I am a strong Labour Party supporter. I am a strong supporter of a social democratic approach to politics. I liked what I read in the Labour Manifesto and in comparison to the Tory manifesto for me it was a no brainier.
But I reserve the right, as should all thinking people whatever their politics, to criticise any policy with which I disagree. I hope I am mature enough and with enough intelligence to understand that not a single political party will answer all your values.
That is why I chose to vote Lib -Dem in the EU election, me and more than 2 million other Labour voters. In fact Labour came a very poor fourth in my constituency. I live in a remain enclave, largely because I suspect that we have two universities as well as a number of other academic institutions. I did not take that path either lightly or with any pleasure, my heart was very heavy, particularly as I have such a good constituency MP, who is well liked by all voters. I advised him what I intended doing, and he requested that I advise JC’s office.
Yesterday Labour expelled Alistair Campbell. He is someone who I know is Labour to his core. I may disagree with some if his politics but I respect his right to hold the views he does. I know what the rules say regarding voting for another party and I absolutely agree with them in normal circumstances. For me these aren’t normal circumstances, and I find it astonishing that Labour, rather than accepting that so many of their supporters feel out of step with them on this issue, chose to expel Campbell. I would have thought that this was the time for reconciliation and listening.
Instead this act simply appears as “vindictive and petty” in the Guardians words. I cannot say if I agree with this statement, but I do agree that, that is how it appears.
I know that other Labour supporters on GN will not agree with my actions, I accept their condemnation. Times are not normal, and I am sure there are many who vote Tory are in exactly the same predicament.