A blog by Luke Akehurst about politics, elections, and the Labour Party - With subtitles for the Hard of Left.
Just for the record: all the views expressed here are entirely personal and do not necessarily represent the positions of any organisations I am a member of.
Grell has been suspended from the party - the rules of the party, and legal principles of natutral justice require a process of investigation by the party, and presumambly that could lead to an expulsion.
(1.) Grell is appealing against the conviction. This seems sensible. Most people's understanding of the phrase 'proved beyond reasonable doubt' doesn't encompass 'we heard so-and-so day that such-and-such said this.'
(2.) Personally, I think 'sheer nastiness' is what the right-wing Lib. Dem. group have been doing to the people of Waltham Forest; making cuts like a hairdresser on speed. The reason Barry Smith lost his seat was nothing to do with his sexuality, or anything anyone may (or may not) have said, and everything to do with the closure of a local library. Sorry to bring politics into the muck-raking.
Exactly. I really don't care who her opponent was - the fact is that she has been found guilty of making entirely unacceptable slurs against a gay man. That is homophobia.
Perhaps a clear denunciation of such tactics would be appreciated from you, Simon.
Do you think there is any time when a gay councillor should be accused of being a paedophile by a political opponent? As a matter of principle - not whether you think Grell did this or not.
the other 44 Labour councillors aren't bloggers so it's a bit unfair to judge them on my output.
This blog would be quite dull if it detailed the extent of the casework and council meetings that I do, though I'd be happy to provide timesheets of my council activity if you think there's a readership for that.
If I want to influence local issues I meet residents, pursue casework, speak at council meetings or write to the Hackney Gazette - it is very rare that blogging about it would add anything to all those offline activities, hence this site isn't intended to be a guide to what I have or haven't done as a councillor - not least because 99% of the readers don't live in Hackney.
"Hold on, hold on. Doesn't she admit talking about her opponent's boyfriend?"
She admitted answering a question about the Lib Dem's partner (who she had seen) in an honest indiscreet mistake. That is a far cry from saying she deliberately and unsolicitedly called her opponent a "paedophille". And as I've written about this story elsewhere. Why is everyone mixing up paedophillia with being gay. Paedophilles like little girls as well as little boys. It has nothing to do with sexuality and everything to do with a serious and dangerous illness.
"He's got a quality left hook."
ReplyDeleteRt. Hon. J Prescott MP
Your timing is, as per usual, impeccable. Let's see. What's her name? Grell? The electorate really don't enjoy this sort of gloating.
ReplyDeleteGrell is a disgrace.
ReplyDeleteShe has been found guilty and she must be expelled from the Labour party.
Homophobia and such sheer nastiness is just not acceptable.
Can't wait to see Luke's spin on Grell!
ReplyDeleteThat would be this Grell.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll find that should be "from whom"?
ReplyDeleteGrell has been suspended from the party - the rules of the party, and legal principles of natutral justice require a process of investigation by the party, and presumambly that could lead to an expulsion.
ReplyDeleteIf we're going to start expelling homophobes can I nominate David "Clause 28" Cameron to be one of the first?
ReplyDelete(1.) Grell is appealing against the conviction. This seems sensible. Most people's understanding of the phrase 'proved beyond reasonable doubt' doesn't encompass 'we heard so-and-so day that such-and-such said this.'
ReplyDelete(2.) Personally, I think 'sheer nastiness' is what the right-wing Lib. Dem. group have been doing to the people of Waltham Forest; making cuts like a hairdresser on speed. The reason Barry Smith lost his seat was nothing to do with his sexuality, or anything anyone may (or may not) have said, and everything to do with the closure of a local library. Sorry to bring politics into the muck-raking.
Hold on, hold on. Doesn't she admit talking about her opponent's boyfriend?
ReplyDeleteThere are some people in all parties who will do anything to get themselves into positions of power. It seems to me that she is one of these people.
As nasty as the Lib Dems in the area might be, nothing excuses such behaviour.
Exactly. I really don't care who her opponent was - the fact is that she has been found guilty of making entirely unacceptable slurs against a gay man. That is homophobia.
ReplyDeleteThe muck-raking was done by Grell, Simon.
ReplyDeletePerhaps a clear denunciation of such tactics would be appreciated from you, Simon.
Do you think there is any time when a gay councillor should be accused of being a paedophile by a political opponent? As a matter of principle - not whether you think Grell did this or not.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, woudn't it be wonderful for hackney councillors to focus their attentions on sorting hackney problems? Just one. Please?
ReplyDeleteI'll have a go if you like,
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/andrew_pelling/croydon_central
Take away his vote on the smoking ban and he could be any loyal New Labour MP, though I don't think that is a very nice thing to call him!
Kris
ReplyDeletethe other 44 Labour councillors aren't bloggers so it's a bit unfair to judge them on my output.
This blog would be quite dull if it detailed the extent of the casework and council meetings that I do, though I'd be happy to provide timesheets of my council activity if you think there's a readership for that.
If I want to influence local issues I meet residents, pursue casework, speak at council meetings or write to the Hackney Gazette - it is very rare that blogging about it would add anything to all those offline activities, hence this site isn't intended to be a guide to what I have or haven't done as a councillor - not least because 99% of the readers don't live in Hackney.
Loyal to Labour, not all Labourites said...
ReplyDelete"Hold on, hold on. Doesn't she admit talking about her opponent's boyfriend?"
She admitted answering a question about the Lib Dem's partner (who she had seen) in an honest indiscreet mistake. That is a far cry from saying she deliberately and unsolicitedly called her opponent a "paedophille". And as I've written about this story elsewhere. Why is everyone mixing up paedophillia with being gay. Paedophilles like little girls as well as little boys. It has nothing to do with sexuality and everything to do with a serious and dangerous illness.
Jim; that wasn't the court's opinion, though. They didn't believe her.
ReplyDeleteI think that's why she's appealing, Mike.
ReplyDelete