Labour 'increasingly authoritarian'

Labour are becoming 'increasingly authoritarian' according to Ms Wassell

Wednesday, 28, May 2008 12:00

A Labour councillor who defected to the Liberal Democrats has launched a strongly worded denunciation of her former party, saying it has become "increasingly authoritarian".

Councillor Julie Wassell stood for Labour in 2005 but has now quit the party's Wycombe district council and Buckinghamshire county council group, citing victimisation.

In a statement released to the Bucks Free Press, Ms Wassell said: "I have found the Labour party to be increasingly authoritarian at a local, regional and national level.

"The regional office have described some Labour members as 'children who should grow up' because of continuous disparaging remarks," she continued.

"This type of thing, which I know others have experienced, has made me re-consider my commitment to local Labour, coupled with disagreement with national policies like ID cards, 10p tax rate and a long standing opposition to the Iraq war."

But Labour spokespeople have insinuated Ms Wassell is just trying to enhance her career.

Malcolm Powers, Labour South East regional director, said: "Julia Wassell clearly didn't have a problem with policy issues a few weeks ago.

"I can only assume her change of mind is something to do with the fact that she feels more comfortable as a member of the Liberal Democrats and has a better chance of being elected as a member of the Liberal Democrats."