Workers' Liberty

by Colin Foster

THE election-figures expert John Curtice reckons that the 4 May local government poll outcome “was not a disaster for Labour” (Independent, 6 May).

In the last council by-election in my ward, in Islington, north London, I voted for the Independent Working-Class Association.

'Hackney Independent' - formerly the Hackney branch of the Independent Working Class Association - is standing a candidate in the Hoxton by-election, which is taking place on May 5th, the same day as the General Election.

I read with interest Janine Booth's letter on the International Working Class Association (IWCA) in Solidarity 3/54, and I think she is basically right. However, I would make a couple of points.

The IWCA's success in Oxford has been both unexpected and spectacular. I wonder if the reason they are less electorally successful (although more visible in the community, and probably a lot more popular) in London is that in London their political approach is more honest and consistent.

The last issue's interview (Solidarity, 3/52) with London Mayor candidate Lorna Reid showed up both strengths and weaknesses in her group, the Independent Working Class Association (IWCA).

Lorna Reid of the Independent Working Class Association is standing for London
Mayor on 10 June. The IWCA has one sitting councillor in Oxford, and has conducted
a number of very local campaigns in other areas, mostly in London. Solidarity
cannot agree with much of the IWCA's localist approach and their exclusive
stress on community issues. We have very a different, we think broader,
vision of independent working class politics. Cathy Nugent
interviewed Lorna, who is based in Islington.

The Independent Working Class Association has announced a candidate for the London Mayoral election on 10 June 2004.

The IWCA was launched by a small left group, Red Action, but has won some good election results by a dogged focus on local campaigning on council estates.