"This will not stop the Bakers' Union from campaigning politically"

Ronnie Draper, General Secretary of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, has been suspended from the Labour Party. He spoke to Solidarity (forthcoming issue). Official statements also printed below.

Do you think the Labour Party machine might have bitten off more than it can chew by suspending you?

Well I’m not looking to be treated any better, or any differently to anyone else. But I have been a Labour Party member for more than 40 years and when I discovered that I have been suspended, yesterday (25 August), I was amazed. I still haven’t been told why I have been suspended. I’ve been told I can’t attend conference or meetings – but the Bakers’ Union is affiliated to Labour!

When the news broke I received thousands – literally thousands – of messages of support. I have also had backing from other trade union leaders.

Do you think the Party bureaucrats are out of control?

Well, certainly, the rules do not appear to being applied consistently. The supporters of Jeremy Corbyn are being disproportionately targeted.

I suspect there are people who are trawling social media looking for opportunities to stop people voting for Corbyn in the leadership election.

It also seems that rules are being applied retrospectively. It is like me going into my local, discovering that there is a new ban on swearing in force, and that I’ve been barred from the pub because I swore in 1978.

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Ronnie Draper’s statement

On Tuesday 23rd August, I received an email from the Labour Party informing me that I have been suspended from membership. I am now blocked from attending Labour Party meetings, Annual Conference and, above all, voting in the leadership election.

The only explanation I have been given is that this is something to do with an unidentified tweet I have posted. I have not been given the opportunity to refute any allegations, or a date for any hearing.

I believe this flies in the face of natural justice. I intend to challenge my suspension robustly and am currently taking legal advice.

I do not seek any personal privilege based on my trade union position. I passionately believe that all members should be allowed to be heard, and be given the opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice.

I am extremely concerned that suspensions and bans are being imposed in an arbitrary or politically motivated way in this election, and I will be raising the issue with the General Secretary.

This suspension will not stop me or the Bakers Food & Allied Workers Union from campaigning politically for workers' rights, including the £10 per hour rate and abolition of zero hour contracts.

Ronnie Draper, General Secretary, BFAWU

Bakers’ Union statement

The Executive Council (EC) of the BFAWU were disappointed to learn that our General Secretary, Ronnie Draper, has been suspended by the Labour Party, with reference to alleged, and as yet unproven, comments made on social media. The EC would like to express its support of, and solidarity, with Ronnie, who we feel has been treated disgracefully. We call upon the Labour Party NEC to immediately withdraw this suspension to allow the General Secretary, who has been a life-long member of the Labour Party and who represents thousands of low-paid workers across the UK, to exercise his democratic right to vote in the upcoming leadership election.

The BFAWU has been a long-time affiliate of the Labour Party, supporting all of its democratically elected leaders throughout our history, regardless of their political stance. While we may not always have agreed with the direction being taken by the Party, we have always been a friend, ally and supporter.

Politics is an emotive business and workers deserve to have a passionate voice speaking up on their behalf. Unlike others, who have not been suspended, our Union has not funded or supported other political organisations that were, or are, in conflict with the Labour Party.

Ian Hodson, National President on behalf of the Executive Council of the BFAWU