Starmerites are hardly "Social democrat rightwingers" by any stretch. They are hard-right Thatcherites, or hard-right B'Liarites at best (Minus the Brown influence).
Corbynism was the best social democrat position for a century, back to the post-war consensus policies.
As has been pointed out on this site, the Green Party’s purist position on identity politics may prove to be an obstacle to growth, but at the moment it’s being reenergised by Zack Polanski’s campaign and seems like a sensible possible destination for anyone who is repulsed by Labour. I attended two events at the weekend and was impressed by the radicalism of the positions which command support. It’s certainly more appealing than a lash up with the SWP or anything similar.
During the recent elections in Germany, Sara Wagenknecht's party was doing really well, and Die Linke was toast, deservedly. And so the media for the first time in decades started promoting DL heavily. As we all saw, that took votes away from Sara, and the Establishment DL took the seats instead.
What's the point of this reply? That to be VERY sceptical of this suddenly-being--heavily-promoted deputy-leader of the Greens, and that everyone putting their eggs into this basket will probably end up in tears. He seems to me like a cross between a B'Liar and a Baerbock, and if the Greens have a Starmeresque clique, he is VERY much within that.
That time was well over a decade ago - when I joined them, funnily enough. Now they are flush with USAID monies, and are following the path of the German Green Party.
We need a NEW lefty party, not hard left, but Corbynite.
I don't know that Zarah is the person to lead it, tbh, but someone has to.
Rick: Neither Polanski nor the Greens are anti-capitalist. They think capitalism with a few sticking plasters are all that is needed to achieve climate justice. Any new mass socialist party MUST also be eco-socialist. https://www.e-ir.info/2024/12/12/eco-socialism-an-introduction/
Rick: That is why we need to build a NEW mass socialist party. As I said near the end of the Zarah piece: " It would be naïve to suggest the campaign for a mass socialist party is already in high gear in the UK. It is not. The movement is uneven and has real weaknesses on questions of transparency and tactics and on formulating a popular socialist platform. "
That's the theory. In practice, the GPEW is tightly controlled by this clique, they control the agendas, the conferences, and even who gets to vote. Ever been in real life politics? (Sounds like you have). So you'll know just what oversized influence and control that gives such small groups within large movements.
Sure, perhaps after a huge struggle he could be replaced. With someone just as bad - if he turns out bad, obv.
Not going to deny, Greens best national party still. But once their trajectory became clear, the PTB made sure to infiltrate it and control, and kick mavericks like me and so many others out.
The Greens are not 'Corbyn's Labour', even if they talk it up for electoral purposes. If they join a 'coalition govt', you will see it clearly.
Critics point to Zack's 'Breast Hypnotherapy' as a negative - I don't entirely share that view, hypnosis can be a very valuable tool for good aims, it's not quackery, but what grates my teeth is that was a 'Harley Street' practice... that says it all to me.
And he'll be replaced with yet another 'Media Friendly Face', with zero grit and balls that comes from decades fighting at the coalface.
I had a couple of issues with Caroline Lucas, but at least she had some of that.
But until there is a viable alternative, then it's business as usual and the lefts circular firing squad is back in action.
No one in is saying the greens are perfect fucking very far from it, but how does anyone make a Labour MP fear their seat unless we organise. And part of that is showing support for other leftwing parties outside of Labour who's courting Reform and repeating almost word for word the same policy mistakes as 100 years ago.
And if a new party with a socialist agenda and constitution appears. Happy days.
But until that happens.
There are no alternatives—and no harm I fuckin sick of this circular firing squad the left has of going.
I whole heartedly agree with everything you've said here. Sarah and Clive are brilliant but fighting a losing battle from within the Labour party
100%? Seldom happens ( ha! ha!). Please share it widely. And hey, if you are feeling a bit flush, Kerry, paid subs are only 5 quid per month.
She may well join a new socialist party. Zarah is currently suspended and whip withdrawn.
Yes. Mind you, we have to work to build one... and that is not easy.
Starmerites are hardly "Social democrat rightwingers" by any stretch. They are hard-right Thatcherites, or hard-right B'Liarites at best (Minus the Brown influence).
Corbynism was the best social democrat position for a century, back to the post-war consensus policies.
As has been pointed out on this site, the Green Party’s purist position on identity politics may prove to be an obstacle to growth, but at the moment it’s being reenergised by Zack Polanski’s campaign and seems like a sensible possible destination for anyone who is repulsed by Labour. I attended two events at the weekend and was impressed by the radicalism of the positions which command support. It’s certainly more appealing than a lash up with the SWP or anything similar.
http://liam-record.com/2025/05/12/the-green-party-starts-upping-its-game/
During the recent elections in Germany, Sara Wagenknecht's party was doing really well, and Die Linke was toast, deservedly. And so the media for the first time in decades started promoting DL heavily. As we all saw, that took votes away from Sara, and the Establishment DL took the seats instead.
What's the point of this reply? That to be VERY sceptical of this suddenly-being--heavily-promoted deputy-leader of the Greens, and that everyone putting their eggs into this basket will probably end up in tears. He seems to me like a cross between a B'Liar and a Baerbock, and if the Greens have a Starmeresque clique, he is VERY much within that.
I think it's tike we united behind the greens.
That time was well over a decade ago - when I joined them, funnily enough. Now they are flush with USAID monies, and are following the path of the German Green Party.
We need a NEW lefty party, not hard left, but Corbynite.
I don't know that Zarah is the person to lead it, tbh, but someone has to.
Funny their policies are identical to Corbyn's.
Zack Polanski is now wanting to expand on those ideas and inviting people to join and improve those ideas at conference.
Rick: Neither Polanski nor the Greens are anti-capitalist. They think capitalism with a few sticking plasters are all that is needed to achieve climate justice. Any new mass socialist party MUST also be eco-socialist. https://www.e-ir.info/2024/12/12/eco-socialism-an-introduction/
And who else is there?
Lib Dems want to take over the old centre right.
Labour pushings for right wing and asking Reform to vote for them.
What's the alternatives?
The UK isn't dripping with leftwing representatives and parties with the infrastructure to go nationwide.
If there is make the case.
Rick: That is why we need to build a NEW mass socialist party. As I said near the end of the Zarah piece: " It would be naïve to suggest the campaign for a mass socialist party is already in high gear in the UK. It is not. The movement is uneven and has real weaknesses on questions of transparency and tactics and on formulating a popular socialist platform. "
One BIG difference is that Corbyn was an MP for several decades, and AFAIK never fell to the offers of corruption thrust at him.
Would you genuinely trust Zack the moment he was "Offered an offer he couldn't refuse"? I wouldn't.
Talk is cheap, but it takes experience to know they'll walk the walk.
If he isn't a man of his word, any member can stand against him, and the membership can force a leadership change every 2 years.
So as it stands, he'd only be there for 2 years and if he doesn't stack up he goes.
Rick: You make it sound as if the Green Party is some kind of model of democracy. It is not. Did you read the two pieces I wrote before and after the Greens last conference? BEFORE: https://theleftlane2024.substack.com/p/mimicking-labour-more-than-20-green AFTER: https://theleftlane2024.substack.com/p/the-greens-cull-continues-now-it
What's the alternative
That's the theory. In practice, the GPEW is tightly controlled by this clique, they control the agendas, the conferences, and even who gets to vote. Ever been in real life politics? (Sounds like you have). So you'll know just what oversized influence and control that gives such small groups within large movements.
Sure, perhaps after a huge struggle he could be replaced. With someone just as bad - if he turns out bad, obv.
Not going to deny, Greens best national party still. But once their trajectory became clear, the PTB made sure to infiltrate it and control, and kick mavericks like me and so many others out.
The Greens are not 'Corbyn's Labour', even if they talk it up for electoral purposes. If they join a 'coalition govt', you will see it clearly.
Critics point to Zack's 'Breast Hypnotherapy' as a negative - I don't entirely share that view, hypnosis can be a very valuable tool for good aims, it's not quackery, but what grates my teeth is that was a 'Harley Street' practice... that says it all to me.
And he'll be replaced with yet another 'Media Friendly Face', with zero grit and balls that comes from decades fighting at the coalface.
I had a couple of issues with Caroline Lucas, but at least she had some of that.
But until there is a viable alternative, then it's business as usual and the lefts circular firing squad is back in action.
No one in is saying the greens are perfect fucking very far from it, but how does anyone make a Labour MP fear their seat unless we organise. And part of that is showing support for other leftwing parties outside of Labour who's courting Reform and repeating almost word for word the same policy mistakes as 100 years ago.
And if a new party with a socialist agenda and constitution appears. Happy days.
But until that happens.
There are no alternatives—and no harm I fuckin sick of this circular firing squad the left has of going.