John McDonnell to contest leadership of the British labour Party

international | politics / elections | other press Friday July 14, 2006 16:38 by Red Wedge - labour Youth

John McDonnell, chair of the socialist campaign group of Britsh Labour MPs and MP for Hayes and Harlington, has announced that he will stand for leader of the British Labour Party when Blair steps down.

John McDonnell, chair of the socialist campaign group of Labour MPs and MP for Hayes and Harlington, has announced that he will stand for leader of the British Labour Party when Blair steps down.

The socialist campaign group, the labour representative committee and other groups will now start the campaign to build support for the leadership bid and the policies that underpin it.

Launching the campaign, McDonnell accused the government of systematically alienating sections of Labour supporters - students, pensioners, public service workers, trade unionists, green activists and civil liberties and peace campaigners.

"This is reflected in lost votes, lost elections, lost members and a Labour prime minister having to rely upon Conservative votes in Parliament to force through legislation," he argued

It is increasingly clear that the New Labour project is inflicting huge damage on the British labour Party. Just look at the results of the local elections and the exodus of members from the party.

It is also clear that Gordon Brown is totally committed to the policies of militarism and privatisation that are so deeply unpopular.

An electoral college of MPs, Trade Unions and Party members will elect the Party leader. Each of these command one third of the votes. This system was one through a massive campaign to increase democracy in the Labour party in the late 70s/early 80s.

You can send your best wishes to office@john-mcdonnell.net.

Some useful links for ye: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1820329,00.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/5179556.stm