an Ilkeston correspondent reportss
Following a letter from Cllr. J.G. Simpson published in the Ilkeston Advertiser on December 6th, the Ilkeston Young Socialist branch moved a resolution demanding that the Ilkeston C.L.P. ask for his resige nation from the partye
In his letter Clir. Simpson said that the slectorate of this country had rejected socialism at three successive elections and that a new policy should be put before them, if need bo by a new political party which would put forward Christian ideals, The Y.S, reacted strongly to this and their two delegates to the Local Party General Management Committee demanded that he be asked to resign immediately, Comrade D, Gregory moving. the resolution said, that if Clir, Simpson believed this new party should be created then there was no place for ‘him in the Labour Party, It was soon apparent the the Y.S. view was not shared by the majority of delegates present; one delegate claimed that the Labour Party was democratic enough £0 allow Cllr. Simpson to hold these views, In reply D. Gregory asked if a lenient view would be taken if he or someone else were found to be a fellow traveller with the C.P. or any other left-wing organisations °
The secretary of the local party then intervened in the discussion and read a letter from Cllr. Simpson in which he stated his intention not to seek re-clection at the next LTorough elections. The chairman then seemed to think that no further discussion was necessaryg however the Y.S. delegates asked for a vote. The vote resulted in the resolution being defeated by a large majority.
It seems clear that Cllr, Simpson has a strong personal following among many of the delegates to the General Committee, Cllr, Simpson will, however, have to watch his step in future because the real socialists in the Ilkeston C.l,. Pe +4. re action again if he provides an opportunity by espousing right-wing views.