Ex lord provost calls for Labour Party ‘clean-out’

A FORMER Dundee Lord Provost has called for a “clean-out of underperformers” in the city’s Labour Party.

With a civil war intensifying following the de-selection then reinstatement of two veteran councillors ahead of next May’s local elections, Mervyn Rolfe said the l ocal operation needs a dramatic shake up.

It came after Unison branch secretary Phil Welsh cut up his membership card in protest about the fact only 10 candidates are expected to be fielded i n the council contest.

In an online exchange, Mr Rolfe told Mr Welsh: “I would agree with you if you think that a clean-out of under-performers would massively contribute to the very necessary improvement in profile, relevance, and strategic approach of our local Scottish Labour councillors.

“It is more difficult for those who remain when committed comrades leave it to others to effect necessary change.”

It was revealed last week t h a t To m Ferguson and Mohammed Asif were both put forward for deselection by t he Dundee Constituency Labour Party (CLP), meaning neither would have been able to run as Labour candidates at next year’s election.

But both men successfully appealed the decision, with Scottish Labour’s Executive Committee (SEC) approving them to stand.

That has l ed t o f ury among some local members and a highly charged meeting is expected to take place on Thursday.

Mr Ferguson, who represents the Lochee ward, expressed his pleasure at the appeal decision and vowed to stand again in the election.

Mr Asif has been unavailable for comment.