From Headingley Today:
A councillor elected as a Liberal Democrat, who defected to Labour and then sat as an Independent has rejoined the Lib Dems. Councillor Kabeer Hussain who represents Hyde Park and Woodhouse, has been welcomed back by the Liberal Democrats.
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7 Comments
My original comment of “Fools” was too short so I’ll expand.
If someone has defected to another party. You shouldn’t take them back.
Unless of course they are on a par with Churchill.
I gather that this might not be an unalloyed “good news story”.
This was a very difficult issue during Temple Newsam so I’m glad in a way but not glad that he probably still can’t make up his mind and still has Independent-Conservative to try first…
I represented the neighbouring ward on Leeds City Council from 2000 to 2008 ( from 00 to 04 this included a chunk of Kabeers ward). I mention this only because I have observed the goings on first hand as a resident and as an “insider”. I thought it would be cowardly to post under a made up name however felt compelled to say something.
So what can I add without troubling the libel lawyers or getting thrown out of the party ?
Kabeer is a nice lad and has considerable amounts of raw political talent. He is however clearly a social conservative and deeply on the authoritarian axis of politics.
The Liberal Democrats are, like all parties, a coalition. I accept the fact it contains liberals, aliberals, Social Democrats and non philosphical localists and communitarians.
However when we start promoting to positions of power people who are illiberal for local tactical advantage then you commit a little bit of spiritual suicide. You take the first step down the road to being NuLabor.
The Chronic problems the party has had in this ward are well documented in the press and I won’t repeat them here. There were many wards which saw a signifigant swing to Labour in May 2008. perhaps the Leeds party thinks this will help defend the 2% majority next May.
I wouldn’t pretend this issue is the talk of the town in Leeds 6 but it certainly is amongst the more engaged residents. I just report what I hear which is for a lot this is the final straw in terms of the party’s credibility.
One word – BIRADERI. It’s *anathema* to democracy in certain inner-city seats, regardless of which party the winners nominally support.
If he’s doing a bad job a councilor, then the public will vote him out. If he’s not, and if he’s an alright guy, he’s perfectly welcome to be part of any political party he likes, including us.
*Mock tears* Just because he’s indecisive doesn’t mean he’s a bad person!
The thing is Huw – if someone rats once (then rats again on their “new” party) what are the chances they will be reliable in the future.
Pretty limited in my opinion. I would never be willing to trust or share confidential (party) information with some who had defected in pretty short order.
Yes Churchill was a “re-ratter” and is rememebered well by history. I can’t think of anyone else who is.