Knavish tricks to stop Ken

The Director of the Greater London Labour Party, Terry Ashton, has postponed the next meeting of the Regional Board, to enable members "to have a more informed and useful discussion on the NEC proposals for the Greater London Assembly and Mayoral selections". In other words, to have stronger excuses for ditching the unanimous decision of the GLLP June conference to use OMOV to select Labour's candidates, and have anyone nominated for mayor by 10 CLPs to be automatically on the short list.

It is rumoured that New Labour will be pushing Pauline Green MEP if Glenda Jackson MP does not get enough support, as part of its anyone-but-Ken campaign. The Tories, who have an anyone-but-Archer campaign of their own, are at least being consistent in proposing to bar all MPs, MEPs and members of the Lords. Problem is, Geoffrey is not popular in London but currently Ken is recognised by everyone - except New Labour - as the one person certain to win.

CLPs are urged to pass resolutions to go to the postponed Board meeting (now on 10th November) calling on them to honour the London conference decision. (A suggested text is available from CLPD, tel: 0181-458 1501). Meanwhile, there are no plans to postpone a fundraising "business dinner" at £85 a head, with Stephen Byers MP as guest speaker.

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