Blog by Sienna Rodgers
Thursday evenings are a popular time for local party meetings in
the Labour Party. General secretary David
Evans sent an email before many took place last night: all
motions relating to the withholding of the Labour whip from
– including “expressions of solidarity” – will be
“ruled out of order”, he told officers and representatives. This
is based on his determination that such motions are “providing a
flashpoint for the expression of views that undermine the Labour
Party’s ability to provide a safe and welcoming space for all
members”. The email cites the party’s code of conduct and makes
explicit reference to party culture, and concludes that such
restrictions could stay in place until the culture is deemed to
have improved.
The party grassroots are exploding in some areas of the country,
particularly some of the biggest local parties. A number defied
the instructions of the general secretary last night by passing
motions in support of Corbyn in his battle over the whip,
including Birmingham Hall Green, Hampstead and Kilburn, Milton
Keynes North and South, Leeds North East and Colchester the
previous night. Others, such as Hackney South and Bristol East,
have expressed the same view without specifically going against
instructions, by commenting instead on democracy or passing
motions of no confidence in Evans or . There is an awareness that the party is willing to
suspend members for flouting guidance, as happened in Bristol
West, though no united approach from Corbyn supporters yet in the
face of this reality.
The role of the Jewish Labour Movement in these matters is
important. The party-affiliated organisation announced
seven days ago that it believes such motions create an unsafe
environment for Jewish members, and also that it would be pausing
engagement with the party after Corbyn’s readmittance. It is no
surprise to see Evans, in charge of the party headquarters that
facilitated the unusually speedy disciplinary process, take into
account their view of these motions and act accordingly. But
Momentum and other parts of the Labour left are determined to
have a say. The Communication Workers' Union has called on Labour
to “let members discuss what they want”. The upshot of these
motions will likely be many suspensions, possibly local parties
being put in special measures, perhaps overall accelerating the
replacement of Corbynite executive committees with pro-Starmer
ones.
Tensions are only going to escalate further. The
Guardian has picked up
on our story from Wednesday, adding that the pre-action
disclosure application has now been lodged as we reported it was
going to be. Labour sources deny that a deal over Corbyn's
reinstatement was struck, while those close to Corbyn say
evidence will soon emerge to prove this is what happened. Our
exclusive poll of Labour members conducted by Survationshows
that the party is starkly divided over the whip decision, with
48% in favour and 46% against, with a majority having a
“negative” view of Corbyn’s statement that led to his original
suspension. The results are weighted based on recent data – the
2020 leadership election – and I would recommend taking a look at
the full tables as well as our write-up to see what can be learnt
about the current membership as there is lots of fascinating
information to dig into.
Over the weekend, JLM will be hosting a one-day conference
featuring high-profile speakers from the Labour leader himself to
, , , , and
. There will be much talk of what Labour needs to do to
implement the recommendations of the Equality and Human Rights
Commission. The party has just unveiled the appointment of Jane
Ramsey as the person who will be leading on setting up an
independent process – not only for antisemitism complaints, as
some in the party have predicted, but those relating to racism,
antisemitism, Islamophobia, bullying, sexual harassment and other
forms of discrimination. The crucial action plan is due by
December 10th.
