16.03.2000

LSA ups tempo

Down to business. That sums up the last meeting of the London Socialist Alliance committee on Monday.

In marked contrast to the previous week's fractious gathering, comrade Jim Horton of the Socialist Party limited his interventions to positive and constructive suggestions for the LSA's election campaign. Last week's attempt by the SP to bog down the meeting's business with petty, carping criticisms of the SWP was not repeated, and calls on the LSA to adopt a 'wait and see' attitude towards Livingstone were also absent.

Readers will remember that the SP abstained on the question at the March 7 meeting, when the slogan 'Vote Ken, vote LSA' was agreed by all others present. Not that Peter Taaffe's group has junked sectarianism. In a forthcoming local by-election in Hillingdon Socialist Party leader Wally Kennedy has refused to stand as an LSA candidate. The comrades prefer their registered name - Socialist Alternative.

Comrades commented on the positive response activists were receiving on the streets at LSA stalls across London, particularly in the wake of Livingstone's announcement to run as an independent. This response included signatures of support but also, crucially, financial contributions. Teams were able to collect up to £30 an hour.

In further reports, former Labour Briefing editor Mike Marqusee said that the press committee had established a 'rapid response' team which will enable the LSA to engage with the media as issues arise. The team will, of course, remain accountable to the broader LSA committee. Comrades agreed that we had put ourselves in the best possible position to capitalise on the anti-Blair mood.

The meeting was characterised by comradely and businesslike exchange with no controversy arising. The nuts and bolts of our timetable, the role of election agents and canvassing were all discussed. It was agreed to tour our open-top double-decker from now until the election. The bus - complete with PA system and LSA banners - will be seen across London and, if used imaginatively, could provide excellent publicity opportunities.

The centralisation of information - particularly lists of individual supporters - was urged. Comrade Dave Osler suggested that all affiliates should have equal access. There was no voice of disagreement.

It was agreed to finalise the candidates for the London assembly list next week. People considered on the 'left' of the petty bourgeois grouping known as the London Alliance have indicated that they may, if they are invited, accept positions on our LSA slate after their own electoral intervention ignominiously collapsed due to lack of interest from Livingstone.

It has also emerged that Ealing and Hillingdon Unison is considering standing a local constituency candidate. Representatives of the LSA have invited the Unison branch to stand under our banner, but if they decide to stand alone, the LSA will need to decide our position towards them - although latest reports indicate that the electoral challenge around jobs, etc, will not materialise.

Given that there is now a real chance of the LSA winning seats on the GLA, the order of candidates takes particular significance. Last weekend The Observer reported: "Labour has even privately admitted that veteran leftwing journalist Paul Foot is likely to be elected to the new GLA in the Livingstone backwash. It will be the first time a Trotskyist has been elected to a public body since Tommy Sheridan won a seat in the Scottish assembly last year" (March 12). Of course, it has not as yet been decided who will head the LSA list. Some comrades have suggested that representation in the assembly could be rotated amongst all those on the list, which is permitted under government GLA legislation.

A recent addition to our ranks of supporters underlines the schisms underway in the London Labour Party. Piers Corbyn - of Southwark and Bermondsy Labour Party - has signed up as an LSA supporter. Labour Party members who have pledged support to the LSA are saying that it is unlikely that many Labour activists will be enthused to vote for Blair's eleven and a significant space exists in which the LSA could win support.

Comrades reiterated that the LSA was still prepared to negotiate a joint campaign with the Campaign Against Tube Privatisation. However, at a meeting the following evening the CATP decided to continue along the single-issue line, despite the damage this will do for working class representation in the GLA.

The LSA plans a series of meetings and cultural events prior to the May 4 election. Comrades will be urged to take time off work - especially on polling day.

Latest organising meetings include:
Sunday March 26, for candidates and agents. Finalising nominations.
Sunday April 2: activist workshop. Covering running election meetings, canvassing, local press coverage, distributing election material.