Liberal Vision

Cockney Labour in a Right Old Barney – BNP Giraffe-ing?

On the Cockney streets of Laaaaaaaandan word reaches Cockney Julian that the Cockney Labour Parties of Barking and Dagenham are falling to pieces with in-fighting.

Astonishingly, 13 councillors are reported to be facing deselection, with a further 7 resigning.

Hence 20 out of the Labour group of 38 won’t stand at the next elections. For the mathematically illiterate, that’s …

… OVER HALF THEIR GROUP!

Reports suggest that MP Margaret Hodge is involved in a dirty tricks campaign to influence selections. The deselected councillors are said to be “people who didn’t like Margaret,” with the Labour MP described by her own side as ” a control freak”.

The feud is thought to stem from Hodge’s “Whiskers” comments about the BNP in 2006, when she said that “eight out of ten white voters” might vote for the far-right party. The BNP already hold 12 seats in Barking & Dagenham, with a local Labour activist portentously stating:

“I can see the BNP controlling the council”

Elsewhere out east Labour is itself being accused of racism, following the deselection of three black councillors in Waltham Forest.

Cllr Elisabeth Davies said: “I’m angry all three black councillors have been deselected. Is it racially motivated? What do you think?”

Local Labour Leyton MP Harry Coen has confirmed he’s standing down following revelations over his expenses claims, involving an £100,000 bill over his alleged second home.

The Lib Dems came second in Leyton and Wanstead at the last GE, and are tipped to gain control of the Waltham Forest council.

Sausage and burn, Labour, sausage and burn!