Every week Sussex Bylines will be publishing articles related to the July 4th General Election, covering both local and national issues. Broadly, our political sympathies are left of centre and, while Sussex Bylines does not endorse any one political party, we are keen to encourage collaboration between progressive parties and reduce tribalism. Published articles will reflect the views and political stance of individual writers and should not be taken as Sussex Bylines’ endorsement of those views.
Lloyd Russell-Moyle is the MP for Brighton Kemptown, the neighbouring constituency to Lewes. He went to school here. His mum and dad are active members of the Labour Party in Lewes. He was the Labour candidate here in 2015. At the 2017 General Election, carload after carload of us went over to Moulsecomb to help him get elected.
He speaks regularly at Lewes Labour events, and supports us in any Lewes Constituency Labour Party (CLP) elections. His presence here is always appreciated. Yet Lewes CLP has banned Lloyd’s dignified and measured statement from appearing on any local social media because he is “no longer a candidate”.
Of course none of us know the nature of the accusation that has led to Lloyd being barred – but there are a number of very rum facts and curious coincidences.
Eight facts about Lloyd Russell-Moyle’s sudden de-selection
First, this is an accusation dating back eight years, that’s 2016, before Lloyd was an MP.
Second, there may be good reasons why the accuser has waited so long, for example trauma, but there has been no suggestion Lloyd is being accused of a criminal offence; so the severity of any misdemeanour has to be questioned and leaves a reasonable doubt as to the exact cause for the incredibly long wait.
Third, now we get to the uncanny coincidences. The accusation comes to light, not when Lloyd was democratically reselected by the local Party as their candidate, but when it was too late for a replacement to be democratically selected. Strange, that.
Fourth, and as if by magic, Chris Ward, who formerly worked in Keir Starmer’s office, just happens to be available to step in and save the day.
Fifth, Nancy Platts, Labour candidate for Kemptown in 2015, who came within a few hundred votes of winning, former Brighton Council leader, puts herself forward to be the candidate, with Lloyd’s support. Yet while being interviewed, strangely enough the National Executive Committee (NEC) selection committee had already announced to journalist Michael Crick that Chris had got it. Surely some mistake? Nope.
Sixth, Sir Keir is a former Director of Public Prosecutions – it’s what he got his knighthood for. So one might assume he is aware of the basic legal concept ‘innocent until proven guilty’. No one yet has the proof suggesting Lloyd did, or did not do, what he’s been accused of. Let him stand, investigate. If he did whatever it is, withdraw the whip, expel him from the Parliamentary Labour Party. If not, don’t.
Seventh, some of those who made this decision have been rewarded with safe seats without having to go through any local democratic selection process like all other candidates. Strange, that.
Eighth, this is a party whose message of ‘change’ is founded on a core principle: democratising and decentralising power. Without comment.
What next?
In conclusion, I choose my words carefully as the Labour Party Compliance Unit may be watching.
Will I be canvassing in Kemptown as I did in 2017? Nope, strangely enough my diary appears to be entirely full with canvassing in Worthing West and Crawley, where there are brilliant Labour candidates, democratically selected.
Do I want Labour to win in Kemptown? Yes: the only alternative is a Tory.
Will I be visibly upset if Labour doesn’t win in Kemptown? No. Labour rules only apply to actions, not emotions – well so far they do. Any defeat, or much reduced majority, will be entirely down to those responsible for the barring of Lloyd, from Sir Keir downwards.
This article is re-published with permission from Labour Hub. Mark Perryman organises events for Lewes CLP. His latest book Corbynism from Below is available here
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO OUR CROWDFUNDER
HELP US BECOME STRONGER SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO DELIVER POWERFUL CITIZEN JOURNALISM!
