• THANKS to Tom Selwyn, Linda Lefevre and Bernard Miller (CNJ Letters & Forum) we now have a precise and damning account of how democratic safeguards were compromised in Labour’s deselection process.

I would add a further point. One of the of the members of the panel was Peter John, who signed off at least one of its decisions.

John was leader of Southwark Council (2010-2020). Between 2003 and 2020 Southwark lost a net total of 2,577 council homes to speculative housing schemes, most of them under his leadership (information kindly supplied by Councillor Siân Berry).

Currently John runs a consultancy which specialises in introducing large developers to local authorities.

According to Mike Katz and Martin Plaut (Letters), the inclusion of outsiders on the selection panel is proof of its impartiality and freedom from local factionalism.

Paul Tomlinson and Leo Cassarini were removed from May’s election for raising questions about a policy which replicates many features of John’s time in Southwark.

Was John appointed to the panel to help get rid of perceived opponents of Camden’s planning policies?

And does the implied link between John and Camden’s leadership indicate the likely fate of Murphy’s Yard in Kentish Town and redevelopment of the O2 Centre and Euston station?

The refusal of Camden’s leaders to acknowledge discontent or respond to serious doubts is evidence of the gulf between them and voters.

It also gives Camden’s opposition parties their best chance in years.

JOHN MASON
Hillview Estate, WC1