Alan Simpson to stand down at next election

doctordunc Sun Feb 18, 2007 at 06:35:42 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Sad news for socialists everywhere as one of our best leaders anounces he's leaving parliament.



Nottingham MP, Alan Simpson has been one of the best leaders on the left of our movement.  He has just anounced that he plans to stand down at the next election, and that he will be devoting his political skills to radical environmental campaigning outside parliament.

Over the last 15 years or so, Alan has been an exceptional leader of the Labour left, arguing with passion, skill and eloquence in the key arguments of the day.  From his 'pants of power' Clause IV speeches, to his extraordinarily passionate pleas against the Iraq War, and including his peerless campaigning on climate change, the Labour Party is losing one of its best MPs.


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Alan Simpson to stand down at next election | 115 comments (115 topical)

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#1)

by Juvenal on Sun Feb 18, 2007 at 08:19:09 PM GMT

Great quote from the departing Simpson:

"There are good people in the Parliamentary Labour Party but not enough of them. At times, I feel that colleagues would vote for the slaughter of the first born if asked to."


Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#4)

by otware on Sun Feb 18, 2007 at 10:00:36 PM GMT

Yeh I reckon that is pretty classic.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#7)

by petercoe on Sun Feb 18, 2007 at 10:38:52 PM GMT

Yeah - he was obviously referring to the slavish loyalty which people like him afforded to Tony Benn in the nightmare 1980s...


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#8)

by petercoe on Sun Feb 18, 2007 at 10:39:30 PM GMT

...Come to think of it, wasn't slaughter of the first born a headline policy of Militant?


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#73)

by JamesM on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 10:28:27 PM GMT

I'm not planning to become anyone's PPC, but since it appears to make you feel nauseous I'd like to put it on the record that I'm a strong supporter of Israel.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#2)

by JR on Sun Feb 18, 2007 at 09:37:21 PM GMT

Don't agree with most of his views, so not really bothered that he's going.


Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#5)

by bornin84 on Sun Feb 18, 2007 at 10:25:24 PM GMT

Absolutely! And the story on the BBC News website is laughable. He slags off Gordon Brown and most of the PLP and then states the real reason he's stepping down is because he wants to spend more time with his family!


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#3)

by jonesythered on Sun Feb 18, 2007 at 09:38:26 PM GMT

Obviously he's got a lot of confidence in the potential of his Meacher debacle to rejuvenate the left, then


Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#6)

by David Boothroyd on Sun Feb 18, 2007 at 10:30:29 PM GMT

I don't always agree with Alan Simpson. In fact very rarely. But I always appreciate him as a human being, and I think the PLP will be the poorer for the loss of him. And no, I wouldn't say that about John McDonnell or Michael Meacher.


Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#9)

by grimupnorth on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 12:10:13 AM GMT

Alan Simpson seems to have  lost the plot recently.He has not supported John McDonnell.Very surprised he's given up.Great news for the Right,I'm afraid. But there will be  more comrades......


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#10)

by grimupnorth on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 12:16:42 AM GMT

Forgot to say, some of us  in it for long haul. Simpson obvioulsy not. Has  done  much  harm  to left in recent  months so good riddance.......


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#11)

by petercoe on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 01:53:52 AM GMT

Not doing very well are you grimupnorth - in just two months you've lost Lynne Jones and (though you renounce him now) Alan Simpson; given that Bob Marshall-Andrews will either retire or lose his (already notionally Tory) seat and with Clare Short also departing, the loony left benches are starting to look seriously depleted after the election, aren't they...?

Next up we need Kelvin Hopkins and Harry Cohen to retire or lose and we'll really be having a clean out of the stables.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#12)

by Andrea on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 08:57:31 AM GMT

if grimupnorth is the main cheerleader of the loony Left, are you the main cheerleader of the loony Right?


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#13)

by Andrea on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 09:12:52 AM GMT

Actually on a more serious note, it's pretty likely that the Campaign Group will fall under 20 members after next election. Lynne, Simpson, Etherington and Clapham are retiring. In Simpson's case another leftist can be selected (I note that Christine Shawcroft is the local CLP secretary...), in other cases there won't be a new selection (seats abolition and so the existing seats will be used to fit current MPs) or won't go to a Campaign Grouper (Washington and Sunderland West will go to Hodgson or more probably to Julie Elliott).
As PeterCoe noted, it's hard to see Bob Marshall Andrews surviving again. There're a couple of other SCG MPs who can risk to lose their seats (it depends on how Labour will perform next time) and I wouldn't rule out further retirements (considering the age of some of their MPs)


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#19)

by unityisstrength on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 10:33:55 AM GMT

From what I've heard, Sharon Hodgson doesn't stand much of a chance and burnt her bridges when she lost in Gateshead. Julie Elliott was mentioned in the media recently but wouldn't say say one way or the other whether she'd run.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#23)

by Andrea on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 11:51:18 AM GMT

I heard the same thing about Hodgson.
As for Elliott, I was told that if she runs, she'll be the strong favourite to get it.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#32)

by unityisstrength on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 03:22:03 PM GMT

I'll be amazed if they go for an 'outsider' anyway. I've heard Julie Elliott is a strong contender, as are Cllr Kath Rolph and Bridget Phillipson


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#34)

by petercoe on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 03:38:06 PM GMT

Oh Andrea, where's your sense of alliteration: surely it's the "raving right"?

But no, there's no way on earth that any rational analysis could put my views on the far right of the political spectrum.  

I'm certainly to the right of the typical Labour Party activist (who isn't?), but then that's how most of the country views itself - so I'd humbly suggest I'm cheerleader for the "mainstream majority".


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#39)

by Andrea on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 03:52:28 PM GMT

"Oh Andrea, where's your sense of alliteration: surely it's the "raving right"?"

I blame the flu, Peter

"But no, there's no way on earth that any rational analysis could put my views on the far right of the political spectrum."

I didn't mean the far right of the whole political spectrum, but just of the centre-left

"I'm certainly to the right of the typical Labour Party activist (who isn't?), but then that's how most of the country views itself - so I'd humbly suggest I'm cheerleader for the "mainstream majority".

It's your style that qualifies you as cheerleader of the "raving right"
The "mainstream majority" disagree and argue to the point...the raving right starts to label opponents as "silly", "insane" as much as the loony left does/did it


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#53)

by petercoe on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 06:12:38 PM GMT

The mainstream majority do not disagree and argue the point - they simply turn out and shun the Labour Party as they did in 1979, 1983, 1987 and 1992, resulting in those who most need a Labour Government - those the left purport to be the true champions of, being saddled with Conservative governments.

You make the worrying mistake that the left can be engaged with rationally. My experience is that they can't.

As I pointed out elsewhere on this thread, when people like grimupnorth and Anzibel stop deriding anyone who is to the right of Leon Trotsky I'll try to mask my utter disdain for the contemptible and damaging outlook and impact they and their ilk have on the party and the country.  

And besides, this forum would be even more lifeless without a little harmless banter between those who are sane and the Trots.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#59)

by Andrea on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 06:38:54 PM GMT

"And besides, this forum would be even more lifeless without a little harmless banter between those who are sane and the Trots. "

Not sure if it's so harmless...I sometimes feel offended by some of your comments. I agree with some (not all) views of the MPs you sometimes attack with terms like "stupid", "silly", "absurd" and so on (reading your posts, I should imply I'm stupid, silly, absurd...). At the some time I can disagree with some of your views, but I don't start to call you "stupid, silly, insane".

There're other posters from the right of the party (Liz, Loz, Glass House, JR, to name a few) and they're able to defend their positions without throwing insults around (especially if not directed to particular unpleasant individuals, but to all people holding a view in general)


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#61)

by Glass House on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 06:48:42 PM GMT

well said


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#63)

by Andrea on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 06:57:25 PM GMT

Glass House, when I opened threads about new PPCs being selected, I sometimes got replies (by anonymous posters) about how rubbish some candidates were. If every retirement generates the same thing, God helps us! :-(


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#69)

by Glass House on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 07:13:45 PM GMT

Indeed. Although Alex deleted them didn't he?


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#70)

by Andrea on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 07:22:58 PM GMT

yes, the worst ones (on St Albans thread) were delated in the end IIRC


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#62)

by grimupnorth on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 06:50:56 PM GMT

I am  not, nor have I ever been ,a Trotskyist.Your "banter" , as  you  put it, is neither big  nor clever.I shouldn't think it impresses even those who agree with whatever  your  policy positions are.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#94)

by liz on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 01:27:42 PM GMT

I am also in your camp!


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#15)

by Stuart on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 10:09:28 AM GMT

It would be interesting to hear what the Labour Party has to say about a Party member (presumably) who is calling for the defeat of sitting Labour MPs.  Especially when they're stupid enough to post it under their real name.

Now when does the NCC meet next I wonder...


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#36)

by petercoe on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 03:47:06 PM GMT

Yawn.  First, I'm not a Labour Party member. Second I'm not posting under my real name.  Third, didn't call for the defeat of any Labour MP.  

Three out of three wrong, Stuart - impressive even for a Labour Party activist.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#42)

by Stuart on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 04:40:29 PM GMT

Oh sorry I thought this was Labour Home.  Now when you say for Harry Cohen or Kelvin Hopkins to lose was that a philosphophical debate you were engaing in or do you want to tell the waiting readers of Labour Home, party members as well, oh the shame, which Party you want to see win in Leyton and Luton.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#55)

by petercoe on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 06:18:08 PM GMT

Your apology is accepted.

This is indeed Labour home; nice to see you have some grasp of reality. Please point out the rule that only members of the Labour Party are allowed to contribute?

If you actually read what I wrote rather than what you want me to have written I actually made the point that sooner or later, Harry Cohen (who's been around a while) and Kelvin Hopkins (who represents a marginal seat) will either retire or lose.

Perhaps you know of some other way MPs cease being MPs? No?  Well, fancy that.

But I'm happy to answer your question: I want representatives who'll support the Labour Government representing Leyton, Wanstead and Luton.  Perhaps you'll let me know when those areas actually benefit from such representatives?

Thanks.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#65)

by Stuart on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 07:03:58 PM GMT

Apology, well whatever rocks your boat I suppose.

I do know that MPs face the electorate every 4 or 5 years.  As a member of the Labour Party I call for a vote for Labour in every seat, even those I disagree politically with.  As someone who is not a member of the Labour Party you are of course free to do whatever you like.

I suppose onto the serious point.  Out of interest why aren't you a member of the Labour Party.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#75)

by JR on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 12:14:12 AM GMT

Hi petercoe,

I broadly agree with what you've said and I think you raise a point that it tends to be the right of the party who speaks up for the mainstream electorate. Labour MP's who are more to the right of the party are more likely to appeal to the electorate as a whole and all Labour members should remember that.

I know sometimes, it can feel like an uphill struggle to convince others, and to me also, it sometimes feels as though the 'left' cannot think rationally like we do, but it's always worth being persistent even if the replies you get aren't nice.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#107)

by Stuart on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 06:48:00 PM GMT

Or of course if you don't get a reply to a perfectly reasonable question asking why someone is not a Labour Party member.  There are any one of numerous reasons.  I'd be interested to hear what the background story is.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#46)

by grimupnorth on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 04:57:51 PM GMT

I'm glad  you're  not a Labour Party member.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#57)

by petercoe on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 06:22:56 PM GMT

Devastating rebuke there - bravo.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#16)

by grimupnorth on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 10:15:32 AM GMT

Never  blog  late  at night! I think  Alan Simpson will be  missed. He's not helped the left  recently. But  he was   instrumental in founding Labour Against The War and I've  heard  him speak tremendously  well on many occasions.Lynne Jones  going  is   bad, too. But that doesn't mean there  won't be others  on the  left  to replace these  excellent MPs.Katy Clark and Linda Riordan - both Campaign group - were only elected  in 2005. What's to say  other left-leaning  MPs already  in the PLP won't  join  as the reality kicks  in.
Come the next election,many Mps  from all wings of the Party will lose their seats. Campaign group seats  tend to be  safe   ones (Bob Marshall-Andrews apart) Hope Christine Shawcroft  gets Alan's seat. Hope even  more that people  will come  up through the unions and constituencies  to stop policy wonks completely taking over. And  please stop  using   phrase "loony left." It's  so......  1980s.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#18)

by grimupnorth on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 10:22:59 AM GMT

And also extremely offensive, meaningless,  inaccurateand basically a cheap way of  rubbishing someone whose  views don't happen to chime in with yours.I would  hope  Labour has  no "loony right"  but am beginning  to wonder  after reading some  posts.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#37)

by petercoe on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 03:50:30 PM GMT

...Says the person who wrote off Labour's chances in Rochdale because the candidate selected was not to his brand of identikit leftie; and the person who has spent other threads deriding anyone not to the left of Joe Stallin.

If you can't take it, don't dish it.  But you're correct in one respect - there is no loony right in the Labour Party.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#43)

by grimupnorth on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 04:48:41 PM GMT

If  you  have to drag in references to Stalin  then you've really lost the argument. What a stupid, cliche.Why  not "get back to Russia.?"

My point about Danczuk was they  had a  far better candidate  in Afzhal Khan  and made ,  in my view, a bad decision. As you will see at the next General Election.

Incidentally, I am  not male.Neither do I believe in democratic centralism. I ;eave that to the Blairites.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#56)

by petercoe on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 06:22:23 PM GMT

It begs the question: if that was what you were saying, why couldn't you say it in the way you set out above?  

Instead, you chose to couch your post in the same snide tones you're now wailing about me employing against you (and yet still manage to revert to at the end of your post).


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#64)

by grimupnorth on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 07:02:01 PM GMT

Halifax  is run by Tories already  ie Calderdale Council. The constituency  has been Labour since  1987. We  face a resurgent  BNP  round here and , as I said, the by-election  hasn't happened yet. So what you were referring to I have no idea. Linda is a decent MP and Alice  Mahon ( the previous MP) has  a fantastic  reputation round here.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#35)

by petercoe on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 03:42:15 PM GMT

Linda Riordan seems to be doing everything possible (ably assisted by her predecessor) to help make Halifax Tory again - another fabulous by-election result there recently.

As for Loony Left, it's a perfectly apt - and timeless - description for people who have the thoroughly stupid, damaging, vote-losing and misguided views you display on this site.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#40)

by Andrea on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 03:58:39 PM GMT

"another fabulous by-election result there recently"

I don't think there has been any byelection recently there at all.
However there'll be one in a few feeks.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#41)

by Andrea on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 04:12:38 PM GMT

actually it's on Thursday and not "in a few feeks" as I said (wrongly) earlier.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#45)

by grimupnorth on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 04:54:22 PM GMT

What Halifax by-election? There  is one on Thursday which  could mean the BNP winning a seat  on the council. Linda has been slogging  her  guts  out up there along  with ALL members of the Party, left and right, to defeat the BNP.
Harriet Harman came up last week to help us. And praised the hard work  being   put  in by Linda and Chris McCaffery from calder valley CLP. Clearly, she does  not share  your distaste for  people whomay not necessarily agree witb every dot and comma of New Labour's follies.  
I'm  not going to trade insults. If you are going to insult  people, at least do your homework.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#47)

by Andrea on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 05:05:12 PM GMT

"Linda has been slogging  her  guts  out up there along  with ALL members of the Party, left and right, to defeat the BNP.
Harriet Harman came up last week to help us"

Linda is supporting Harriet for Deputy position, so I suppose it's not surprising that HH came and help for the byelection.

Btw, how are things going in the byelection campaign? Can the BNP be defeated?


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#48)

by grimupnorth on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 05:13:54 PM GMT

That's  news  to  me. I would  be  very surprised if she is supporting Harriet as she's supporting John McDonnell   for Leader and speaking at a meeting  I've organised on his behalf. You never   know! Will ask  her.....
too  early to say re by-election.
BNP sadly  pretty rife round here.......Labour  in minority on Tory-led Calderdale council who don't spend  money on anything   if they can help  it. Reverberates back to us in places like Mixenden.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#50)

by Andrea on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 05:20:36 PM GMT

"That's  news  to  me. I would  be  very surprised if she is supporting Harriet "

She's listed on Harman's website in the endorsements page:
http://www.harrietharman.org/endorsements.html
(go down towards the end)

thanks for the byelection info...good luck.
I think that it's a wish that all here (left, centre and right) can agree with!


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#52)

by grimupnorth on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 05:30:59 PM GMT

could  well  explain why she came up here!! thanks for  information.Linda  must  be  only MP  I think ,  on McDonnell/Harman ticket.But  you never know........


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#98)

by Parishpumpspin on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 02:19:41 PM GMT

Its no surprise the present MP for Halifax supports Harman, so does the ex MP (who wants a woman regardless of where they sit in the parties sphere) and as anyone who has ever meet/done business with either knows what Alice says Linda does.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#117)

by Andrea on Wed Feb 21, 2007 at 05:26:23 PM GMT

grimupnorth, sorry if I come back to the byelection, but do the tories have a chance of winning it?


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#21)

by jonesythered on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 10:46:21 AM GMT

Oh dear, oh dear, Peter. Do you realise that publicly calling for the defeat of Labour candidates is an expellable offence? I will be forwarding your comments to the relevant authorities.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#22)

by Glass House on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 10:58:04 AM GMT

oh don't be such a jobsworth...

for the love of god!


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#38)

by petercoe on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 03:51:12 PM GMT

I refer you to my comments made a moment ago you absurd Trot.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#44)

by otware on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 04:52:47 PM GMT

At least he doesn't crap through the keyboard like you. Let's try and stay away from McArthyist witchhunts.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#58)

by petercoe on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 06:32:25 PM GMT

Dear oh dear what planet do you lot communicate from?

"Crap through the keyboard"? Charming. It's wonderous how the left howl at the moon about me describing them as loonies and then spew out this type of invective themselves in the same thread.

"McArthyist witchhunts"?  Presumably you mean MCCARTHYIST?  And what witch-hunts are you referring to me instigating? Barmy!


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#77)

by JR on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 12:18:18 AM GMT

Just ignore the insults and keep making your point. It's hard sometimes but keep going - your comments seem perfectly sensible to me.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#83)

by Andrea on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 08:43:50 AM GMT

"Just ignore the insults and keep making your point. It's hard sometimes but keep going - your comments seem perfectly sensible to me. "

JR, his comments throw out insults as much as the people he criticizes. There's nothing sensible in his comments which include calling people and/or their views "silly", "stupid", "insane",...as he did.

Sorry to hear you find them sensible.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#87)

by JR on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 12:29:13 PM GMT

I've yet to see any poster on this forum who hasn't used those words. It's only because people care passionately about their beliefs.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#88)

by Andrea on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 12:30:42 PM GMT

no, it's just offensive and show lack of manners.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#91)

by JR on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 12:48:03 PM GMT

Well I can understand why you say that, but it is very difficult to stay calm on here sometimes.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#92)

by Andrea on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 12:54:20 PM GMT

yes, I know. I go OTT too, but then on reflection (after a few hours, the next day,..), I can apologize if I went too far.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#80)

by otware on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 12:30:26 AM GMT

Well it's a phrase I've always wanted to use, and it just felt like the right place and the right time. (i'm sad I know). =)

And just to clarify - were you seriously accusing him of being a communist, is he a communist or were you joking? I find it hard to tell...


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#76)

by JR on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 12:17:17 AM GMT

Don't be ridiculous. In my eyes, 'grassing' on fellow members who have made perfectly acceptable comments should be an expellable offence too.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#67)

by laurencemarshall on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 07:08:17 PM GMT

Alan Simpson has done more for the left than you probably ever will. The guy has been in Parliament since 1992, fought lonely battles which weren't popular with his parliamentary collegues, and still is renowned as a nice guy by anyone who knows him (both rabid left and rabid right). He's just had a new baby, and he wants to leave the commons. Perhaps he deserves a break from whingy lefty utopians like you who won't be happy with anything.

Long haul!!! Hah. You haven't hauled anything but your uneducated and stupid opinions onto this message board.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#71)

by grimupnorth on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 08:03:11 PM GMT

If  you were referring to me, and I think you are, then I agree that the comment I posted  late last  night  was wrong and  crass. I have already   said so further  up the thread but just spotted your comment.
   Alan Simpson will be missed, he's done fantastic stuff with Labour Against The War etc. But I have to say that, given such a track-record, many  of us felt let down  ( and still do) with his  pro-Meacher campaign. However, I wish   him well and think it's a shame good left MPs  are standing  down. I quite agree he's done  more for the left than I ever will.Your comments  aout me being "stupid and uneducated " are  unjust  but probably deserved in the context of what I wrote. Sorry.    


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#14)

by pregethwr on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 10:00:26 AM GMT

To echo what others have said Alan Simpson might have had pretty far-out politics but was a very nice guy.

The Campaign Group would have been much better off had it been him unilaterally declaring for leader rather than McDonnell.


Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#17)

by grimupnorth on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 10:17:38 AM GMT

The Campaign Group  would  have been   much better  off if he  hadn't  gone down blind alleys with Michael Meacher.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#20)

by jonesythered on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 10:44:11 AM GMT

Really? And what base does Alan Simpson have among the unions, exactly?


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#24)

by Andrea on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 11:53:25 AM GMT

"The Campaign Group would have been much better off had it been him unilaterally declaring for leader rather than McDonnell"

IMO they should have gone for a new face like Katy Clark. They should know they're not going to win anyway, so it would have been a way to promote a new face on the Left (she's articulate).


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#27)

by grimupnorth on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 12:24:38 PM GMT

Katy  is great but what  are you  saying here? That  John McDonnell  is inarticulate? Hardly.
Even  his opponents  grant he's an excellent  speaker. To  most  voters and people  outside the world  of  political anorakism ( to which I also belong) he's also a new face. Left-wingers  in the Labour Party,  unlike their colleagues on the right, do  not exactly get blanket  coverage.
About time we  had a   slot  on Question Time,I'd say, after watching  the righties  favoured son Miliband  in full flood.  


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#28)

by Andrea on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 12:30:08 PM GMT

"Katy  is great but what  are you  saying here? That  John McDonnell  is inarticulate? Hardly."

No, I wanted just to add something positive about Katy

"About time we  had a   slot  on Question Time,I'd say, after watching  the righties  favoured son Miliband  in full flood"

Labour Left sometimes get the Labour spot on QT..usually it's Diane Abbott who looks out of her depth half of time (sorry, but I find her so uninspiring)


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#33)

by grimupnorth on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 03:24:53 PM GMT

I agree  with you re Dianne Abbott - she's rubbish I'm afrais. More  interested  in simpering  up to Portillo.An embarrassment.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#82)

by otware on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 12:39:41 AM GMT

Well Abbott is the media-friendly leftish MP. If they were to do McDonnell he would be in the public eye. And it seems that the media have already decided that that's against their interests.


[ Parent ]

Re: david Molliband on QT (#66)

by grimupnorth on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 07:04:18 PM GMT

they are desperate.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#25)

by davidfloyd on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 11:56:02 AM GMT

It's a shame Simpson's going.

Despite some misjudged forays into comedy, his serious arguments have been amongst more thoughtful and interesting ones coming from the Campaign Group in recent years.

Let's hope there's some successors on the way.


Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#26)

by Andrea on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 12:08:53 PM GMT

He was strong on environmental issues. While the media got obsessed by Cameron's wind turbines, Simpson built a whole EcoHouse


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#29)

by swatantra on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 01:54:27 PM GMT

Alan, who? Never heard of him. Honestly.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#30)

by Andrea on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 02:09:40 PM GMT

 swatantra, for a recap lesson... :wink:
http://www.alansimpsonmp.co.uk/home.htm


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#31)

by Graham on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 02:33:16 PM GMT

I like Alan too. As one of the MPs who really put environmental issues on the map in Westminster, he will certainly leave a positive legacy.


Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#54)

by doctordunc on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 06:13:38 PM GMT

What an odd discussion!  Not at all what I anticipated when I posted the original item.

Alan has been one of my favourite Labour MPs since he first came into parliament.  Nobody disagreed with him more vehemently than me over his decision to push Michael Meacher for the leadership (and I wonder whether this might signal an end to that particular venture), but I hardly think that it undoes all the good work he has done in the Campaign Group, Labour Against the War, etc, etc.

As for the various contributions about hoping its the start of a trend re: the Campaign Group (I note Luke Akehurst as posted in a similar vein on his blog) - you can hope; you'll be disappointed.

Of course lots of people disagree with Alan on lots of issues, but people seem to normally comment on ONE OF OUR OWN MPs leaving parliament in rather more warm tones than some here have managed.


Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#60)

by petercoe on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 06:40:00 PM GMT

Well, with respect of your last sentence, let's see the "warm tones" emanating from people like Anzibel and grimupnorth when someone like Alan Milburn or Stephen Byers, or anyone else identified with "new Labour" chooses to stand down.

I'm sure you were weeping buckets when Peter Mandelson chose to resign from Hartlepool - alas this forum didn't exist for you to truly be able to express the warmth for him you were bursting to convey to the world.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#68)

by grimupnorth on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 07:10:18 PM GMT

Look, Duncan  is  probably the only  poster  on this site who DOESN'T get wound  up and  lose his temper. He remains pleasant to people on all sides of the Party even when they are talking utter garbage - so why can't you at least be civil? I suspect  because you  just want people to rise to the bait.As indeed I have done. Good for you.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#78)

by JR on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 12:20:04 AM GMT

Look, Duncan  is  probably the only  poster  on this site who DOESN'T get wound  up and  lose his temper.

Hmmmm, that's not quite true is it? Try mentioning the phrase 'grammar schools' and see the rage fly out!


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#109)

by doctordunc on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 08:17:14 PM GMT

I make no claims to have never lost my temper on here, I'm sure I have.  However, JR, you and I both have very strong views on grammar schools that we've put across forcefully on threads in the past.  I hope I've always avoided personal insults, but I apologise if that's not the case.  


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#112)

by JR on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 09:06:00 PM GMT

No, you're one of the better ones it has to be said. No need to apologise.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#72)

by doctordunc on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 10:16:04 PM GMT

Oh come on - I've absolutely no objection to people taking the opportunity to make criticisms, I'd just prefer them to be reasoned.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#81)

by otware on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 12:35:53 AM GMT

Well the difference between Byers and Simpson is a simple one.
On purely ideological grounds I agree it would be hypocritical to throw stones as Byers and then get angry when Simpson is criticised. Byers, however, screwed up as a minister. So it is perfectly justifiable to wish to see the back of Byers, because he is trouble. But attacking Simpson along purely ideological grounds is a bit nasty.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#74)

by alexhilton on Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 11:44:37 PM GMT

IS THERE ANY CHANCE COMMENTERS CAN KEEP THINGS COMRADELY?

Alex
alexhilton@gmail.com
07985 384 859


Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#79)

by JR on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 12:23:12 AM GMT

I know - after reading this I think the same.

But having been in a similar position in previous threads, it's clear to me that it's very, very difficult to stay calm and comradely with some of the people on here.

There seems to be such enormous fundamental differences in opinion between members and discussing things with some people sometimes feels like your talking to somebody from another party. Well, either that or banging your head against a brick wall!


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#84)

by grimupnorth on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 10:15:07 AM GMT

I agree with you entirely, JR


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#95)

by Glass House on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 01:33:59 PM GMT

That's witty on a number of levels :)


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#85)

by Parishpumpspin on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 10:18:17 AM GMT

Back to the original issue, it may be a sad day for socialists that Simpson has gone but if he can persuade Hopkins, Mitchell, Marshall-Andrews, McKinley and another 30 of the perminant opposition in our ranks it is a good day for the party and a reforming Government post Blair.

If some of you want a socialist party (a contradiction in terms without an viable alternative economic system) I'll happily donate to start up funds, won't join or ever listen to a word spoated, but happy to fund the creation of a seperate political entity, so we can stop the pretence we have the same outlook, background, understands and goals.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#86)

by Andrea on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 10:25:50 AM GMT

Last time I checked Labour was "a democratic socialist party" and part of the Socialist International.
So maybe you should first change Clause 4 again, withdraw from the Socialist International and from the Socialist Group in the Euro Parliament.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#89)

by JR on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 12:34:32 PM GMT

This is true. But we all know that Blair would have loved to put 'social democratic' instead of 'socialist' into clause 4.

I don't consider myself socialist - I'm social democratic. And I bet a pretty sizeable chunk of the party (probably the majority) would say the same.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#93)

by Andrea on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 12:55:58 PM GMT

Instead of "getting rid of all Socialists" stance, isn't it better to view it as "what does Socialism mean now (and not 200 years ago)?"?


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#96)

by Glass House on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 01:34:55 PM GMT

100% right.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#102)

by JR on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 03:24:11 PM GMT

Who said anything about getting rid of socialists? All I said was that I'm social democratic and so are most people in the party.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#104)

by Andrea on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 04:25:14 PM GMT

actually, it wasn't aimed at you in particular, bat more at ParishPumpSpin's original point about if you want a Sociliast Party, you should go and create a new one.

It's a bit difficult to reply to long threads with many comments...


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#90)

by JR on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 12:38:19 PM GMT

What you say parish is pretty much true.

Back to the original issue, it may be a sad day for socialists that Simpson has gone but if he can persuade Hopkins, Mitchell, Marshall-Andrews, McKinley and another 30 of the perminant opposition in our ranks it is a good day for the party and a reforming Government post Blair.

Yep, they're all as bad as each other. Thank god Claire Short's leaving as well.

so we can stop the pretence we have the same outlook, background, understands and goals.

Hate to say it but I agree with that. There are people on this forum who I have absolutely nothing in common with politically. We're more or less two sepearate parties already! Maybe after the leadership contest, things might unite again (he says hopefully...).


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#97)

by Glass House on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 01:37:41 PM GMT

JR - you shouldn't think like that.

Repeat after me...

Broad Church
SDP kept Thatcher in power
Broad Church
SDP kept Thatcher in power
Broad...


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#99)

by Parishpumpspin on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 02:20:39 PM GMT

I think you'll find our 83, 87 and 92 manifesto's did that.....


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#100)

by Glass House on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 02:27:38 PM GMT

Well, a combination of the two


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#101)

by JR on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 03:22:49 PM GMT

Well if you care to read what I said, I did actually say that hopefully the party would unite after the leadership election.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#103)

by Glass House on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 04:19:00 PM GMT

It was more directed at ParishPumpkin than yourself.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#105)

by mwell on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 04:29:25 PM GMT

Can I ask what you or parishpumpspring have against Andrew Mackinlay?


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#106)

by Parishpumpspin on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 04:50:36 PM GMT

As a person, not a lot, Andrew is a strange combination of confident and timid dending on what day of the week it is.  Where I find his politics somewhat suspect is thus: their can't see a poorer "southern england" constituency (Grays, Tibury, Purflett, Aveley, Ockenden) outside of London nor one where the municipal politics are so clearly corrupt (no I am not saying Andrew is I'm saying municipal) and yet all MacKinlay can do is promote his own percular brand of ego leftism at Parliament and contribute nothing to the body politic in general or Thurrock in particular.

To be fair to Andrew, their are MP's to the right of him, like Truswell, Bryant, Ruddock etc who are more useless but no-one is quite so vocally useless as he is.  Anyway, he'll enjoy his retirement in Maldon Rushett.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#116)

by mwell on Wed Feb 21, 2007 at 11:40:34 AM GMT

Well, I don't know much about his work in his constituency - although I'm mistrustful of the Lib Dem-imposed model that MPs should be a form of "super-councillor", focusing on every pothole - but I'm a great admirer of Andrew in the chamber. I see him as the best kind of backbencher, willing to scrutinise and ask tough questions of the executive of whatever colour, and not from an obviously ideological standpoint.

He has been a dogged campaigner on issues like the "shot-at-dawn" soldiers of WW1, and he's willing to raise issues that few others will like the conditions of soldiers in the armies of British overseas territories. I'd regard the loss of his voice with deep regret.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#110)

by doctordunc on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 08:21:29 PM GMT

JR - I suspect I'm high up on the 'nothing in common politically' list, but you have to remember that you and I are both in a minority - me on the 'hard left' you on the 'hard right' (of the Labour Party, please don't assume I mean of the political spectrum more generally).  I don't particularly like either label, but they are those in common circulation at present.

I have stopped debating you on another thread because - from my perspective - your views seemed to be so blindly dogmatic (the 'private good public bad' stuff) that it seemed pointless. I'm not surprised you get similarly frustrated.  But the truth is that there IS common ground between the vast majority of Labourites, and both you and I have lots of common ground with 'mainstream' labourites, even if we don't have any common ground between each other.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#113)

by otware on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 09:06:18 PM GMT

Once again, the right attack the left by accusing them of being communists. I know that technically socialism means no capitalism etc, but it has come to mean simply left-wing. I am a socialist (and proud of it!), but I would not call myself extreme! I am perfectly happy with a mixed economy.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#108)

by Andrea on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 07:48:39 PM GMT

More about Alan Simpson and his reason to stand down from the Nottingham Evening Post:
http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=133965&command=displayContent&sourc eNode=133948&contentPK=16685499&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearch

Some reactions:
"There is no disagreement between the constituency and Alan. We fully support him and wish him well for the future. He has been an excellent MP and a great servant." (Steve Battlemuch, chairman of the Nottingham South CLP)

"My understanding is Alan feels he can't achieve more in terms of some of the things he wants to do in Parliament, and I think I will possibly agree with him in that. Those are things I wish him luck with. He has a young family and I can appreciate why he would want to leave in these circumstances. I wish him well.
He can be congratulated for ensuring issues of this nature have been highlighted.
From a whip's perspective, in a light-hearted way I suppose, Alan was quite a good opposition MP. He wasn't a difficult person for a whip. You know exactly where he stood." (John Heppell, Nottingham East MP and Government Whip)

LD MP Matthew Taylor's congratualtion letter to Simpson:
http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=133965&command=displayContent&sourc eNode=133948&contentPK=16685498&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearch


Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#111)

by doctordunc on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 08:25:23 PM GMT

Thanks for posting these.  I agree with the commenter on Alan's article - it is a sad indictment of parliament if Alan's analysis is correct.


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#114)

by Andrea on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 09:37:44 PM GMT

DoctorDunc, maybe you've already seen it, but there's also a nice piece in the Indy:
http://news.independent.co.uk/people/profiles/article2287029.ece


[ Parent ]

Re: Alan Simpson to stand down at next election (#115)

by doctordunc on Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 11:01:57 PM GMT

Yes, I had seen that.  A very good article.


[ Parent ]

Alan Simpson to stand down at next election | 115 comments (115 topical)