Democracy in Leeds

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As Reagan announces his plans for MX missiles, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament conference takes place this weekend (November 26-27-28) at Sheffield City Hall. It is open to delegates from CND groups and to individual members of CND. Report next ON Wednesday 24th, as we go to press, the Labour Party National Executive is meeting to discuss the purge against Militant and possible measures against Hornsey and Bermondsey Constituency Labour Parties.

'Labour Against the Witch-hunt' will be lobbying the meeting to demand: •That the NEC withdraws its threat to disband Hornsey Party by the end of the year, unless it expel: fariq Ali. •That Bermondsey Party be allowed to stand its chosen candidate, Peter. Tatchell, Tatchell in the forthcoming by•That no further action be taken against Militant. •That the NEC repudiate calls by John Golding, a leading rightwinger on the NEC, for a purge of Campaign for Labour Party Democracy activists.

Pledges

Labour Against the Witch-hunt has been campaigning successfully for pledges from CLPs that: •They will refuse to recognise expulsions.

•They will give support and recognition to any: Party threatened with disbandment.

It will also be camprigning for trade unions to mandate their delegates to the next Labour Party conterence to reverse last year's decision to set up a register.

The lobby is the first shot in the campaign, which will be finalised ai a London meeting of CLPs, MPs, Young Sucialists and trade unions backing the campaign on December 12.

Contact: LAW, 11, Wildertion Rd., London N16 (01-802 1709) increased majority.

Success

The success of the Party is due' to its strengths within the community and its constant campaigning activities on Party policy; a regular newsletter is produced and delivered to every household and there are many public meetings on a range of issues. There is nu element of community life where the Party is not involved in some way.

Clearly the party has had to think very deeply about the issue of the membership of Tariq Ali and the implications of the reported view of the NEC. The last time all branches were asked to consider the matter there were: no motions to the GMC hostile to the principle of his membership. Iț should be noted that the officers of the Party were asked to seek an urgent meeting with the NEC.

We consider it right that such a meeting should be with the full National Executive where the Hornsey Party can state it; case. We have been advised that it would be a transgression of the Party constitution and the rules of natural justice for us to be denied this hearing...

Yours fraternally, Diana Minns, Secretary ON Wednesday 17 Noverber, at a large, specially convened meeting. the Leeds District Labour week. decided to set up an electoral college for the Leader, Deputy Leader, Chairperson Chief Whip and Secretary of the Council Labour Group.

The college will be made up one-third of Constituency Labour Party and Labour Party branch delegates, one-third trade union delegates, and one-third councillors.

The right-wing, in outright opposition to the electoral college, led by the Education Committee chair, Councillor Bernard Atta, was insignificant. The main attempt to dilute the proposals of the Electoral Working Party were led by supporters of the Independent Labour Party (Leeds is their national centre).

They wanted an electoral college of 50%- Labour Group and 50% Distriet Party. The Working Group's alternative was narrowly carried..

Amendment

The other amendment the ILP pushed was one to allow the Electoral College not to proceed with an election if the Labour Group was in power. This is in line with their support for short lists of one (which ensured a clear run for that left wing socialist MP Merlyn Rees!) This amendment, too. was defeated.

This victory: has to be followed through by ensur ing that the Labour Group falls into line, and that full support is given to the Conference called by Manchester District Labour Party on Labour Group Democracy. UNREGISTERED 25p plus 15½p postage from SO, 28 Middle Lane London N8.

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Socialist Organiser 110 November 1982