Labour party members in Sefton have spoken of their frustration at a “wall of silence” over the suspension of Ford ward branch amid allegations of “intimidation and harassment” nearly a year and half ago.
In December 2021, the Labour party confirmed the branch was being suspended while an investigation took place into complaints made about the conduct of members.
However, several current and former members of the Bootle branch have told the ECHO they are unable to find out any information about the progress of the investigation, nor have they been approached to provide an account of any events or given the specifics of any allegations made.
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Speaking under condition of anonymity, one member said many in the branch had been left “exasperated” that despite multiple requests for information about the progress of the investigation or when the branch would become unsuspended, they have been “told nothing” from Labour party officers.
Nearly 18 months on, members say they are being met with an ongoing “wall of silence”.
One member, who has asked to remain anonymous, said that he believes the suspension of the branch was “politically motivated” with many members to the left of the part.
The member claimed the timing of its suspension, just prior to a selection process for one of the ward’s candidates, was “not coincidental.”
He said he believed the party is “just waiting for us to leave” as members grow increasingly frustrated with being unable to attend meetings or take part in selections for candidates – including for the recent local elections – while still paying membership fees.
He added: “There’s been two councillors now who have been selected without the members having any chance at all to choose. We as members should have the right to select who we want to represent us. Where’s the democracy?
“It’s just ridiculous the branch is still suspended and nobody is telling us anything. We’ve all paid our subs to be members, this was an active branch with lots of participation, it’s no way for people to be treated.”
The Labour Party did not respond to requests from the ECHO for comment.
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