Brent goes Tory
Socialist Organiser1984 1984-01-05Read it in the scan (PDF), scan page 15 →
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MIDST stormy scenes, Brent the Mayor ordered the hall 'ouncil went Tory on December cleared. Most people refused to 5. The meeting had been leave. Many were dragged out AMIDST stormy scenes, Brent Council went Tory on December 15. The meeting had been adjourned from the previous week when a large demonstration occupied the council meeting demanding the resignation of Ambrozine Neil.
Neil had defected to the Tories over a difference on education policy. Her policy included more discipline in schools, and for black private schools.
From the outset, the meeting was heavily policed and members of the public faced great difficul ty in gaining admittance.
The demonstration started off peacefully. Carols were sung with anti-Tory lyrics. The meeting hotted up by 9 p.m. when some people went through the security guards into the middle to confront Ambrozine Neil demanding her resignation.
After the disruption was over the Mayor cleared. Most leave. Many by the police.
Outside, away from the cameras, the police engaged in their more traditional pursuits, especially against black women.
Four Labour Party members were arrested, three of them having earlier been fingered to plain clothes police by a Tory councillor.
Witch-hunt In the following days the left had to fight off a witch-hunt attempt at the Local Government Committee. One Councillor resigned in protest at the so-called violence of the left.
The first hearing for the four arrested will be at Waltham Magistrates Court. St. Mary's Road, NW10 at 9.45 on January 5. A picket is planned.