Mon 11 Dec 2017, 09:15 AM | Posted by Mark Langabeer
I have just received ballot papers for the National Executive Committee elections. I had no hesitation in voting for Dar, Garnham and Lansman. They gave clear and unequivocal support for Corbyn and his policies. Baxter, Izzard and Singh Josan are, in my view, the principle supporters of the Party’s right wing.
Baxter and co declare that they are non-factional. The similarities of their statements suggest otherwise. Baxter’s statement is the most explicit of the three. She declares that divided parties don’t win and only ‘unity’ will see Corbyn in No 10. Conventional wisdom would support this view. However, the Tories are hopelessly divided on the EU and the events of 2016 proved to be one of the most divisive in Labour Movement history. Despite this, the 2017 General Election saw the return of the two-party system
She then states that, we need representatives that speak the truth and challenge the Leader. So much for Unity then! Baxter reveals her true colours by advocating a regionally-elected NEC and the restoration of the electoral college. She even suggests that non-members should have a role in shaping policy. It is an indication of the desperation of Labours right-wing. They have lost the argument and are attempting to regain influence through rule changes.
What Baxter fails to mention is that the college system would give the 262 MP’s the same voting power as the 600,000 plus members. This could hardly be described as democratic! The new system only came about because the Tory Press claimed that Ed Miliband was in the pocket of the Unions. Rather than defending the Labour-union links, he decided to seek a change in the method of election of the leadership. This had unforseen consequences, and as far as the establishment were concerned, an unwelcome one.
The suggestion that non-members should have a say in policy is the equivalent of a union branch, allowing non-members a say in the affairs of the union. Not on your Nelly! If you wish a say, you have to join.
Singh Josan complains about the lack of ‘diversity’ and that four members out of six CLP/NEC members live in London and the South East. In my opinion, the building of a mass membership is the key to true diversity. The voting of candidates should be based, primarily, on their ideas, not on their post code.
Baxter, Izzard and Singh Josan sing from the same hymn sheet. They are the undeclared faction of Labour’s right wing. There are a couple of genuine independents standing, but they have few nominations and could split the vote. Voting for the CLGA and Momentum candidates is the only way to advance the cause of Socialism.
