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From The Socialist newspaper, 30 October 2019
Opinion: Labour Party is structured to block left councillors
Some of Liverpool's Militant-led socialist Labour councillors, including Tony Mulheran (second from left in flat cap), photo Militant (Click to enlarge)
Peter Redfarn, Deptford Labour Party
Blairite councillors are doing everything they can to prevent councils standing up to the Tories and defending their communities like Tony Mulhearn and the 'Liverpool 47' councillors did from 1983 to 1987.
Democratic 'district Labour parties' were replaced by 'local government committees', then by 'local campaign forums'. Each change has made them less democratic and enhanced the power of right-wingers to block the left from becoming councillors.
According to the otherwise good Labour Party conference, we now have local government committees again. Under the latest rule change, a third of members must be existing councillors - in contrast to the district Labour parties, where overwhelmingly delegates were elected by local trade unions, Labour branches, and affiliated organisations.
My sister had to support the infamous 'private finance initiative' to become a Labour councillor. In my ward, a local activist won a by-election, but the local campaign forum prevented her from standing as a Labour candidate a few months later without any explanation.
The vast majority of Labour councillors are determined to stop Jeremy Corbyn. They put the profits of property developers before the needs of the people. Council housing is being demolished and tenants forced to pay greatly increased rents to stay in the area.
As well as restoring the money cut from local authorities, the following steps should be taken.
People expelled from the Labour Party for opposing cuts should have the right to return, and all Labour Party members should have the right to stand as candidates.
There should be annual local government conferences in each council area with participation by trade unions and local community groups as well as Labour Party members. End the mayor and cabinet system and make all council meetings open to the public.
Out with the Blairites! Housing for all on the basis of need! Reverse all cuts and privatisation!
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In The Socialist 30 October 2019:
What we think
Anti-austerity, socialist policies can be a winning formula
News
Tories out now. Bin Boris. Corbyn can win with socialist policies!
39 migrants found dead in Essex lorry container
Wall Street Crash
The 1929 Wall Street Crash: When the capitalist system was on its knees
Workplace news
PCS union election: For a fighting democratic general secretary
PCS: Support Marion Lloyd - a history of workers' struggle and a programme for the future
McDonald's - Striking to end low pay
London - 'autumn of discontent'
RMT election: Fight the cuts, vote for Jared Wood
Uni workers' pay and pension strike ballot
Butterfields
How working-class tenants beat Gentrification
Black history
Black Liberation... Only possible through socialist struggle
Obituary - Bob Lee: 1954 - 2019
International socialist news and analysis
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Enfield North socialists lobby candidate stitch-up
Donate to fund the fightback at Socialism 2019
Chile protests - London solidarity rally
Reader's opinion
Film reviews: Sorry We Missed You by Ken Loach
TV: The Accident - Will capitalism be exposed in upsetting, true-to-life drama?
Opinion: Labour Party is structured to block left councillors
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2018