Forum Topic

Jonathan Notley, Labour stooge?

A letter from Mr Notley came through my door today, setting out his reasons for supporting Rupa Huq. But more interesting was the imprint on the bottom (election literature must state who is promoting it and where it was printed). The said letter was printed at 16 Church Rd, W3 8PP; this is Ruskin Hall, the Labour party's local HQ.

Vlod Barchuk ● 4144d12 Comments

No Julian. I won't tell you off. I trusted him too.

Jan Gayle-Farlow ● 4143d

I am asking myself the same question about the cause.We all still care about the inappropriate developments, right? So we must fight on. Maybe a general election was the wrong place to try and promote the cause - but it certainly raised the profile of the issue and that must be a good thing. Jonathan gave people the opportunity to really get behind this... And if enough people really cared then they could have chosen to elect him. It became clear that party loyalty would prevent that, and so it could only ever be a protest.I don't think he sold out - he certainly didn't get paid(!)Hopefully he can do some good from inside. I feel rather cynical at the moment, but then I feel cynical about politics in general. I supported his decision, but I think I made the wrong call. You'll love that Jan - you can tell me off now ;)

Julian Smith ● 4143d

I really meant why he sold out. The bookies gave good odds for him, Once the election is over what use is he to Ms. Huq.One of Johnathan's mantras was about transparency. Looks like the words meant nothing. Maire is right about Ms Huq having no influence/power over the council. Where does all this leave your cause?

Jan Gayle-Farlow ● 4143d

You mean why Jonathan chose to support Rupa Huq?If so then I can answer - he decided that of all candidates she was the only one who came out openly in support of the issues he was standing on, namely overdevelopment, and felt that he might be able to work with her. I'm not speaking for him, this is what he's said himself. Subsequent events have left me feeling more like this was a stitch up on Labour's part, particularly given how close Sheela Selvajothy seems to be to them...

Julian Smith ● 4143d

I reproduce here a letter from a West Acton resident who reads the forum but doesn't care to give his name."The Labour candidate Rupa Huq has shown solidarity with the local people"'Well, she would,wouldn't she?It costs her nothing and she knows she can do nothing as an MP  when dealing with LBE. If you think she would actually stand up to Julian Bell, then you really are living in cloud cuckoo land'

Maire Lowe ● 4143d

I had almost decided to vote for him in my postal vote which was sent in before he made his announcement. Luckily I didn't. How many others will have been taken for fools and wasted their votes?

Bob Crossley ● 4143d

Are they that desperate???

Jean F Fernandez ● 4143d

To be honest Julian. I just don't understand why.

Jan Gayle-Farlow ● 4143d

At least we all got a new word to use out of this campaign ;)I have now made a definite decision not to vote for Labour, and I have to say that the whole thing leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Whether you believe it or not, Jonathan is a decent person. Forces bigger than him are at work. In the words of Vinnie Jones - "It's been emotional"

Julian Smith ● 4144d

I'm sure Rupa Huq's agent will be able to exolain everything.

Maire Lowe ● 4144d

Does this letter have a time line. I rather feel that he has been being groomed for quite a while.  I wonder who was employed to deliver the letters.

Jan Gayle-Farlow ● 4144d

That would be funny if it wasn't a potential fraud. Who is the Labour agent for the constituency?

Maire Lowe ● 4144d