How not to fight the BNP (part one)

I missed the start of today's meeting of the Regional Local Government Executive and therefore the congratulations to our member had been elected to Barking and Dagenham Council (http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/9-democracy/elections/results/election-results.cfm?id=28D7E78D-5056-A477-3495AB0AC4471FB5), knocking out a sitting BNP Councillor.



I was still there though for any other business and hence the news that she has resigned as a Councillor (http://www.barking-dagenham.gov.uk/2-news-events/latest-news/2010/goresbrook-ward.html).



There will now have to be an election in Goresbrook ward, previously represented by BNP GLA member, Richard Barnbrook.



I shall not comment except to observe that it is unfortunate that a further election should have to take place so very soon after the BNP were wiped off the Council. The reasons why working class voters rejected the far right on 6 May still apply and we must work to ensure that they lead to the same consequence.



Were I - or another socialist critic of the leadership - to have stood down in such circumstances I - or they - would expect to be vilified within our Union.



I prefer not to do vilification. I will stick with disappointment.

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