined Labour.
Let's look to the future - and put the final nail in the coffin of New Labour. Come and join us - now!
http://l-r-c.org.uk/press/the-left-will-not-support-a-cuts-coalition/

WHY GORDON HAS TO GO

IT is somewhat galling, I agree, to see Nick Clegg strutting around and behaving like a primadonna as he gleefully weighs up the odds of which coalition to back.
But no horse-trading in the world s going to restore Gordon Brown's credibility as Labour Leader or PM.
The sight of two posh boys measuring up the curtains at Number 10 is one deeply revolting to all Labour supporters. The fact is that these two are now likely to be checking out the small print before announcing a deal which will be one of the most unprincipled ever in British Politics.
Nick Clegg, remember, said he represented change. What he now represents, as he always did, is a man prepared to go to any lengths in the pursuit of power. Not a bad prospect for someone whose results on Thursday night were the most disappointing of all for his Party.
Like rabbits caught in headlights, people like Peter Hain are now backing a "rainbow coalition" which could save Brown from the axe. And save Labour from Opposition. Neither scenario is tenable.
The best prospect for a Labour resurgence is for Brown to resign and a leadership contest - no parachutes - which will restore lost trust and credibility.
A Libservative coalition will expose the redundancy and hypocrisy of the Lib Dem message - and allow Labour a time to lick its wounds, rally around an agenda distinct from this centre-right stitch-up and offer a launchpad for different policies and a fightback.
Opposition will also mean that the Shadow Cabinet is elected rather than bestowed by patronage. It is the only honourable way forward.

COME HOME TO LABOUR....

I have just been casting an eye over some of the comments over at Socialist Unity in the wake of the collapse of RESPECT, the TUSC and the Green Party.

I don't wish to intrude on private gried but as I struggled to stay awake in the early hours of Friday morning some things occurred to me.

As I watched the wheelbarrows being brought in to hold Tony Lloyd's share of the vote, I was surrounded by young, sincere members of the Green Party. I whiled away a few minutes asking them what on earth they thought they were doing standing in Islington North and Hayes and Harlington. They had no answers that made any sense. As it turned out, Green opposition to our two best socialist Labour MPs had diddly-squat impact and both triumphed with increased majorities. Jeremy Corbyn's increased vote was an astonishing 8,000 more.

One week earlier, I had asked Calder Valley Green candidate Kate Sweeney the same question. Her answer was feeble. As. in the end, was the Green vote in the Calder Valley where a goodly number of people are inclined to be sympathetic.

Congratulations to Caroline Lucas but I would ave voted for Nancy Platts because she would have been an excellent MP

Whatever spin people put on it, the RESPECT project is over. The Labour Left , with a hung Parliament, is now in a stronger position to influence policy and fight to stop the Libservatives.

Clegg's weaselly behaviour will dispel the illusions many had that the Lib Dems were some kind of alternative. As for TUSC, well it was an appalling adventure with no hope of success.

So what now? Talking to people locally last night many were already saying they now felt it was time to return to Labour .

I know there are many who feel they can't. But in the coming months the fightback against the cuts will be led, not by the far left, but by our 20 or so socialist MPs within the PLP. They will join with others in the trade union movement who know in less than a year we will be doing it all again. And next time, I predict, Labour will be able to win an outright majority.

There is appetite for change. That change is not represented by the Liberal Democrats or by tiny splinter groups. The discussion on how we REALLY start to win the next election will be going on at the LRC's conference next Saturday. I urge as many as possible to get there

WHAT A VICTORY FOR THE LEFT!

I have finally arrived home after 24 hours ensconced in Manchester town hall covering the General and local elections. As we wait to see whether Nick Clegg will jump with his right-wing instincts to Cameron or be counselled by wiser voices to build a Lib-Lab pact, one thing is wonderfully clear.
The Labour Left MPs who support the LRC bucked the national trend and performed amazingly well to retain a socialist voice in Parliament.
Congratulations to Mike Wood, Labour MP for Batley and Spen, who increased his vote by over 1000 votes. North Ayrshire and Arran MP Katy Clark increased her vote by over 2000 votes
Luton North MP Kelvin Hopkins increased his vote by over 2000 votes, and was the only Labour candidate in the Eastern region to increase his vote
Hayes and Harlington MP John McDonnell increased his vote by over 2500 votes
And Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn increased his vote by over 8000 votes, among the most of any Labour candidate in the UK .
In Halifax, Linda Riordan survived Ashcroft's millions to retain Halifax in a night when many West Yorkshire seats went by the board.
These included, sadly Calder Valley. Where, for reasons I won't go into again , we had a divisive candidate who was never the first choice of activists.
Now we are where we are, Labour has a serious chance to re-group, re-build and re-engage people because the chances are we are going to have to go through all this again in a very short space of time.
Commiserations to Godon Prentice, David Drew, and Nancy Platts in Brighton Pavilion, where Caroline Luca finally secured the seat as the only election winner for the Greens.
RESPECT lost George Galloway, their only MP, and did not secure a breakthrough. TUSC, the socialist alternative, achived ( as predicted) miniscule votes.
I am not pretending last night was a triumph for Labour. Far from it. But we have a chance very shortly to come back fighting . My prediction is that Nick Clegg will do his utmost to secure a deal with Cameron.
Socialists in the Labour Party should feel strengthened by the vote of confidence they have been given by the electorate. It is also time that those who condemn us for still being with Labour got real - and engaged in a dialogue about how to build the left. Not engage in Life Of Brian-style sectarian warfare. Thanks to all who helped re-elect LRC-supported MPs. Now I'm off to collapse after nearly two days of sleep deprivation......

VOTE LABOUR TOMORROW ......

This enlightening article has just been sent to me by a fellow member of Calder Valley CLP.
And it is probably time I made one thing clear.
Despite everything, I still believe a Labour Government - warts and all - is preferable to a Conservative one.
I have my reservations. I have axes which I will probably grind in the days and weeks after it's all over. But, as the man says, the Liberal Democrats offer no real radical alternative. Given the chance, Clegg will cosy up to Cameron. and ditch whatever pretensions he has to being progressive. It's up to all of us on the left who care about socialist values to carry on the fight. And we can't do that with a Cameron Government. Or a Lib/Con coalition. But for probably the first time in my adult voting life I have no idea what is going to happen nationally........ we need also to be mindful there will be another General Election soon and that for Labour to come anything less than second would take the Party a generation to recover locally. The truth is the Liberal Democrats won't win in Calder Valley.Let's not give them the chance........this time or next
http://www.tribunemagazine.co.uk/2010/05/05/it%E2%80%99s-labour-or-tory-there%E2%80%99s-no-alternative/

WHY DIDN'T THEY SACK THIS DREADFUL CANDIDATE

It doesn't take a genius to work out how the right-wing media would leap upon a Labour candidate calling Gordon Brown " the worst PM ever". So, of course, today the heaps of vitriol poured on the PM by Manish Sood in Norfolk are splashed everywhere.
Several bizarre things about this one. 1. Despite the fact this is a no-hope seat, he presumably had to be interviewed by an NEC panel. 2. The local Party now says they made several attempts to de-select him but "couldn't be bothered" as Labour had no chance. Why did they choose him in the first place? 3. Why would anyone, no matter how disgruntled, set out to scupper the chances of hundreds of other candidates in more marginal seats by launching a personal attack on Brown just 48 hours before a General Election.
Despite it being so late in the day, the Party should have suspended his candidature. In fact, he should never have been a candidate in the first place. And, yes, it does make me wonder why god left candidates like Mark Seddon and Christine Shawcroft never get a look-in while dipsticks like this are allowed to pass muster.

TACTICAL VOTING.....

Ed Balls and Peter Hain have now given Labour supporters carte blanche to "bite their lips" and vote tactically in seats where Labour cannot win. It makes sense.
Better a hung Parliament than a Cameron government and, as it's come to this sad and sorry state of affairs, that is probably the best we can do.
Voting with our heads and not our hearts is our best bet of stopping the Tories - not the unanimous view it must be said in a debate yesterday at the Trades Club in Hebden Bridge . I enjoyed a Mayday chat with a bunch of activists including Paul Holmes, Labour Party stalwart , left candidate for UNISON General Secretary and LRC supporter.
Also there was Kate Sweeney, currently standing as Green candidate in Calder Valley and vowing to be lefter than left. However this self-styled "socialist" was frankly unable to answer my pertinent question as to why the Greens are on Thursday fielding candidates against both Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell - the only reply being they represented the party of "war and privatisation." What utter tosh.If the Greens think actually impeding the chances of two of Labour's best socialist representatives is an acceptable strategy then they are living in a parallel universe. And, as they stood down to help Salma Yaqoob in Birmingham why not help Labour's Left? The fact they won't means they would never get my vote , no matter how good tactically it might be. quite honeastly what is the point of espousing radical policies if you don't support radical candidates ? The ones who are actually, er, on your side........

WE'll KEEP THE RED FLAG FLYING

Yesterday I was privileged to be invited to the 90th birthday party of a Labour Party stalwart in Manchester Blackley constituency. it was a lovely event and absolutely wonderful to meet old friends and comrades- some of whom I had not seen since the mid-1970s.
It restored my faith that, whatever happens on Saturday, the Labour Party is still the only place to be. The total disarray of the left "alternatives" who are spatting with each other over lost deposits shows the redundancy of such a stragey when it comes to the reality of elections.
Elections are, of course, not the only way of promoting socialist ideas. But they are crucial.
With the horrible prospect of Cameron in Number 10, the work of the LRC and its supporters will go on. This inspiring film shows that we are still there - and I would urge anyone who has left Labour to come and join us.We need you in the months and years ahead.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4fXZgdVtDk