• AS a Labour Party member I’m forbidden to say whether or not I’ve received a letter of investigation, although (I’m told) the letters helpfully include a number for the Samaritans, should the arrival of such lead to the party member feeling isolated or suicidal.

I believe it’s also illegal to inform family members or more distant relations. I’ve an aunt somewhere in Australia who I think would be appalled if she knew I’d been identified for possible expulsion.

I’m just pleased I wouldn’t, in those circumstances, be permitted to tell her. The shock might be too much. But what if you inform someone by accident? Texts are notorious for errors.

And we’ve all been photographed (or filmed) in compromising positions. Imagine if Sir Keir Starmer was the other person?

The headless man with the society duchess? That would be terrible. Shouldn’t we warn him? The world of Kafka that Labour now inhabits is monstrous.

Unwell. In need of medication. Whatever happened to socialism? Fairness? Due process?

STEVEN TAYLOR
Hampstead & Kilburn CLP