Joint statement from the Labour Representation Committee, Jewish Voice for Labour and Red Labour on party election results 4/4/2020

Keir Starmer’s election as leader of the Labour Party is a worrying outcome for all of us who were inspired by Jeremy Corbyn’s transformative vision. Starmer was the clear favourite of the right and centre of the party, and also the mainstream media. His appeal to the establishment, within the party and more widely, lies in their desire for Labour to return to the mythical middle ground, putting an end to a leftward shift they regard as an unfortunate blip in the modern history of the party.

Much was made of Starmer’s supposed left credentials, his ability to unify the party and rise “above factionalism.” However, while the recent articles in the Times and Mail may reflect the wish-lists of their owners rather than Starmer’s direct statements, they seem to indicate an intention to marginalise, if not drive out, the left. We must unite to resist this and show that the left in the party is a force to be reckoned with.

We supported Rebecca Long-Bailey in her bid for the leadership, despite her regrettable acceptance of demands from the Board of Deputies which entail surrendering the party’s independence in determining who is entitled to membership and what views they may hold. Richard Burgon was the only candidate to stand firm on this issue. That only 27 percent of votes went to Rebecca Long-Bailey reflects the defection of some on the left to Starmer’s camp as well as weaknesses in her campaign.

Those of us who embraced Burgon’s principled stance in the deputy leadership contest now have the responsibility of forming the bedrock for re-building the left in the coming months.

The by-elections for the NEC were rendered almost farcical by the suspension in mid-campaign of five candidates, all on the left and three of them BAME. This move by the party bureaucracy gave the clear impression of intent to prevent those left candidates who were gathering support at the nominations stage from appearing on the ballot paper.

The campaign to forge ahead with collecting nominations for Jo Bird despite her suspension was a victory for the grassroots left. It clearly contributed to her suspension being lifted in time for her to go forward as a candidate. It is a disgrace that the other four remain suspended and excluded. We must continue to campaign for justice for them, in so far as that is possible under the party’s dysfunctional disciplinary processes.

The failure of the left organisations in the party to agree on common candidates for the NEC vacancies was clearly also a significant contributor to the outcome. The arrogance of those who thought that by going it alone they could gain an advantage is quite disturbing. We hope that grassroots members will organise to prevent any repetition.

The upshot is that the right has taken both CLP places up for election, the first time in years that they have done so.

There must be a more serious attempt for the left to work together, to come up with common candidates, and find a more inclusive and democratic way of deciding on them. Additionally, the party has not done nearly enough to support black self-organisation. This is reflected in the reduced level of black representation on the NEC.

Jo Bird overcame the attempts to exclude her, building support with lively meetings around the country, almost certainly benefiting from the publicity attracted by her unjust suspension and its withdrawal.

Her vote put her in a very respectable fourth place, despite the disunity of the left, demonstrating the potential there still is for winning internal elections and building vibrant grassroots campaigns – if we organise to bring this about.

The left must now look at itself honestly and consider how come we have slipped back so far from Corbyn’s magnificent victories in the leadership elections in 2015 and 2016. How did so many who were enthused by Jeremy then, not feel the same way this time?

Demoralisation at the general election result obviously played a role as did certain failings of the leadership campaigns. But we also have to look at the failure to organise on the ground, to educate the movement in socialist politics, to be a genuine grassroots movement rather than a stage army.

The next period will be tough for socialists in the Labour Party. Starmer, no doubt supported by much of the PLP and right wingers among members, will be under great pressure to attempt to reverse the gains the left made under Jeremy Corbyn. But this is not the time for us to walk away and leave them unchallenged.

The tragedy of the pandemic crisis demands a strong socialist response. The Tories, like right wing governments around the world, are sacrificing the well-being of the people to the god of profit. They will attempt to use the situation to impose more austerity and greater authoritarianism. We on the left must nurture the spirit of community and grassroots organisation that the crisis has generated up and down the country, if we are to resist the rightward shift in national politics and within our own party. This means building a unified movement to carry on in the spirit outlined by Jeremy Corbyn in his letter to members last week:

“Our party grew out of local communities and that is where we must focus our efforts, just as we always have. I will continue to campaign on the issues and principles that have motivated me as Leader, as an MP, as a councillor and as a party member for more than 50 years. I can assure you my voice will not be stilled. I’ll be out there campaigning for socialism, peace and justice, and I feel sure we’ll be doing that together.”

Jewish Voice for Labour, Labour Representation Committee, Red Labour