Rule-flouting meeting arranged to reinstate establishment face after members voted for change
The Labour regime’s war on members and its determination to protect its own from democracy continues apace in Liverpool.
Two weeks ago, Skwawkbox reported that Cllr Ann O’Byrne had been heavily ‘triggered’ by local members in the Warbreck ward in the north of the city, who were eager to have a full selection and an opportunity for change after O’Byrne’s (and other right-wing councillors’) links to ‘BICo’, the failed ‘Beautiful Ideas Company’ and its opaque cash dealings and payouts – including money to fund a job for O’Byrne’s daughter – had raised concerns.
But members told Skwawkbox that they expected the party to pressure and intimidate other potential candidates or otherwise rig the process, to ensure that O’Byrne faced no competition in the selection vote that was to result from the trigger ballot – and so it has transpired.
Flouting the rules
Warbreck Labour members have received a letter today informing them that the selection meeting will take place on 15 August – less than the seven days’ notice mandated by the party’s rules. Locals report that Cllr O’Byrne has been canvassing support well before the meeting was announced – and the meeting has not been announced by the branch secretary as the rules would normally require. Instead, the notice has been sent by regional officer Andy Smith.
And, as members feared, they are being offered only one candidate – the same Cllr Ann O’Byrne that they just voted to trigger.
The notification reads:
Dear Colleague,
There will be a council candidate selection meeting for Warbreck members at:
7:00pm on Monday 15th August at Orrell Park Community Centre, 6 Moss Lane L9 8AJ.
Please aim to arrive between 6:30 and 6:55 to ensure that your attendance is registered prior to the meeting start time.
There will be all-out elections in May 2023 under new ward boundaries. As you know Warbreck will be made up of 3 single Cllr wards and you still need to select the candidate for Orrell Park which is an All Woman Shortlist.
All women who are on the panel have been invited to express an interest and at this time Cllr Ann O’Byrne has expressed her interest.
Agenda
1. Welcome
2. Confirmation of number of eligible members
3. Confirm questions
4. Candidate speech followed by questions
5. Proceed to ballot motion
6. Ballot
After insulting the city by writing for the Murdoch S*n, mocking democratic rights at every turn and even appointing former agents of enemy parties to control its dealings with the city, Starmer’s party continues to pour contempt on Liverpool and those still clinging to their membership in the city – and on the very notion of democracy itself.
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