More on the Derby defectors
Remember this? Fair Deal Phil has done some more digging:
Of the 41 names, six are genuine defectors
An astonishing 27 people on the list of so-called defectors were not Labour Party members, but had applied to join in the run-up to the selections for city council seats.
The Party suspected possible foul play and triggered immediate tougher than usual verification measures in the affected areas.
Every membership application had to be personally ratified to ensure that the applicant was a real person, living in the address stated, wished to be a member of the Party and had paid the membership fee themselves.
Since then, the Labour Party has been unable to verify 27 names - the very same 27 names which the LibDems now claim to have signed up.
The Liberals are welcome to them.
The Lieberal Dems are indeed welcome to them but try saying this with a straight face:
“The majority of Labour Party members are happy with Tony Blair’s foreign policy.”
Let’s not try and explain it all away as if none of it were true. Derby Labour Party has been unable to verify the names of 27. What about the other 14 - enough to make a well attended branch meeting these days.
“What about the other 14 - enough to make a well attended branch meeting these days. ”
A couple were not selected candidates.
Naturally you’re right that they will be enough for a well attended branch meeting..probably the one where the LDs will select their candidates
Difficult to be precise, because two were in that ill defined “lapsed members” category but around 6-8 have been identified by Phil Dilks as members who left, leaving another6-8 unaccounted for.
But, assuming I read your comment right, you are missing the point - which is that discontent with Blair or current foreign policy is not just a media story, it runs through the party.
The story in Derby was dubious, but pretending all is well in Labour nor that it is anything other than damaging (for Labour) if the L-Ds have more foot soldiers, assuming these “defectors” do more than vote at selection meetings.