Meacher Breaks Agreement and Launches Public Attack
I am saddened to see that Michael Meacher has broken his agreement that there would be a comradely discussion within the Left on how a Left candidate would proceed to the ballot paper in the leadership election based upon which candidate had the most nominations. People will recall that he gave a public pledge in the Independent that he would withdraw if if he had less nominations than our campaign. In this morning's Guardian he has launched a public attack on our campaign and come out with some outrageous verging on the delusional statements.
I no longer feel I can just remain silent.
Over the last few weeks extensive discussions have taken place with Michael Meacher. Mike Wood MP - who has acted as our Parliamentary team leader - first of all sought meetings with Alan Simpson MP whom we believed was Meacher's campaign manager. Alan denied he was the campaign manager so we then approached Kelvin Hopkins MP but he also declined to play this role. Meetings then took place with Michael Meacher himself because we couldn't find anyone else who was willing to state they were part of his campaign team or state publicly that they supported him.
Basically the situation is that when Tony Blair declares he is standing down there will only be a few days for MPs to send in their nominations. If an MP has nominated, he or she cannot switch their nomination to another candidate unless that candidate withdraws from the election. The nominating MP has no control over this.
So, as there will be little time to secure a withdrawal of candidature and then switch of nominations, we have been desperate to compare nominations with Michael Meacher so that a decision can be taken early on who should drop out and who should go forward.
The problem is that Michael Meacher will not reveal even in the strictest confidence the list of nominations he claims to have secured. His only known supporters - Alan Simpson, Kelvin Hopkins and even Michael's own personal assistant - have confirmed that they have not seen any list.
We appreciated that some MPs will not want to have their names publicised. We have quite a number like that as well. So what Mike Wood suggested to Michael was that we both set out our first dozen or so nominations and meet with each to verify. Then after that we move on to the next dozen and then the next until the person with the least drops out. In fact we have been publishing some of our nominations on ourv website every week. I think the first dozen have gone up with supporting statements.
However Michael has still refused to give anyone sight or publish any names of MPs nominating him.
We are at a loss what to do.
Over the last month Michael Meacher has claimed 50 nominations secured. This then went down to 40. It is now down to 25. In Saturday's Guardian it suggested what most believe to be accurate that he has only two firm commitments. In the Guardian today he claims to have signed statements from 25 MPs confirming that they will nominate him. Nobody has seen these statements. Last year he did circulate a form asking if MPs were in favour in principle of a challenge from the Left and many signed this but this form did not refer to him as the candidate. He has circulated another form more recently including his own name but most MPs have reported that they have informed him that they are not willing to nominate him.
In his letter to the Guardian he alleges that the reports from Gordon Brown's camp in Saturday's Guardian that he has secured only three nominations were published because Brown is promoting my candidature because he is frightened of facing Michael Meacher.
Just make of this what you will but on the basis of this and other statements about the number of nominations secured many are beginning to worry about Michael's judgement.
I believe that we can demonstrate in this election that there is overwhelming support in our movement for the policies the Left is advocating. We can use this campaign to rebuild the Left both within the party and in the wider movement. We can only do that if people display a commitment to the wider movement than personal motives and above all if people behave with dignity that inspires respect.
If there is anyone who feels they can exert any influence over Michael Meacher at this stage please do all you can to assist. His behaviour may well mean that we run the risk that no Left candidate gets on the ballot paper.
I no longer feel I can just remain silent.
Over the last few weeks extensive discussions have taken place with Michael Meacher. Mike Wood MP - who has acted as our Parliamentary team leader - first of all sought meetings with Alan Simpson MP whom we believed was Meacher's campaign manager. Alan denied he was the campaign manager so we then approached Kelvin Hopkins MP but he also declined to play this role. Meetings then took place with Michael Meacher himself because we couldn't find anyone else who was willing to state they were part of his campaign team or state publicly that they supported him.
Basically the situation is that when Tony Blair declares he is standing down there will only be a few days for MPs to send in their nominations. If an MP has nominated, he or she cannot switch their nomination to another candidate unless that candidate withdraws from the election. The nominating MP has no control over this.
So, as there will be little time to secure a withdrawal of candidature and then switch of nominations, we have been desperate to compare nominations with Michael Meacher so that a decision can be taken early on who should drop out and who should go forward.
The problem is that Michael Meacher will not reveal even in the strictest confidence the list of nominations he claims to have secured. His only known supporters - Alan Simpson, Kelvin Hopkins and even Michael's own personal assistant - have confirmed that they have not seen any list.
We appreciated that some MPs will not want to have their names publicised. We have quite a number like that as well. So what Mike Wood suggested to Michael was that we both set out our first dozen or so nominations and meet with each to verify. Then after that we move on to the next dozen and then the next until the person with the least drops out. In fact we have been publishing some of our nominations on ourv website every week. I think the first dozen have gone up with supporting statements.
However Michael has still refused to give anyone sight or publish any names of MPs nominating him.
We are at a loss what to do.
Over the last month Michael Meacher has claimed 50 nominations secured. This then went down to 40. It is now down to 25. In Saturday's Guardian it suggested what most believe to be accurate that he has only two firm commitments. In the Guardian today he claims to have signed statements from 25 MPs confirming that they will nominate him. Nobody has seen these statements. Last year he did circulate a form asking if MPs were in favour in principle of a challenge from the Left and many signed this but this form did not refer to him as the candidate. He has circulated another form more recently including his own name but most MPs have reported that they have informed him that they are not willing to nominate him.
In his letter to the Guardian he alleges that the reports from Gordon Brown's camp in Saturday's Guardian that he has secured only three nominations were published because Brown is promoting my candidature because he is frightened of facing Michael Meacher.
Just make of this what you will but on the basis of this and other statements about the number of nominations secured many are beginning to worry about Michael's judgement.
I believe that we can demonstrate in this election that there is overwhelming support in our movement for the policies the Left is advocating. We can use this campaign to rebuild the Left both within the party and in the wider movement. We can only do that if people display a commitment to the wider movement than personal motives and above all if people behave with dignity that inspires respect.
If there is anyone who feels they can exert any influence over Michael Meacher at this stage please do all you can to assist. His behaviour may well mean that we run the risk that no Left candidate gets on the ballot paper.
posted by John at 2:49 AM
31 Comments:
Meacher ought to stand down now! I used to think that criticising, whilst maintaining courtesy and comradeship, were the best ways in which to make him realise the mistake he made when launching his bid - I seem to have been more than wrong, I guess...
Meacher's bid is beginning to cause a situation rather similar to that caused by Montebourg in France when he split the Left challenge against Segolene Royal. I am aware of that my criticism of Royal may begin to sound repetitive, but I am beginning to get sriously by some of the readers of this blog, who seem to back her without having read her quasi-Blairite programme.
Again, at the risk of being repetitive here's a link to the old Torygraph (which I don't expect you to trust):
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/21/wfrance121.xml
At any rate, good luck John, you'll get on the ballot, I'm sure!
I am not a Labour member, but i am behind your campaign John. I think our country would be a better place with you leading it. Michael appears to be a bit erratic when you look at his recent political career. Certainly not someone you want to get behind in any circumstance.
I have made the remark to others that Michael Meacher is a douchebag and that to spare himself humiliation he should drop out. Doesn't look like he would listen if he heard those words.
I wish i could offer some advice on how to deal with him, but my only suggestion is people e-mail his campaign site asking him politely to stand down and support your campaign.
Well, anon, that's been done already... many, many, many times... unfortunately, to no effect...
Why don't you join the Party and give John your vote, that's the best thing you can do to help!
Hi John
How you maintain your resolve with such destructive politics is a testament to your strength of character. I wonder if his behaviour is being directed by someone elses campaign?
I fully support your campaign and thanks for your continued support fo rthe Fremantle Care workers campaign I see the numbers are growing on EDM 1166
In his Gurdian letter Meacher also states that McDonnell has "virtually not a single promise outside the Campaign Group”
erm, where does that line leave David Drew and Ronnie Campbell?
Well, andrea, I suppose that's just in order to compensate for the fact that he himself has virtually no support outside his (or should I say "one of his many") home(s), if that. :-)
Why don't we get letters in the Guardian? letters@guardian.co.uk
Meacher is INSANE. When he launched, he claimed to have 30 signed supporters; with LabourHome a couple of weeks later, he claimed it was 35; in another interview, he suggested he had up to FIFTY-FIVE supporters - and now he claims 24.
Does he not realise that John has publicly declared MPs (including outside the Campaign Group) while Meacher has ZERO?!
What a WANKER
If the polite request to Meacher's campaign site is not working like you say Mikael i am not sure what to suggest.
If every supporter of John's wrote to every major news outlet (TV and Newspaper) and pointed out Michael's odd behaviour, then maybe such shows of public opposition might help.
However, i can also see the argument that if Michael is backed into a corner by public pressure, he will just get more and more unlikely to budge.
If i could ask Michael a few questions it would probably be these:
"How can you expect to gather the ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT of Labour members and trade unions, when you don't have a real record of dialogue with them when compared to McDonnell?
-Do you honestly expect they'll just jump behind you when they are presented with no other choice?
-How can you campaign on an anti-war platform when you voted for war?
-How does having so many houses appeal to the middle and lower classes that real Labour seeks to represent?
I just don't get what Mr. Meacher is thinking.
Oh, I don't - or at least, I didn't - disagree with the idea that backing Meacher into a corner would yield negative results and be completely counter-productive.
Having said that, many have tried the "polite way around it" and have failed.
The questions you suggest are good, but many have asked them already - to no effect.
Then how does anyone reason with an unreasonable man?
For what it's worth John i think Meacher does have enough support to be nominated for "Biggest Douche in the Universe"
I know the competition would be tough for such an award in the world political arena, but i think Meacher could win.
Please join my facebook group Stand Down Meacher ! (125 mmebers so far) http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2345666146
e-mail Guardian (I just have)
letters@guardian.co.uk
Other than that, words fail me. And the ones I CAN think of all have four letters.
on reflection if he has no other supporters other than Simpson and Hopkins, better ignore him and just convince Simpson and Hopkins to switch
Yes... in theory, anon. But there is a slight problem here, I'm afraid. If they've already endorsed him, Simpson and Hopkin can't just switch unless Meacher actually steps down first... Such are the rules, I fear!
Mikael - you misunderstand the rules. The nomination period doesn't start until Blair resigns. You can't nominate someone now - you can only pledge to do so to the candidate.
The problem is, if they're still backing the Meach when nominations open, that's 3 nominations down the drain which could be crucial in getting John on the ballot paper.
STAND DOWN MEACHER
Oh yes, he must stand down.
Alright, that is good news then. In that case, I'm quite sure Simpson and Hopkins could - and, hopefully, will - change their minds. Having said that I never suggested that Simpson or hopkins had already nominated Meacher but, simply, that once they had, there would be no possibility for them to switch!
I would have thought that Michael is doing a good job for John, he is even pushing old Grumpies like me nearer to John4Leader. Pity I retired from my nominating rights.
Glad to hear that, Harry!
Yes, a pity indeed!
I have just sent it my e-mail to the Guardian telling them that Michael Meacher has fallen off soo far off the bandwagon.
As many of John's supporters should do this as possible.
Focusing on his supporting MPs is a good idea which i think all party members should consider.
Garrrrrrg! Meacher demands publication, grrrrrraghhhhhh! The whole world wants me, wants me running the country, wants to put the nipple clamps on.. oh yeah thats good! I am Meacher, Johnny McD aint got nowt on me, ive got the backing of mr kipling and mel gibson KAPPLAH! KAPPLAH!
God Mikael, you don't have witter on. Can't you stop hogging this forum and let others get a word in edgeways?
This is absurd playground posturing by Meacher. What is he playing at? One would almost think he's deliberately pursuing a 'people's front of judea-esqie' divisive agenda just to discredit the left.
Do the honours Mike, quit while you're behind (in public credibility terms at the very least)
I don't think he's worried about his public credibility, less than 1% of them have heard of him. Probably 0.0001% have heard of JM. I wish Dianne could have been persuaded to stand, she could give us a all a tune off the old joanna at least.
There's nothing between John & MM in terms of lack of charisma/credibility.
What the hell's your problem Darren???
I think I am entitled to write as much as I please. Furthermore, I'm afraid many posters use different pseudonyms, I use only my own name...
Man, who appointed you "head Stalinist" of this forum you twit!
nice to see the anonymous posters out again with usual high level of debate. Harry Barnes could well be right.The words shot and "in foot" spring to mind. Hope so......
Meacher is like one of those tiresome attention-seeking kids who thinks he's really popular when in fact everyone is laughing at him because he doesn't realise how dim he is.
Ordinarily I would suggest sending a letter home, but to which one?
Unfortunately I think he's now gone beyond the grasp of reason. He's clearly a few properties short of a full portfolio.
My view is Meacher came into this too late. The momentum began last summer when John started touring the country and put in a huge amount of hard work. In our CLP, we have 10 or more members who have joined or rejoined to back the campaign. Considering that the whole membership is around the 200 mark it is a hell of an achievement.
The whole thing is on the verge of turning into a Fred Karno Circus situation if Meacher continues this. It will also reinforce the view amongst many that the left is disunited and always buggers things up ie The Judean Peoples Front & People's Front of Judea in Python's Life of Brian.
I hope John will continue publishing more MP nominations on this site to prove that he has more than the 15 or less Meacher says he has. Meacher is to use blunt words which is not in my nature simply coming across as a liar. No politician has done that before haven't they???
I wonder if Meacher is burning the midnight oil as well!
I think he really believes he will get the middle ground vote but doesen't grasp that the only credible candidate against Brown or any other Blairite candidate needs to have clear water between the tow ideologically.
I presume absolutely no chance of him taking a senior post in McD government though as he is starting to see the light on war and it would be better than giving it to Brown if needs must - sure this has already been tried though; has Meacher similarily offered John a post if he ever formed a govt??
just to rule these things out I'm suggesting this
I have met John on a number of occasions and it is his integrity, compassion and willingness to listen that shines through. He really is a different type of politician. If he doesn't get on the ballot then there really is no meaning to the word 'democracy' anymore.
btw,
re meacher, there is an interesting
article on the Blairwatch blog
http://www.blairwatch.co.uk/node/1733
frenetic i have got to say i totally agree with you. I met John only briefly at the John4Leader Rally back in March. He walked past and i asked "Mr. McDonnell can i have your signature please?" He took my pen and signed the campaign leaflet and then said, "It's John by the way."
I know that may seem small, but he was very friendly and humble. He doesn't seem like the kind of guy who has been warped by the "Westminster Bubble".
On policies and personality he is the best candidate for the left-wing of the Labour movement. He is the best and only chance for a real contest based on ideologies and not a beauty contest.
Just remember everyone:
United we Stand - Divided we Fall.
I am sure Michael will put his socialist ideals before himself in the end. Let's give him room to do so.
Socialists fighting each other. It`s been the bane and death of socialism all my life. What makes it so pathictic is they are fighting for nothing, Gordon Brown will be the next PM. How the tories love these shows of the left`s solidarity.
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