Political plots could gain Momentum
MOMENTUM has made it very clear they wish to see those MPs who are not totally loyal to Jeremy Corbyn replaced by members who will toe the party line without question.
Party chairman Ian Lavery has made veiled threats in this direction and, with the redrawing of constituency boundaries, there will soon be 50 fewer seats available, so some current Labour MPs will be distinctly uncomfortable over their longterm political futures.
On the other hand, Tories have a question of leadership, Teresa May’s position having been considerably weakened by the result of the general election. The fact that Government itself is wide open to ambush if a few dissident members opt to abstain, or even vote with the opposition, is a major hazard.
Throughout the summer there will much internal discussion as to the way forward, all in the interest of getting or holding power. Little matters such as representing constituency members’ interests will fade away.
Taking Labour, it would be dreadful if MPs were deselected because their view did not coincide with the left-wing policies now being expounded by their Momentum controlled leadership. If this did happen, then I see a break-away party being formed of centre and right wing socialists, or possible defections to the Lib Dems.
With the Conservatives, I think that Mrs May will soldier on for she has no alternative.
Should she make a success of Brexit, her position would be greatly strengthened.
David Davies will not do a Michael Gove and stab her in the back, and Boris Johnson, disappointed once, may be reluctant to have another try.
As a business owner, I firmly believe that we shall be better out of Europe.
I am not too worried about all the Barnier huffing and puffing for, after the October German elections, pressure will be brought to bear by Teutonic business which cannot afford to do without their British market.
So there will be plotting on the continent as well. A fascinating summer! Russell Luckock is chairman of Birmingham pressings firm
AE Harris