Though Cowards Flinch

Amidst the positioning of various New Labour flunkeys, not to mention Polly Toynbee, there’s been little of clarity and principle said. After all, each of the people involved with attacking Gordon Brown have supported his agenda, and the virtually identical agenda of his predecessor, with gusto. They have no moral authority to critique the leadership of someone they put into office without bothering to consult Labour members, the trades unions, the affiliated socialist societies or pretty much any body outside the Parliamentary Labour Party.

It is fair that the only voices of principle should be those people who did nominate someone else, and who earnestly sought the debate about the future of the Labour Party, John McDonnell all the more so because he actually had the courage to stand in an election against Brown. Contrasted with the behaviour of the New Labourites, with their backstabbing, their playing to the press and their high-profile resignations over anything but principle, McDonnell’s recent announcement that the government needs to change or face “Labour Change” candidacies should get a fair hearing by the grassroots membership.

What I found particularly delightful was the disingenuity of the response by a “Labour spokesman.”

“Policy in the Labour Party is made via Partnership in Power, an inclusive and consultative process unique in British politics.

“Through discussion with the public, ordinary Labour members from each region and nation of Britain, elected members, and representatives from Labour Party’s affiliated organisations come together to agree a policy platform which best matches the aspirations and concerns of the British people.”

Clearly, since the “aspirations and concerns of the British people” just delivered another massive kick in the teeth to that policy platform.