| Save the Labour Party |
| NEWS RELEASE 10/04
Members challenge Blair’s right to appoint Party chair London – 6 September Speculation about a government reshuffle involving the possible replacement of the current unelected Party chair by another Prime Ministerial appointee has provoked a critical response from Labour Party members. The campaigning group Save the Labour Party (STLP) is challenging Prime Minister Tony Blair’s right to make such an appointment in the first place. A resolution calling for a change to the Party Rules to ensure that in future a Party chair is elected by the membership has been tabled by Manchester Central Constituency Labour Party for consideration at this year’s Annual Conference in three weeks time. STLP chair Peter Kenyon said, “There is no provision in the Labour Party Rule book for such an appointment, and there are unanswered questions about the financial arrangements concerning this position.” “We appreciate the support for Ian McCartney MP, the current unelected chair, from trade union leaders in view of his efforts to ensure better relations between the Labour Party and the unions. As rank-and-file members we would like an opportunity to decide whether or not we need a Party Chair, and if so who that should be in an open and fairly run election”, he added. STLP is campaigning to win elections with more, active members and challenging the Leadership to work with it ahead of the next general election. Since it was set up a year ago, STLP has attracted support from most sections of the Labour Party, not just its left wing. It has members in nearly 100 parliamentary constituencies and close links with other campaigning organisations in the labour movement in England, Scotland and Wales. Media enquiries: Peter Kenyon Mobile 07802 216 591 eMail: peter.g.kenyon@btinternet.com Notes to Editors 1. Save the Labour Party is a voluntary association, open to all Labour Party members and affiliates and includes members from the left, right and centre of the Labour Party committed to democratic socialism. 2. Details of its activities – past present and future can be seen at: www.savethelabourparty.org |