Clive Lewis is pleased to be Labours candidate

[nevermind, neoliberalism has had it 150]

This article by Annabelle Dickinson has had many comments from the public, some saying that he was only chosen because of his ethnicity, other mention his closeness to the unions.

I think neither, Clive is BBC establishment, he''s media savvy and knows his ex colleagues, an insider and establishment choice. Another point, Falkirks macho politics have been exposed  by Jim Murphy tonight and rapped over the knuckles for what they are, the dreams of some old fashioned unionists.

Ffeel free to comment here as the comments have been taken down. Try not to fall into the same trap others did.

article by Annabelle Dickinson

"Labour’s candidate for Norwich South said he was proud of his trade

union connections as his seat was dragged into a row over their

influence in the selection process.

Labour’s candidate for Norwich South said he was

proud of his trade union connections as his seat was dragged into a row

over their influence in the selection process.

Clive Lewis, who became Labour’s prospective

candidate in 2011, insisted his selection was “above board” amid reports

the influential union claimed in an internal document that it had a

“direct impact” in keeping out right-wing candidates.

The former BBC journalist said he thought someone

in the union had probably tried to overstate the union’s involvement in

his campaign to be selected in an effort to “big themselves up”.

Questions have been raised by Labour’s head

office about the influence of the Unite union in seat selections amid

allegations tit manipulated votes in the safe Labour constituency of

Falkirk.

A letter was sent to Unite members in Norwich South in

2011 supporting Mr Lewis, who was the union’s official nomination in the

run up to a party vote.

And he also said he received money from the union

“late” into the campaign to help with the cost of leaflets and campaign

material.

Mr Lewis said: “Trade Unions are an inherent and

important part of the Labour Party and they should take their place in

the democratic process. Of course it should always be legitimate. The

fact they want to legitimately organise within the Labour Party is

something that has happened as long as the Labour Party has existed.

“I am proud of the work that they do, and I am

proud that they are trying to encourage a broader range of people to

become MPs. Working people to reflect a there is a need for a more

diverse range of needs and views.

He added: “It is important that Labour reflects

all aspects of society. If you are going to talk about One Nation Labour

it includes unions and everyday people. It encompasses the whole of our

society and trade unions are part of that. “I am proud of my connection

to unions. And I know that how we operate in Norwich is all above

board.”

[Herman 8,550]

What team does he support?

[nevermind, neoliberalism has had it 150]

[quote user="Herman "]What team does he support?[/quote]

A very good question, Herman, I''m stumped. I know that Labour has very little originality left after last weeks spending review of the Tory''s, but the question you raised goes right to the heart of any candidates conscience....;)

[Herman 8,550]

:-)

Can''t do links on my phone but there is a good article by Martin Kettle in the Guardian about Falkirk. Worth a read if you''ve got a spare five minutes.

[nevermind, neoliberalism has had it 150]

Agree with kettle that Falkirk matters, Herman, the unions are still

stuck in the 1970 and they are over estimating their powers within. Eric

Joyce has been MP since 2000 and he is standing down. Any candidate

should ideally be local and have the support of his local party, even

better is known to voters as a fair and principled person, which helps.This is the link herman spoke ofhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jul/04/falkirk-labour-unite-challenge-miliband