Lewisham Teachers' association (personal capacity) Chris Woodhead who made his name under the Tories, was kept on by Blair to continue a policy of bullying teachers into, ostensibly, 'raising standards'.
The result of the Tory Policies Labour continued, and the macho management style enshrined in Ofsted is increasingly bearing its own malformed fruit: a growing teacher shortage which has already resulted in schools on 4-day weeks and will inevitably end with thousands of pupils failing to get the exam results they need.
There are over two thousand teaching vacancies across the country, a thou- course to mention that the literacy hour. sand in London alone. demoralisation, stress and Ofsted's labelling of Morale among teachers is at fear of failure that has schools as successes or failan all time low, and the driven many teachers out of ures has increased the working through of perfor- the job, were once his polarisation of education mance related pay and per- favoured tools of coercion: and the breakdown of the formance management will "An element of threat is comprehensive system. But make things even worse. By not necessarily a bad thing. some of Labour's policies the year 2006 half of teach- I personally respond to had come into conflict with ers will be over 50. threats. The education sys- Woodhead's even more Labour has increasingly tem has been immune to right-wing ideas. resorted to desperate mea- any kind of threat for too On performance related sures to recruit: training long' he said in September pay for example, Woodhead salaries of £6.000, an extra 1994. believed money should be £4,000 for studying a Blair needed Woodhead to given directly to schools to 'shortage' subject and from help implement and police pay teachers what they next September £5,000 for policies teachers would have wished, rather than imple'fast track' trainees. previously seen as unimag- mented through the bureauBut recruitment figures are inable coming from a Labour cratic, centralised scheme still around 2,000 under tar- Government. favoured by Labour. get - a shortage of crisis awarded him a 34% salary He wanted to see LEA's increase when teachers got completely dismantled. He cimenconc ooms Woodhead will soon be able a pittance. They used the refused to be interviewed by to regale Labour for 'falling threat of an Ofsted failure to the Commission for Racial standards' from the safety of drive home the attack on Equality about the impact of his leader column in 'The mixed ability teaching and educational policies on the Telegraph', omitting of the implementation of the achievement of Black pupils.
He argued that affairs between teachers and sixth formers could be an 'educative' experience at the same time as Laoour was making them illegal.
Concern was also expressed by some key Labour figures about the unregulated system of contracted Ofsted inspections: a concern which may come to a head over the judicial review being sought by Crown Woods School in Greenwich over its April Ofsted failure which resulted in the school being placed in special measures.
But will anything really change with Woodhead's departure? His immediate successor Mike Tomlinson previously told journalists he didn't give a 'monkey's toss' about teachers.
But Blair will surely use 'S I( Woodhead's resignation to po reshape Ofsted's image and hat put in his own new-Labour re: strategist. Its Even though his sons go to 1 S a selective school where the ;e c effects of a crisis in teacher N recruitment will be cush- th ioned, he cannot be ade unaware of the growing dan- pr ger to Labour's cry of 'education, education, education'. :xp Teachers' trade unions the should take this opportunity ¡air and mobilise their members at to demana tne abolltion or gre performance related pay, ers increased education fundSL I ing, against the proscriptive National Curriculum policed by Ofsted and for decent n C1 pay for all teachers. = c Only then will the crisis = |] beginning to hit education Irty be truly averted.
tion and an accompanying International letter from Tre executive Socialist Group) combined with the sheer volHume of misinformation and downright lies involved The development of the ensured that they would win Alliances the vote. England since the Coventry The SWP were allowed to conterence. which agreed to make octatement which launch a major campaign for the forthcoming General Went paper, but this could easily out with the ballot Election campaign, has been be dismissed on the basis of impressive. "they would say that wouldthe Socialist Alliance has not In most major cities where n't they?" Others Whose defence of the SWP would previously existed, well have been much more effecattended launch rallies have tive were not allowed a statebeen held, while in places ment. where there was previous Rigged ballot organisation activists are getEven the questions on balting down to deciding constituencies and candidates lot paper were rigged. Voters for the challenge. were not asked to vote for or Within this very positive against the Executive pro. move forward, however, posals, but to vote for or there have been some prob- against 'the decision of the lems particularly with the executive of the LLA to safeattitude of the Socialist Party guard the group against takeover by the SWP' (SP) which has sought to put Its own sectarian interests The idea that SWP packed before that of the Alliances the Coventry conference flies as a whole. in the face of both simple In addition there has been arithmetic and a half rational a major problem within the assessment of its decisions. Leeds Left Alliance, a for- In fact the biggest single mation which developed in delegation was the Socialist parallel to the first round of Party, with about 150 preSocialist Alliances, and was sent. Of the rest, the SWP created by a group of people had about 120, there were mainly expelled from Leeds about 50 from other far left North East CLP by Blairite groups. The remaining 100 witch-hunters. were either from other camWitch hunt paigns or individual activists.
Now they are conducting This make up was demontheir own witch hunt against the SWP in a tone reminis- strated bv the fact that no Woodrow single organisation could cent of the late win anything without supWyatt, and his notorious port. The SWP lost some resanti-communist rantings in olutions it saw as crucial; the his Sunday Mirror column. SP won some it believed It all started with a pro- vital. posal by the executive to This most obvious example reduce members of the SWP was on the controversial from full membership to issue of the make-up of the 'associate' membership, thus election committee, where explicitly denying them the the SWP and SP had differright to vote in meetings or ent positions, and that of the to hold elected oftice in the SP was agreed. LLA. Further the structure This was "justified' on the adopted was not highly cenbasis that the SWP suppos- tralised. but a decentralised. edly packed the flexible specifically in designed to accommodate Coventry and so nushed groups like the LLA which through an over-centralised might want to keep their structure against the will of own name or run a distincthe majority of the rest. tive campaign, but as a part This outrageous proposal of the Alliances. was never put to a vote at full Of course it is a matter of meeting: instead a postal balpolitical judgement what is lot was held. Neil Kinnock centralised and what is not. should be proud of them. Everything is relative, as The witch hunting tone of they say. both the Executive resolu- Certainly the Nellist: hasn't joined stand against Leeds witch-hunt Party who are opposed to the Alliances being a politically cohesive initiative with any real form of national direction have criticised Coventry along these same lines. They want the loosest possible arrangement in order stand their own candidates irrespective of the wishes of others in a locality.
For the International Socialist Group on the other hand, the way to build the most effective alternative to Blairism and get the best result in the election is to build the broadest possible unity. For us the decisions of the Coventry conference are the minimum necessary for a serious and coherent General Election challenge.
Found out
In Leeds itself the SWP have never packed a meeting of the LLA. It would have been counter-productive for them to have done so. The only meeting in which they ever had a majority was after the Executive had adopted its resolution, and the SWP had found out about it although not from the EC itself.
By relying on a report of a meeting that most members of the LLA were not at, the Executive were able to whip up fear and paranoia.
The Executive won the ballot to exclude the SWP by 38 votes to 34. This was not surprising given the exreme bias in the "information' made available. But the whole exercise had dealt a heavy blow to the cause of left unity in Leeds.
So whar are the politics behind this bureaucratic manoeuvre using the methods of the right?
There seems to be kneejerk resentment that the SWP have come into the Alliances late and are encroaching on 'our patch'. There is a complete inability to recognise when organisations like the SWP break out of their traditional isolationism and join with the rest of the left to build an alternative to Blairism, it is to be welcomed.
Yes, the SWP has acted in a sectarian way in the past, and most of us have suffered from it. But to doggedly refuse to recognise change when it is taking place is just as sectarian.
The Executive of the LLA may not believe the SWP when they say that they want to be a part of a broad alternative. But they only way to test this is to work with the SWP, not to conduct witch hunts against them - the only beneficiary of that will be Blairism itself.
But there is much more to this than sectarianism, prejudice, or an irrational gut hatred of the SWP.
The letter which was sent out celebrating the 'victory' was highly revealing. Its main thrust was to quote Socialist Worker as calling for and not Reform». The letter also states «The SWP is Trotskyist party", and it has a central committee which runs it as an organisation.
Revolutionaries But the SWP has never claimed to be anything else than a revolutionary organisation! Nor has the International Group, or Workers Power, or the Socialist Party, or the AWL, or the CPGB.
The venom displayed against the SWP is in fact a hatred of all far left organisations, but directed against the SWP because of the internal politics of the LLA Executive. In other circumstances such sectarianism could be expressed against any of the far left organisations in the Alliances.
The socialist alliances have Socialist unity worked in London in May: why not try it in Leeds? precisely been, and are, an alliance between revolutionary and non revolutionary (reformist) organisations and individuals. This is the strength of the alliances, a broad alliance of the left building an alternative to Blairism.
Any attempt to drive revolutionaries out of the Alliances would be disastrous. This was the first of Arthur Scargill's many mistakes in attempting to build the SLP. It became an irrelevant rump and the Socialist Alliances would go that way as well.
Of course the revolutionary organisations have a responsibility as well a responsibilitv not to seek to impose their own revolutionary perspectives onto the Socialist Alliances in an arbitrary way. But that has not happened, either nationally or within Leeds.
All this raises the question of the role of the Socialist Party in the events in Leeds, particularly since it has a member on the Executive of the LLA, and the letters and statements from the Executive repeatedly stress that all its decisions were Matious Notable omission It is also significant that a statement adopted by the Executive of the Socialist Alliances nationally, strongly to the moves against the SWP was signed by all the officers except Dave Nellist.
The current edition of the 3) is mealy mouthed about the developments in Leeds, to say the least.
Whilst it says that the decision of the ballot was unfortunate, and that the measures involved were opposed by SP members, it goes on to politically justify the ballot and the result.
It argues that the result highlights the mistrust that exists over the methods and motives of the SWP and a fear of the alliance being swamped.
It goes on to attack the SWP for (allegedly) not being prepared to accept a voting restriction in order to avoid the action which has been taken.
If the role of the SP in the decisions of the Executive of the LLA to move against the SWP remains unclear, the actions of the SP in the period since the ballot leave little room for misunderstanding.
Candidate
Since the ballot result was announced and the SWP excluded, the LLA has met once - and that was to adopt a General Election candidate.
The SP member of the LLA Executive, Dave Jones, was adopted as the candidate - and will now stand for the LLA in the general election. This shows the SP is in practice going along with the of the SWP and excusion will not do much to try to reverse it There has been a move from within the LLA to challenge all this, but it does not include the SP. It is a letter signed by Garth Frankland, an important individual activist and long standing Labour councillor in Leeds, and Mike Fenwick from the AWL.
It pledges to "continue to seek to challenge the current ban on the SWP in the interests of democracy and the future"
The Socialist Party are playing a dangerous game in taking an ambivalent attitude to the witch hunt in Leeds. This could threaten the unity of the Alliances nationally.
It is also unfortunately only the worst examnle of the Socialist Party's attitude in a number of localities However 1t should be stressed, it is by no means the case in all Alliances where SP members are workin many areas there is a good working relationship between all the organisations involved including the SP and the SWP. Its is these latter experiences which need to be built on, as the significant turn out for meetings remind us once again that we have the best opportunity for a long time to build a real alternative to New Labour's Tory policies, on the streets, in our workplaces and at the ballot box. Don't let sectarianism throw away this opportunity.
= Dewar's death heralds hints of D leftward swing The unexpected death of Donald Dewar has provided an opportunity for the Scottish Labour leadership to reshuffle its personnel, review its policies and repackage itself before the General SCCUI the Cathedral, broadcast live through the streets lined with people, it even featured Tony and Gordon giving the oration, and Charlie Windsor in attendance.
People openly spoke with affection for the irrascible, rude, right wing Labourite. Donald after all was seen to have delivered the Scottish Parliament against significant internal Labour foot dragging. For that he deserves his place in Incompetent administration Donald the man will be remembered: Donald as First Minister in an incompetent administration will swiftly be forgotten.
It is difficult to believe how woefully inept the Scottish government has been the last vedi Virtually every initiative has been a presentational disaster, most have just been disasters which have been strongly opposed by all interest groups.
Despite many ministers publicly feuding and others being useless, no reshuffle took place. Donald's team remained unchanged. His death has given rise to an expectation of change.
Leadership election The rules for a succession of first Minister lay down that the Scottish Parliament must vote to appoint within 21 days. As Labour is the largest minority in the Parliament, and Donald was also leader ot Labour in Scotland, an interim election had to take place within Scottish Labour, using hastily cobbled together rules.
membership consultation took place, and an electoral college of 81 members was constructed from MSPs, trade unions and the Scottish Executive.
Henry McLeish (Donald's deputy) won this with a narrow majority over the only other candidate, tinance BUS LOT Jack McConnell.
It emerged that with the exception of the Executive members of the Parliament, who solidly backed McLeish, most MSPs had backed McConnell. McLeish, with the backing of the Lib Democrats was dully elected First Minister.
This however, is only an interim position. Labour has to conduct a membership hollot before Christmas to elect its leader, who, if not McLeish could then become First Minister. It appears that the left will contest. with John McAllion probable as candidate for leader, and Cathy Jamieson standing as deputy.
Whilst McLeish will win the leadership battle, the vote for McAllion (if he stands) will give a true measure of the left's strength within Scottish Labour.
The fight for deputy is likely to be a women only contest with Susan Deacon, Wendy Alexander and Cathy Jamieson likely to be the contestants. Jack McConnell is not standing.
Newspaper reports suggest Cathy No laughing matter: Dewar succeeded by equally glum McLeish Jamieson could win, with McLeish rumoured to be giving tacit supCathy spoke at the STUC anti Trident rally last weekend, and spoke of seeking more powers for the Scottish Parliament to limit the environmental and nuclear threat posed by trident on the Clyde. She has been nominated by her Constituency for deputy and appears to have TGWU support. She deserves the vote of socialists in the Labour Party, as does John McAllion. ( New broom Henry McLeish was quick to make changes to his ministers' portfolios, and has called for a general reappraisal of government policy. His rival McConnell has been moved from Finance to Education, where he inherits the disastrous cock-up over of exam results and thebungling SOA.
McConnell has sacked the SQA board and taken personal control. If there is a repeat of the exams fiasco in 2001 his career will be dented. He also inherits policies designed to radically restructure the teaching profession and opposition from grass roots teachers (although not the EIS's discredited leadership).
Sam Galbraith was moved from Education but remains in the cabinet responsible for Environment despite widespread demands for his scalp over the exam results. At Environment he takes over from Sarah Boyack who remains in the cabinet with a reduced role dealing with transport.
Sarah was backed by SERA and environmentalists on her appointment but has been widely criticised tor inaction.
Wendy Alexander, who was Dewar's favourite as successor was moved from Communities (and Housing) to Enterprise and Tourism, taking from McLeish. If she is not elected Deputy, this will be seen as a move down. It also may signal a change in housing policy.
Alexander was very vocal, indeed high handed, in her advocacy of Housing Stock Transfer, as was her deputy Frank McAveety He has now been sacked. Her other deputy takes over as minister.
Meanwhile Margaret Curren, the Chair of the Housing committee which was critical of many aspects of the transfer proposals has been promoted to cabinet as deputy justice minister. The decks are clear for a policy change which would have wide implications, not least for all council tenants in Overtures to the Left Henry McLeish is one of the least charismatic characters in the parliament. He has made few enemies, but no one knows his policies on anything. Unlike Dewar who was always of the right, McLeish appears to be a rank opportunist. The left revolt over the issue of Warrant Sales has drawn a response. McLeish has added Margaret Curren to the cabinet, and at least not opposed Cathy Jamieson for deputy. Further overtures are possible in the light of the leadership election. Of course these changes have material basis. Labour's poll rating. had fallen behind the SNP; cooperation of the left across parties was growing; the Scottish Socialist Party was appealing to Labour MEPs to join, and John McAllion was talking of 'one last fight'. As yet the overtures are at the level of patronage and posts. No significant policy changes have accused For unfortunately, such trinkets are enough. Denis Canavan Denis Canavan was shamefully treated by Labour. Rejected by a selection board comprising his political enemies, he was described by Dewar as "not good enough" for selection for the Parliament, despite being the choice of his constituency.
His decision to stand as an independent for Falkirk in the Scottish Parliament was widely applauded throughout the movement, and he was elected with over a 12,000 :Left on line Scottish Left Review is a new electronic journal set up by figures on the left of Labour, SNP and unions to raise policy • issues. Most prominent members of the board are Roseanna • and John McAllion. The SSP is also on the editorial board.
The journal is accessible free on the web, and hopefully will operate as a forum for development of more coherent left policies on a range of issues. • adenda for Scotland.
Delivering this will require more powers for the Scottish Parliament. With Donald's death, even this could be on the • agenda. www.scottishleftreview.com Outlook majority. He has always sat next to Tommy Sheridan of the SSP within the parliament.
He had attempted to be readmitted to Labour immediately after The election. OTHE blocked by Blair and Dewar.
Parallels with the treatment of Ken Livingstone were obvious.
Over the last year Canavan has voted consistently with the s he was considering joining. He spoke of being lonely as an independent.
In September he spoke of resigning his Westminster seat and causing a by election in late November with a view to embarrass the government. The SSP journal speculated that if he endorsed the SSP it could win such an election.
The death of Dewar changed this. The antipathy of Dewar to Canavan cannot be exaggerated. Canavan spoke of Dewar running across the road narrowly avoiding traffic rather than speak to him. Dennis felt hurt by this.
With Dewar's death Labour has adopted a pragmatic approach, and in order to prevent a disastrous election result seems prepared to readmit Dennis The Party. Gordon Brown and McLeish have had talks.
What Dennis thinks he is doing is anyone's guess. Initial indications are that most voters in Falkirk voted for Dennis because he would act as an independent socialist: they are disappointed and won't VOTe tor him 22000 Tommy Sheridan, enormously disappointed, said "We now have one fewer men of integrity in Scottish Elections, the SNP and the Left imminent for Dewar's seats to Tne Parliament and Westminster. Both seats are first past the post elections.
Labour has selected the chair of the Campaign for Socialism, Bill Butler, as candidate for Hollyrood triggering much press dismay at his left credentials. For once the left out-manoeuvred the establishment.
Both the SSP and the SNP will be contestin,g with the SSP looking for a double figure vote. Labour is almost certain to win.
The elections are being held on November 23 and this has given the SSP executive reason to call off a special one day conference on the constitution.
This special conference had been needlessly called by the executive to review the constitution in preparation for the possibility of the SWP joining the SSP. The next conference will now be the annual conference in February.
Somewhat overshadowed by the events in the Labour Party, the SNP has elected its new leadership and changed its ministerial team.
Most significant was the election of John Swinney as Leader and Roseanna Cunningham as Deputy. Roseanna identifies with the left of the SNP and is part of a new cross party left initiative. [see box] With Labour opening a review and a more inclusive approach • to policies, possibilities exist for winning a more left wing social
Election. GORDON MORGAN reports.