Since resigning from the Labour Party in April 2023 I’ve been invited numerous times to join other parties. In the past year or so, the Green Party, Your Party, and the various associated groups and campaigns such as DemSoc, Rise, Transform etc. So far I’ve resisted.
Then last month I was invited to join Reform. Here is an extract of the email I received:
‘While researching RBKC wards to decide where to stand, I found your profile, and it immediately caught my interest. I read news reports that you left the Labour Party after being excluded as a future candidate. I simply couldn’t believe how stupid they are! You are such a brilliant politician with all your great achievements and lifetime contribution, how could they make such a decision? I truly believe you are a gem – you were even an MP, and it is really upsetting to see you treated so unfairly! You definitely made the right decision to leave – they simply don’t deserve you.
For this reason, I specifically asked to stand for xxx ward because I want to follow your lead. Now I have been allocated to xxxx for Reform. I have told our committee that I would love to work with you for the 2026 local elections, and we would be honoured if you would consider joining the Reform party. Both our Reform RBKC Chair, xxxx and Vice Chair, xxxx (copied here), support my proposal and would be happy to speak with you if you are willing to have a chat.
However, the main reason I am requesting this appointment is my hope to meet you, such a great politician and legendary woman, in person. As I am originally from abroad and totally new to politics, I would be grateful if you could mentor and coach me as your time permits. I would love to learn how to become a politician and work alongside you, to support the council and the local residents.’
Yeah I was flattered. The email from someone who had clearly done their homework on me was compelling. I won’t share their name, but as a self-professed ‘award-winning journalist’ they’d researched my political career and were appalled that the Labour Party had refused (via so-called ‘due diligence’ investigations in 2022) to let me stand as candidate in the 2024 General Election. I was appalled too.
Having done all that research, I wondered, has this person seen something in me that I haven’t recognised myself?
As local elections approach, and none of the national parties seems especially attractive to a community-minded old Leftie like me – what to do?
The chance to ‘mentor and coach’ someone new to politics is so tempting. I’ve been ‘pre-approved’! And just think of the opportunities to hold press briefings and appear on BBC news every single day! Clearly a great opportunity. And really, working with a titan like Robert Jenrick is almost irresistible – and I pinky promise not to upstage him.
I need guidance. I am ‘a gem’ with nowhere to shine.
Please advise.