On the Momentum new constitution furore...

I have no real interest in all the arguments and differences at the "top" of the organisation. For me what matters is what happens on the ground, and if Momentum helps achieve a Labour govt, Labour cllrs, and success at by-elections then that's fine, but I see no point in endless disputes about how things are run. That is just counter-productive and generates negative feedback in both the media and within the wider Labour Party itself.

I don't want to see another organisation with similar structures to the Labour Party. Why would Momentum want to copy that? Why do we need delegates and national committees and policies etc? Surely if we are supporting a Corbyn-led LP then those are the policies we follow and support? Momentum is not, nor should it be, a party within a party. 

Simply operating as activist clusters supporting Labour candidates and policies is the better option. What we need is local activism: feet on the ground, members knocking on doors, holding open discussions, making contacts with voters, working with comrades in trades unions, being active in socialist campaigns and projects that benefit our communities, etc...

So, unless Momentum stops all the squabbling and silliness it will die a death. Meanwhile, we have work to do here in Cumbria, so let's get on with it!

New year, new targets...

It's almost two weeks into 2017 and I feel I have achieved very little so far, other than attending a very interesting Momentum-organised meeting in Kendal at which Julie Ward, MEP for the North West, was guest speaker.

I decided that I would review what I want to achieve politically, and then I can work out how to achieve those aims... so here goes.

My aims and objectives are

• ... to achieve a Labour government for the country,
• ... to help elect Labour MPs in by-elections,
• ... to help elect councillors to county and district councils,
• ... to raise the profile in a positive way of the Labour Party,
• ... to promote the social and economic policies for the country put forward by Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell,

Next step is to work out how best to achieve these...  watch this space!