Why I left labour

This is from John who worked hard to promote ecosocialism as a Labour Councillor in Carlisle but has now joined the Greens, thanks John

Hi,

Thank you for the latest Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform mailing which I received today.

Despite having been a Labour Party member and LCER supporter for 16 years, during which time I served as a local councillor, stood as a parliamentary candidate and worked as an election agent on various council, general and European election campaigns, I left the party in March. Whilst I considered spending some time filling in your supporter's survey I cannot help but feel that to do so would be a complete waste of time. The Labour Party is no more likely to adopt electoral reform now than it was when I joined in 1992. Moreover, the party recently, and very quietly, dropped its longstanding pledge for a referendum on a fair voting system for Westminster. Similarly, there's no reason at all to believe that Labour will suddenly convert to electoral reform now, especially given that time is running out and the a long period of opposition beckons. As a former member of 16 years standing who served on the Labour North Regional Board for 4 years I experienced the frustration of many members of who were either ignored, patronised or both by the leadership.

I wish you well in your efforts but do feel that it's all a bit of a waste of time. In April this year I joined the Green Party. The Greens are the only party who genuinely believe in radical constitutional reform, have a participatory internal democracy and who are generally prepared to tackle the serious problems our society faces: many of them created by a Labour Government intent on privatising the remaining parts of the public sector. Much of my time is now spent telling current and former Labour Party members that if they want electoral reform, they're better off in the Greens.

Best wishes,

John Reardon