21.03.1996

SLP update

SLP branches are beginning to come tentatively together around the country and are launching themselves into the work of building and winning support for independent working class organisation.

Last Saturday West London SLP branch leafleted the Charville ward of Hillingdon. Councillor Terry Donlevy has left the Labour Party to join the SLP. Militant Labour has two councillors in Hillingdon and is suggesting that a socialist group be formed on the council.

Terry’s letter to the residents of Charville told them:

“My politics and principles have not changed since you elected me to the borough council as one of your representatives for your ward. When you elected me in May 1994, I stood on a platform of equality, social justice and against cuts in jobs and services.

“But now the New Labour party nationally has abandoned the workers, the unemployed and our communities with policies such as supporting privatisation, backing selective schooling, supporting the Job Seekers Allowance and the taking over by private housing companies of social housing, to name but a few.”

Several SLP branches are already discussing the forthcoming local council elections. It is hoped that SLP candidates will stand in a number of areas. There is a certain amount of urgency about this as in some areas nomination papers need to be in by the end of March.

The two councillors in Hemsworth who joined the SLP are not wasting any time. Along with other SLP members in the area they have already been leafleting the wards and winning support.

Linda Addison