• BEFORE I left the Labour Party (to avoid being expelled in the ongoing purge) I helped with campaigning in the 2018 local elections when we successfully took the Swiss Cottage ward from the Conservatives.

Since then the three new councillors have been working hard to serve people in Swiss Cottage and have made a big difference.

But following the shocking news about the deselection of the indefatigable councillor Leo Cassarani, and the forced withdrawal of the excellent Nayra Bello O’Shanahan and Simon Pearson, it seems that Camden Labour actually wants to lose Swiss Cottage next time.

From the cavalier way in which these three have been treated it is now clear: the Blairite group that now controls the council only wants candidates who say yes.

Anyone who scrutinises and criticises, or who pushes too hard against powerful outside business interests, is not wanted.

It’s time to teach Camden Labour Party a lesson. Vote for another party in 2022, even if you have to hold your nose.

TOM MUIRHEAD
Address supplied