In 2006 the BNP reared their ugly head in barking and Dagenham. As a consequence of this Labour had to implement radical changes to ensure the BNP could not increase and gain a foothold. To do this many decisions were made that would have implications later. The complacency of the Party in a safe seat by the MPs and the Councillors led to each side blaming the other and then the time came when Councillors had to attempt re-selection and failed. The departure of these Councillors created an atmosphere of anger and hatred amongst those remaining who colleagues were chosen at their discretion by no formal process historically and vowed revenge. This anger is as present today as it was back then.
Meanwhile the campaign strategy in Barking allowed the contact rate with residents to leave single percentage figures and enter the sixty and seventy % area, an incredible change from a culture of entitlement and laziness that had held sway before.
Griffin was then baited to Barking and all the racist BNP defeated as the Labour Movement expelled him in vast numbers and the residents and community groups brought into the campaign machine.
The campaign machine though was only part of what was required to signal the end of the BNP, real change in policy, in direction was needed on the Council to enable it to reach out to those who had given up their time from all parts of the community, local churches, ethnic groups, tenants and residents associations, Unions etc which would have also made the community more resilient, more able to cope with the austerity measures to come which would make the already difficult lives of poor residents even tougher.
Sadly after the election the same characters dominated the Council and continued as though nothing had occurred. Policy was based upon privatisation with an outsourced "strategic partner" initially promising to find jobs for residents in Barking and Dagenham and then changing the understanding to a generic East London. Daily, more responsibilities are being passed over to the Partner and the transparency and accountability disappearing completely as Councillors struggle to get even the remotest information from fearful Council officers.
The Labour Group, which has shown no outward sign of rebellion or serious disharmony, is subjected to bullying, threats and intimidation from those in charge who still hold very deep grudges about the DE-selection of their colleagues. In an attempt to create issues the Executive have banned any Councillors (except their friends) from sending emails to all Councillors, banned anyone from writing letters to the press (so no letters respond to attacks from the opponents of the Party and Labours opponents are given free reign) and scrutiny on committees also banned, any questions or polices sent back to cabinet are treated as acts of treachery. Questions not agreed beforehand are interpreted as "attacks" on the Council itself.
At a community meeting I heard the views of residents who had helped Labour in the Battle of Barking and it would seem that the Council Executive feels it no longer needs these groups or cares about their situations, as a result more and more residents are trying to set up Tenants' and Residents Associations to enable them to gain a voice that is lacking in the Council Chamber.
Once more In Barking and Dagenham, democracy is returning to the streets, and those who campaigned hard and who spent most of their time on the doorsteps are being targeted for stitch-ups manufactured by the Executive Members in revenge for the DE-selections in 2006.
It was to show the Labour party and the Labour Movement what was occurring and in an attempt to create scrutiny and democracy on the Council whilst at the same time work with the ever increasing numbers of disenfranchised people that I decided to advertise my unhappiness with Labour and go Independent. The most painful and agonising decision I have ever taken in my life.
Using emails I feint an attraction to the Tories even booked visits with Labour and Tory GLA members to discuss my dissatisfaction and deliberately wrote a speculative email about campaigning against Caroline Flint MP and included the Dagenham MP in the circulation knowing he would readily pass it onto the Council Leader, his dear old friend.
The Executive wasted no time, at last! At opportunity for revenge! They sent the email with a complaint to London Labour who then suspended me from the Party and gave me the excuse I needed.
Labour has lost a very hard working campaigner, politicians and member. In election terms this is loss, yet if you were to meet the Executive Members on the Council they are delighted with this turn of events which is far more important than winning elections, far more important than having to work in an election, far more important than representing residents, far more important by far than democracy. This is precisely why they wanted to be in politics. To get a free ride, not do any work, reduce their responsibilities, avoid meeting the public whenever possible and not to be accountable to anyone whilst giving jobs to their friends and bully anyone who questions them or who tries to take the money away.
The questions are then;
1) How does Labour change this and become a meaningful Party rather than continue its long decline?
2) How does the Party protect its own people from bullying and intimidation?
3) How does the Party deal with "fixing" selections and ensure that selections deal with those who abuse their positions or do not pull their weight at campaign time?
4) How will the Party deal with Leaders who abuse their powers?
5) Will the Party simply respond to all complaints and take action without hearing the views of both the accuser and the accused (London Labour never approached or asked me about what had occurred)?
6) When will the Party ensure that Labour Councils cannot simply adopt the programs of our opponents and adopt a strategy, a generic one that actually challenges the Tories and provides an alternative that best advocates Labour values in an age of austerity?
7) Prevent Labour from failing the communities who give far more than they get back?
8) Deal with local Government corruption by Labour Councillors and Executives that brings the Party into disrepute?