Starmer sparks civil struggle by blocking left-wing mayor from essential shortlist
The Labour Party has sparked outrage on the left of the celebration by blocking the ‘last Corbynista in power’ from standing.
Jamie Driscoll, the present mayor for North of Tyne has been in energy since 2019, and through this time has continuously positioned himself to the left of Sir Keir Starmer.
His function is ready to be abolished, due to the brand new Mayor of the North East which is able to incorporate the North of the Tyne in addition to Northumberland and County Durham.
Who Labour selects as their candidate, given the celebration’s present ballot lead and conventional energy within the North, will likely be essential in deciding the following Mayor.
While the interior battle had been anticipated to be a struggle between Mr Driscoll and a extra centrist determine, as we speak the Labour Party confirmed the shortlist doesn’t function Mr Driscoll – primarily banning him as a candidate and ending his mayoral profession.
READ MORE: Keir Starmer hit by election nightmare as Labour erupts into civil war
Instead three pre-approved candidate names have gone ahead: Kim McGuinness, ex-MEP Paul Brannen, and Newcastle councillor Nicu Ion.
In a swipe at Mr Driscoll, The Labour Party instructed The Chronicle: “The Labour Party holds its candidates to a very high standard”.
“During this process, some applicants did not meet the threshold required to proceed to the longlist stage. We do not comment on individual applications.”
Responding to the transfer, Jamie Driscoll tweeted: “I’ve been barred from standing as North East Mayor by @UKLabour. No explanation has been given.”
“I’m proud to have created thousands of jobs, fought child poverty, built affordable homes and delivered our Green New Deal.
“I believe in democracy. Share if you do too.”
He promised: “More to follow”.
The news instantly prompted backlash by the Labour left, with former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell describing the transfer as “staggering.”
He stated: “To refuse to allow a serving mayor onto even a selection long list demonstrates that factionalism in the party is completely out of control. Jamie Driscoll is widely credited with doing a great job.
“There can be no other motive for excluding him.”
Howard Beckett, of the Unite Union, tweeted: “An outstanding major [sic]. One whose socialist principles run deep. Brave enough to push that socialist agenda. Standing up to the far right. Standing up to establishment centrists”.
“No wonder he’s been prevented from standing…….”
Jeremy Corbyn’s Director of Policy Andrew Fisher responded: “When you know you can’t beat someone in a democratic contest, why not purge them?”
“That’s the @UKLabour approach apparently …”
The left-wing paper The Morning Star, which this week carried a distinguished opinion piece from Jeremy Corbyn, responded: “An outrageous attack on an elected socialist mayor with a great record. Labour authoritarianism is getting worse. The Morning Star stands with Jamie Driscoll”
Some have interpreted Mr Driscoll’s promise of “more to come” might sign he plans to attraction the choice.