31.05.2000

Plans for June 11

On Tuesday May 30 the London Socialist Alliance steering committee met to prepare for our June 11 conference. In addition the comradely meeting, attended by over 20 representatives and observers, discussed our general approach to standing in by-elections and laid the ground for the forthcoming contest in Tottenham. In a welcome development, the Socialist Party in England and Wales sent six members and they contributed in a positive and fraternal manner.

The only real controversy concerned the Havering by-election, which Pete Alder of the Alliance for Workers' Liberty is contesting on behalf of the LSA. As chair of the LSA, I pointed out that neither the CPGB nor myself as an elected officer had been consulted. AWL comrades explained that a quick decision needed to be taken and, while this is fair enough, it was pointed out that all our organisations are connected to the phone, fax and e-mail. In terms of future contests it was agreed that there should be a decision by the steering committee.

Looking at the Tottenham by-election, the steering committee unanimously backed the call to stand a candidate and to "pour all our resources into it" - especially given the fact that the Labour Party had selected a Blairite. Weyman Bennett of the SWP was mentioned as the most likely candidate, though this was not formally decided until our selection meeting, due to be held in Tottenham on Thursday June 1.

Comrades then discussed the agenda for the conference on June 11. The meeting broadly accepted the structure as suggested from the chair. The sessions will be: 1. An analysis of the May 4 Greater London Authority election campaign, including our strengths and weaknesses (political and practical). 2. Future work. This will encompass by-election strategy, the forthcoming general election and the selection of candidates, building an all-United Kingdom socialist alliance and political campaigns. 3. Debating and adopting an LSA structure, motions on by-election strategy and the general election, a motion on building socialist alliances throughout the UK and achieving the target of at least 50 candidates at the next general election.

Fortunately the meeting decided against breaking up the conference into workshops and was unanimous in calling for June 11 to be a working event, as opposed to a rally.

When it came to the structure to be adopted by the LSA, the different component organisations presented various blueprints. Most proposed a guarantee of inclusion on the steering committee for affiliated organisations. However, there were also calls for direct elections by the LSA conference floor.

The CPGB stands for indirect elections - reflecting the fact that the LSA is an ongoing and evolving alliance open to new affiliates, not least trade unions and borough alliances. In our view it would be wrong - in principle - for the CPGB, the AWL, SPEW or any of the smaller organisations to be beholden to the SWP for our seats on the steering committee - they have it within their power at present to pack a conference with voting fodder and thereby have a big majority. We for our part stand by the right of the majority to be the majority and to appoint recallable officers. But we also stand by the right of the minority to have a voice without fear or favour.

Our proposals - by far the shortest - therefore outline a dynamic and inclusive structure which can quickly reflect changes below. We are for: "One voting delegate from every political organisation affiliated to the LSA. One voting delegate from every borough socialist alliance. One voting delegate from every trade union branch in London affiliated to the LSA. One voting delegate from every working class or progressive organisation affiliated to the LSA.

"At the discretion of a majority on the steering committee, particular individuals - eg, Mike Marquesee, Christine Blower, etc - may be elected to serve as officers. The steering committee should be a working committee and appoint its own officers and sub-committees as it sees fit. All officers and sub-committees shall be immediately recallable."

Ironically, given the arm's-length attitude towards the LSA and the outright hostility during periods of the GLA campaign, SPEW's proposals were by far the most complex and detailed. Not surprisingly a full discussion could not be held. Hence a specially convened meeting of the organisations is to take place on Monday June 5 to sieve through the various blueprints so that the following evening's steering committee meeting can make a recommendation to conference. If a consensus cannot be found, the steering committee will present majority and minority reports.

A standing orders committee of the constituent organisations will see to it that conference runs smoothly. The deadline for motions to conference is Tuesday June 6.