Dramatic Labour row breaks out as election to powerful post is called off at the last minute
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Loading... - Havel Romero
- 19 Feb 2021
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A Labour row broke out in dramatic style this morning as an election to a powerful post was called off at the last minute.
Officers of the party's ruling body decided a vote for chair of the party's National Policy Forum, which decides Labour's direction on issues like Brexit, should be postponed.
The decision was taken minutes before the NPF met in Leeds, and many delegates were on the way when it happened.
A source at the NPF said they expected some delegates to "kick off" and demand the decision was reversed.
But NEC officials blocked an attempt to reverse the decision. The source said there was "lots of shouting" and "swearing from all sides", leaving a "poisonous atmosphere".
Another source at the behind-closed-doors meeting in Leeds told the Press Association: "This morning symbolised the old school male union bullying that is determined to keep Jeremy Corbyn's people in control no matter how bad it looks to the outside world."
It comes after the ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) gained new, pro-Jeremy Corbyn members, tipping the balance of power in favour of the "left slate".
Last month Ann Black, the head of the NEC disputes panel, was ousted and replaced with left-wing Momentum director Christine Shawcroft.
According to HuffPost UK, Ms Black had been on course to win today's hastily-arranged election before it was called off.
Labour MP Wes Streeting fumed: "The new version of democracy in the Labour Party : can't win an election? Don't hold one!"
Labour MP Lucy Powell complained publicly, tweeting: "As a delegate I am on my way to Leeds.
"The National Policy Forum is not a sub-committee of the NEC and we can elect our own Chair democratically.
"This smacks of old school control freakery, not new politics."
A source close to the leadership confirmed: "NEC officers met this morning following representations from members of the NPF that insufficient notice had been given for the election and that the Vice Chair could act up.
"The officers decided to postpone the election."
