Chuka Umunna takes major role in The Independent Group of breakaway MPs The former Labour MP's role suggests he will play a major role as The Independent Group tries to increase its profile Sky News reports The text in the image here however indicates Chuka's time in the Labour Party was only a pitstop Opinion - Politics is a funny old game. As Huddersfield-born Labour Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, famously said: “A week is a long time in politics." Lately however an hour has seemed a long time as the latest Labour Party coup against Jeremy Corbyn has gradually unfolded.
This time it is not such an obvious coup with some on the right-wing of the party cutting up their party cards and sharing the fact on social media while certain MPs and councillors have jumped ship but whatever you call it there is a serious attempt to remove Jeremy Corbyn as party leader underway. For those of us in the party we see their game but sadly for voters around the country, those who simply want a better fairer government in place, and soon, confusion must reign. Demonising Jeremy and his supporters is nothing new even though it is destructive and ultimately politically selfish. Our MPs elected on a Labour manifesto openly saying they do not want a Corbyn led Labour government however crosses a red line. While we do not want a series of resignations these people are either part of our electoral ambitions or they are not. If they are not they really do need to move on in every sense and complete as Chuka Umunna would say "their political journey" After more than three years of Chuka acting as if he were some sort of unofficial party leader he has accepted his proper title of The Streatham King and jumped ship. I do wonder what he is doing for his constituents right now though as he trawls TV studio after TV studio. Last night on the BBCs This Week Chuka talked his usual eloquent talk but it was more meaningless drivel. He appears to actually believe that his constituents voted for him personally at the last General Election as he, to quote, "stood on a different manifesto to the Labour Party!" Such arrogance is extreme even for dear Chuck. He is pushing for a second referendum as that is what his constituents in Streatham allegedly want. He conveniently forgets his last election success was helped by enthusiastic Labour Party campaigners who give up their free time to work in effect for the party for nowt! People from around the country not just Streatham. However as far as I know Chuka and his new party, sorry group, of Independent MPs are not the Streatham Party or are they? Friday the Guardian reports "Chuka Umunna, who quit Labour last week to form the breakaway Independent Group, has said he never felt “comfortable” in his old party – and found his mixed cultural and class background were “a chain round my neck”" but what took him so long? Today's blog was going to be about yet more arrogance, though in the shape of Angela Smith but with events ongoing rolling with the day is all we can do. And we should never forget that Chuka Umunna is the group's appointed leader. Angela Smith and revenge? Today Ms Smith is also getting her latest 15 minutes of fame by complaining that her husband is getting a raw deal from some in the Labour Party. "Ex-Labour MP accuses party of forcing husband out of job as councillor Angela Smith, who resigned to join The Independent Group, tells Sky News she believes the party is taking revenge on her." Sadly Angela it is not rocket science nor is it vengeful. As your husband has worked for you previously how can the party trust him? In a way the party is doing him as a favour and preventing him having divided loyalties or feeling under pressure to support you and or the party. With you now part of Labour's opposition, and with earlier reports that one of your group allegedly tried to access Labour Party data, it seems a sensible option to have a new candidate in place for the May local elections. After all he may join you in TIG anytime. Sky News reports "Steve Wilson [Smith's husband] was initially reselected to defend his East Ecclesfield seat last year, but the process is being rerun after complaints that eligible members had been excluded." That sounds the sensible option. As for vengeful, really? What looks vengeful to me Angela is yourself and your group refusing to hold by-elections in their constituencies. Elected as a Labour Party MP she now trawls television and radio news studios doing her best to attack and undermine the Labour Party and therefore those who elected her. The same goes for her other Labour quitters who appear spiteful almost 24/7. It is noticeable that the Tories who joined them are keeping their options open and using this time to bash Labour once again. Don't fall for the headlines but decide for yourself. Related reading: Angela Smith BAME video ‘Good riddance’: Penistone locals have their say on Angela Smith resignation Angela Smith claims she's 'NOT GOING ANYWHERE' as Sky host Burley demands by-election |
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