Tonight in Brick Lane, East London there was a coming together of all sections of the London Labour movement for Alan Johnson to be elected Deputy Leader. Alan is pictured with some of the London UNISON Labour Link supporters (who helped sponsor the event). However, local MP Jim Fitzpatrick, other MP’s, London Councillors, Party members, supportive community leaders and affiliated trade unionists came to support Alan as the best candidate for Deputy Leader.
The superb
Sonar Gaon Restaurant was taken over by over a 100 supporters for a series of speeches and an opportunity to meet Alan over a top curry. 3 different Asian TV stations were present. We even had a little demo by disRespect to welcome Alan.
There was a panel of speakers, Jim Fitzpatrick MP started with a ringing endorsement of Alan as someone who would help Gordon Brown rebuild the Party and secure victory in the next elections. Alan Jarman (another “AJ”) Greater London UNISON Regional Convenor , spoke about UNISON "Labour Link" support for Alan due to his trade union background and understanding of many issues such as public sector Pensions. However, despite that, UNISON did have differences with the government but at least Alan would listen and would act to support us if he thought we were right. It was good to hear him speak about LGBT issues.
Newham Cllr Winston Vaughan, is a long standing member of the CWU who had known Alan Johnson for many years, he described him as someone he could trust; Rushanara Ali, the prospective parliamentary candidate for Bethnal Green and Bow, spoke I felt eloquently about the importance of renewing the Labour Party locally and taking on Respect at the next general election. Shahid Malik MP gave a cracking speech, I lost count but it must have contained at least a 100 reasons to vote Labour, he drove home all that Labour had done for the Muslim community (and its mistakes) and exposed the racist underbelly of the Tories. Shahid also mentioned the “story” that Alan represents. Someone who was born in poverty and deprivation yet has risen to become a leading cabinet minister. He reminded us that Alan as a postman use to deliver letters to Dorneywood, which was the official residence of the deputy prime minister. Now he may get the keys. You can understand the appeal that this “story” has for the BME community and this is the reason for his widespread support.
Jim Knight MP gave a laid back but effective endorsement of Alan as someone whose moral character and personal strength would makes him an excellent deputy leader. The session was chaired by Mizanur Rahman Chaudhury. Good to see relatively young members in such a role and doing it well. This is good for the future of the Party.
Alan Johnson gave an exceptional speech. He appeared at ease and to enjoy himself. I felt he was pleased with the breadth of support, especially by the trade unions and felt at home. He compared himself to a stick of Blackpool Rock, he was a trade unionist to the core. He agreed with UNISON Regional Convenor Alan Jarman, that the Unions will not always see eye to eye with a Labour government however, the important issue is that if compare our differences within the Labour Movement (Labour Party, affiliated Socialist Societies and Trade unions) with that of the Tories then our differences are minor. Hilary Clinton used a similar argument on the democratic TV hustings in the States a little while ago. He attacked those of the extreme “left” who practice postures politics (I wonder who he could
mean?).
Alan also pointed out that the single major difference between this Labour government and previous ones is that they have stayed in power for more than one full term. It takes time to change society and we have to keep winning. He finished by personally thanking and mentioning all of the panel. Alan was received enthusiastically and then went on to “work” the floor (which he is very good at) and spoke to every table.
