How We Ousted Isington Sdp Islington

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Out now LLB, 23 Leghorn Rd, THE recent local election results have been a severe set-back for the hopes of the SDP-Liberal Alliance as the party that claimed to be able to transcend class differences and find a middle way to solve the present crisis.

The results showed polarisation: a rallying to Thatcher's radical rightwing policies, and a strong vote for the radical left wing manifesto of Islington Labour Party as opposed to the compromised Labour Party position of, for instance, Birmingham.

The vote in Islington dislodged a sitting SDP BRIEFING ON SOCIAL DEMOCRATS council made up of well known local politicians and gave a strong mandate to a young and committed Labour council.

This victory had not, unlike the SDP, been created overnight. It was the result of a long and sustained campaign to change the direction and structure of the local Labour Party.

In the 70s, younger Labour s polticians S had made an impression on policy, especially in the housing field. But the tight coalition of seasoned right wing councillors, especially in North Islington with the local CooperA 40 page pamphlet published by London Labour Briefing, editby Tony Benn and articles by Norman Atkinson, Reg Race, etc. 40p plus 20p p&p from London NW10. 5 copies or more post free. ative Party and some trade únion delegates, was a perpetual threat.

To achieve policy it became increasingly necessary to weigh up objective strengths and weaknesses and take the best option. This ultimately led to half-implemented policy and an electorate who kept a cynical distance.

Then in the late 70s there was an influx of new members who came from a wider political tradition.

There were women who came from a feminist tradition that gave validity to the importance of subjective experience. Then there were those with years of community experience, who had progressed from indignant protest to a realisation that more political action was necessary.

They joined a number of more traditional, middle and working class, younger Labour members in a challenge to a style of Labour Council which concentrated knowledge' and control in the hands of a small group of councillors.

The question of whether Labour councillors should see themselves as managers of the state was also raised. And this dilemma became increasingly relevant as Thatcher's administration began to dismantle welfare provision.

As the new members gained credibility in Islington by active and visible support of different working class struggles in the borough, they began to draw more people in. As numbers increased, they had to face up to the problems of practising full accountability and consultation.

Some of the lessons have been learnt and should help the new council respond to Islington residents.

The ethnic minority communities also began to show a renewed interest in a Labour Party that campaigned against racism and the Nationality Act.

The manifesto made a firm commitment to oppose racial harassment and discrimination.

This group are already raising a definite voice within the Labour Party. But there are many more of their communities waiting to see if Labour does carry out its pledges.

And the achievability of the manifesto will be crucial in maintaining. and increasing Labour's great gains in Islington. union branches and women's sections who want see Manifesto policies carried out instead of being pushed to side?

To come and visit County Hall and nave Special Conference with the comrades of the Group, not with just one or two policy committee members who all pull together, but to help the various comrades our Group to come forward with their fears.

Women wondertul opular opportunity with the formation of the Women's Committee chairperson 1s Valwhose erie Wise.

finally would you like to state where stand now vis-a-vis the left and the Briefing comrades?

My loyalty to the rades of the left will never diminish, but my loyalty to some plastic members of Left will have to considered very very carefully. My is longer be taken. for granted.

I will be consulting with my triends Briefing before my hand goes up again, if there is anything about which I have reservations. I realise I have only 18 true socialist friends of the left, and their names safely locked in my are cupboard!

Charlie Rossi

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ed by Nigel William- son, with a foreword