Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer

• I JOINED the Labour Party in 1980 but even before I joined I had knocked on doors and delivered leaflets for them.

I was born and raised in a labour tradition of trade unionism and campaigning. I have held positions at branch and constituency level (including chair) and represented the party at conferences and on international tribunals.

I have written reports and even drafted manifestos. I have fought against fascism and racism my entire life, and for the first time ever I can only find negative reasons for voting Labour.

Our leader told lies to the membership in order to be elected and he has expelled socialists as though it was a badge of honour. People I’ve known for decades have been removed, debate has been halted, and democracy subverted.

The local candidates for the Camden elections were imposed via a corrupt and corrupting mechanism. Sitting Labour councillors were removed from the list of candidates and individual branches excluded from the selection process.

The manifesto is a charter for property speculators and developers. It offers neither hope nor an alternative to the Conservatives.

The only thing in Labour’s favour is that they are not the Tories. They might look (a little bit) sorry while they cut jobs, increase charges and get rid of services.

Sir Keir Starmer said he reads the Letters pages of the CNJ. I hope he does. And feels ashamed of himself. We have never been led so abjectly, by someone lacking in both policies and principles.

STEVEN TAYLOR
Hampstead & Kilburn CLP