Socialists discuss councils policy by Stephen

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150 Labour councillors, trade unionists and Labour Party activists from the Left in London's Labour Parties came together last Saturday (19th) for the first time to analyse the results of the May 6 election.

Agreement was easily

reached that on balance the results were not the victory that many had expected and worked for.

A more important lesson was spelt out by Valerie Veness, when she revealed how Heseltine was making moves against Islington, Camden and Southwark, with orders to speed up the selling of council houses, and that no council could fight without the support of others in this period.

This was reinforced when councillors and Labour Party activists emphasised how they wanted to pick a joint fight on the question of rents in 1983 and how this could unite the Labour Parties, Councils, trade unionists and communities actively in confrontation with the Tories.

Frank Hansen from Brent sketched out some of the problems that face the new wave of left wing coun cillors in Labour controlled boroughs.

He cited the power of right wing blocks to isolate the new councillors and how this is reinforced by the almost uncontrollable power of council officers to lie and manoeuvre and block in favour of policies that will not challenge the Tories.

One major weakness of the conference was the lack of trade union presence, particularly of those unions organised in the local authorities.

Socialist Organiser supporters strongly emphasised the need for the new left councillors as well as the Labour-controlled councils 1o develop a strategy of turning outwards to the trade unions especially the rank and file. Particular stress was placed on the immediate need to build support for the NHS workers currently in Only two decisions were taken at the conference. ine list mowun caucu evi M.. Piunt mntion molled for total opposition to the NEC report on Militant, the idea of a register and any moves towards the expulsion of Militant.

This was carried unanimously. A powerful contribution from Ted Knight placed this move by the right wing in the context of previous witch-hunts in the Labour Party since 1945. It was also campaign against the witch- agreed to sponsor hunt, to be coordinated by Jeremy Corbyn.

The second resolution was to set up the Association of Socialist Councillors with the intention of providing an Rates: £5 for three months, £8.75 for six months, and £11 for a year.

Bundle of five

each week: £12 for three months.

Bundle of 10: £21 for three months.

Address.

I enclose £.

To: Socialist Organiser, 28 Middle Lane, London N8 8PL. organisation that could both pool experience and provide support to those isolated in right wing groups.

It would also take initiatives in coordinating the fightback both in and out of the council chamber.

This unique initiative will however be undermined unless it bases itself on militant stand. The Briefing statement signed by over 50 council candidates for the May 6 election lays the basis for such an association to get off the ground.

The Conference to establish this association will be held in September and a up with a range of council- small steering group was set lors from different boroughs and different political interests including Socialist Organiser and Briefing supporters.