Labour - Behind Closed Doors

Behind Closed Doors: A Tale of Negativity and Bullying in a Constituency Labour Party

In a very concerning story that resonates with me personally, and my experiences in the Labour Party here in Telford, I was not shocked to learn of a huge story that has been overlooked in the main, and deserves more coverage.

In a dramatic and unsettling turn of events, the Chingford and Woodford Green Constituency Labour Party (CLP) has witnessed an exodus of nearly fifty members, all rallying behind Faiza Shaheen, a candidate who has been unceremoniously ousted by the national party leadership. This mass resignation shines a light on the toxic environment of negativity and bullying that has taken root within some factions of the Labour Party, raising serious questions about the party's internal democracy and its treatment of dedicated members.

The Shaheen Saga: 

A Case Study in Entrenched Hostility

Faiza Shaheen, a respected pro-Palestinian candidate who had tirelessly campaigned for Labour for four years, found herself discarded in favour of a pro-Zionist, right-wing candidate. The dismissal of Shaheen, particularly after she had garnered significant local support and had been reselected as the candidate, has left many in her constituency disillusioned and outraged.

A leaked recording of Shaheen’s National Executive Committee (NEC) interview revealed a troubling scene: Shaheen was juggling her interview responsibilities while dealing with an upset baby, as the interview was scheduled at a time when childcare was unavailable. This scenario was compounded by the fact that two of the three NEC members conducting the interview had self-awarded safe seats, further underscoring the lack of fairness in the process.

Following her removal, Shaheen decided to run as an independent, a decision that was met with an unprecedented show of solidarity from her supporters. Nearly fifty Labour members from Chingford and Woodford Green resigned, choosing to campaign for Shaheen rather than stay with a party they felt had betrayed their values and trust.

The Broader Implications: Unrest and Control

The situation in Chingford and Woodford Green raises critical questions about the broader state of the Labour Party. Is this level of disenchantment and desertion a localised incident, or is it symptomatic of a more widespread malaise within the party?

Reports from various constituencies suggest that the practice of parachuting in candidates—often from outside the local area and with little to no connection to the community—is not isolated.

Such actions reflect a top-down approach that prioritises control over grassroots democracy, leading to a suppression of dissent and a homogenisation of candidates. This controlled environment, where local voices are stifled and external candidates are imposed, has led many members to either down tools or quit the party entirely. The exodus from Chingford and Woodford Green is a stark example of this growing discontent.

A Culture of Bullying and Hostility

Shaheen’s resignation letter paints a damning picture of her treatment within the party. She describes a relentless campaign of bullying and hostility, unprecedented in her personal and professional life. She highlights the party’s disregard for local members’ desires and the penalisation she faced for speaking out against Islamophobia and other critical issues.

This culture of bullying is not an isolated complaint. Numerous stories have emerged of councillors resigning, constituency officers walking out, and members cutting up their Labour cards in protest. The treatment of Shaheen, particularly in light of her significant contributions and the support she had amassed, is emblematic of a broader culture of negativity that seems to have taken root in parts of the Labour Party.

The Fallout: A Party at Crossroads

The resignation of nearly fifty members from a single CLP to support Shaheen as an independent candidate is a significant blow to the Labour Party. These members, once the backbone of Labour’s grassroots campaigning efforts, are now actively working against the party they once supported. This development not only undermines Labour’s organisational strength but also risks alienating the very volunteers who are crucial for electoral success.

The joint resignation letter from Shaheen’s supporters encapsulates the deep sense of betrayal felt by many. They decry the anti-democratic deselection process, the inhumane treatment of Shaheen, and the party’s apparent double standards in admitting former Conservative MPs while sidelining committed left-wing activists.

Conclusion: Time for Reflection and Change

The turmoil in Chingford and Woodford Green is a wake-up call for the Labour Party. It highlights the urgent need for introspection and reform to address the toxic culture of bullying and control that has alienated so many dedicated members. If Labour is to remain a party of grassroots democracy and genuine representation, it must listen to its members, respect local voices, and foster an environment of inclusivity and respect.

The mass resignation in Chingford and Woodford Green serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting these principles.

How long will it be before the remining people in Telford CLP make a stand in solidarity with other CLP's?

Note: this article has been penned with my own personal beliefs and knowledge, based on media reports and personal knowledge of internal party operations. Views expressed are solely my own, and not necessarily a reflextion of my affiliation with any political party or organisation.