Comments on: More on the Derby defectors http://www.antoniabance.org.uk/2006/09/02/more-on-the-derby-defectors/ Thoughts of Antonia, Labour activist and feminist in Oxford Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:25:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Dan http://www.antoniabance.org.uk/2006/09/02/more-on-the-derby-defectors/#comment-17403 Dan Tue, 05 Sep 2006 11:24:33 +0000 http://www.antoniabance.org.uk/2006/09/02/more-on-the-derby-defectors/#comment-17403 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. 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.

]]> By: Andrea http://www.antoniabance.org.uk/2006/09/02/more-on-the-derby-defectors/#comment-17219 Andrea Mon, 04 Sep 2006 17:59:41 +0000 http://www.antoniabance.org.uk/2006/09/02/more-on-the-derby-defectors/#comment-17219 "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 “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

]]> By: Dan http://www.antoniabance.org.uk/2006/09/02/more-on-the-derby-defectors/#comment-17142 Dan Mon, 04 Sep 2006 11:17:54 +0000 http://www.antoniabance.org.uk/2006/09/02/more-on-the-derby-defectors/#comment-17142 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. 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.

]]>