Thursday, January 04, 2007
EXCLUSIVE: LibDems in Turmoil over Minority Candidates

At their last conference the LibDems passed a motion setting up a 'diversity fund'. Its aim is similar to the Conservative A list, but rather than having a list there's a fund which gives money to seats selecting women and ethnic minority candidates. Steve Hitchens (former leader of Islington council who lost his seat) has been given the task of administering it. ...The fund is obviously very controversial as it means less able minority candidates are being selected in order for local LibDem constituency parties to get the extra money.

This letter from Penny Wilkins (Regional Candidates Chair, East Midlands & Vice Chair English Candidates Committee) was submitted to LibDem News for publication, but for some strange Stalinist reason it wasn't printed. I'm happy to oblige...

Sir, I took on the job of RCC (Regional Candidates Chair) for the East Midlands in September 2000, because no-one else was prepared to do it. ...Over recent years I have become more and more concerned at the interference (and attempted interference) of the 'great and the good' and now to cap it all we are hearing stories that Steve Hitchins is, allegedly, offering local parties money as long as they pick the 'right' candidate. With my health failing I am unable to continue to fight against those who want to make our party less fair. I am finding it increasingly difficult to administer a system which is continually being interfered with by people who are prepared to compromise our Party's principles in a dash for power...
Yours, Penny Wilkins

http://iaindale.blogspot.com/2007/01...97457252159078

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