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I’m opposed to primaries – and irked that LabourList and Progress are pushing them without consultation

October 29, 2009 1:32 pm

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Julian Ware-Lane

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Ballot box By Julian Ware-Lane / @WareLane

I am consensual in my politics. Provided Labour does not bring back capital punishment or reintroduce slavery I am likely to go along with many things they promote. I do expect to have a say though.

I am neither old Labour nor new, and am in no faction – I am a member of both Progress and Compass, and will rejoin the Fabian Society soon.

However I am irked. It seems that both LabourList and Progress are pushing the Primaries issue. This is no dig at either Alex Smith or Jessica Asato, with whom I am in agreement on most things.

I realise that neither LabourList nor Progress are democratic, but how did both suddenly become organs of promotion for Primaries – did I miss that vote?

I am opposed to Primaries – this is no secret. But, as I stated at the start of this piece, I am consensual. If there is a consensus for this then I will go along with it. The thing is, I cannot see how we can have got consensus because I do not recall being consulted.

Perhaps I am exaggerating my own importance here. I apologise if my ego has got the better of me.

I know I am not the only one who opposes Primaries, so how did we get to where we are?

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