LAST MONTH'S conference of the Militant decided to generalise the 'Scottish turn', which has involved an exit from the Labour Party and a policy of standing "Scottish Militant candidates against. official Labour.
The turn means that Militant will now declare itself to be an open political party, with a generalised policy of standing against Labour. The party wil be formally declared ata Wembley rally on 6 June; Militant Labour Party' is hotly tipped as the new name.
Militant has been in political turmoil over the last two years; the turn resulted in a split with 'Socialist Appeal', which involves well known former Militant leaders like Ted Grant and Alan Woods.
Membership collapsed from 8,000 during the heyday of the Liverpool council and Poll Tax struggles, to not more than 1,500 last autumn - some have said dues paying emmbership was down to 750.
Militant have adopted an audadous ploy to break out of the post-Poll Tax campaign period of spilt and decline, namely the decision to launch the Public Sector Alliance.
The party declaration hopes to capitalise on Militant's efforts to make the Altiance the dominant campaigning oragainst the attack on the public sector.