• AS a member of the Labour Party, I am disappointed by the schism that has developed in my ward (Cantelowes) as well as at the annual meeting.

The letter of January 30 from members of Holborn and St Pancras Labour Party (Starmer’s claims to be Labour’s unity candidate are far wide of the mark), is accurate but does not acknowledge that there is fault on both sides.

The two factions are dominating meetings, thus preventing dialogue and discussion. Such factionalism prevents the best people being elected to help run the wards and constituency party. Respect is frequently absent resulting in occasional outbursts of bad behaviour.

In the run-up to the election, I campaigned in Hendon, a marginal seat. I met over 50 Labour members on each occasion, there was a positive atmosphere, different points of view were expressed without any intolerance.

Coming back to the Holborn & St Pancreas CLP annual general meeting was a deep disappointment. As members of the Labour Party we all desperately wish to see a Labour government in power, such factionalism is a major stumbling block.

Unless the majority of members of both factions are prepared to compromise and show respect to each other, as well as to a different opinion, there is little chance of providing a forward-looking, open constituency that can realise it full potential.

ISKY GORDON
Lawford Road, NW5