How Bad Must Your Conduct Be to Get Expelled from the Labour Party?

The Labour Party, like most political organizations, has a set of rules and guidelines that its members must adhere to. These rules are designed to maintain the integrity and reputation of the party. But how serious must one's conduct be to warrant expulsion?

Core Principles and Membership Rules

No Contradictory Promotion: Members are not allowed to promote anything that conflicts with the Labour Party's aims and objectives. This includes voicing dissent during meetings, as learning from differing viewpoints can be valuable. Avoiding Disrepute: Members must not engage in, or condone, activities that could bring the party into disrepute, especially if these actions are public. Adherence to Rules: While mistakes can happen, adherence to the rules is expected. However, not following guidelines can still lead to suspension or expulsion. No Support for Proscribed Organizations: Supporting organizations that are proscribed, often other political parties, may also lead to expulsion. This is a common rule across political parties.

These rules are designed to ensure the party's cohesion and adherence to its core values. Violations can lead to disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion.

A Real-Life Incident

Remember the 25-year-old story from a policy forum meeting? A man came in and started making inflammatory statements, upset about the repeal of Section 28, a Margaret Thatcher-era legislation targeting LGBT individuals. While this person's behavior was certainly contentious, the party members didn't react aggressively. A senior member calmly asked him what he was afraid of, possibly to de-escalate the situation. The outcome for this individual was never clear, but the party's response highlights their strategy of de-escalation over confrontation.

The Importance of Social Inclusivity

The Labour Party prides itself on its social inclusive policies. Regular reviews and checks ensure the party stays aligned with these values. However, expulsion is a last resort, and it's rare for members to be expelled from local chapters.

Examples of Expulsion

Suspensions and expulsions from the Labour Party can happen due to several reasons, but the severity of conduct plays a crucial role. Stances on political decisions and even personal support for certain organizations can lead to expulsion. Here are a couple of examples:

Political Stances

Standing in Elections: Interestingly, standing against an official Labour candidate can get you expelled. This shows a strict adherence to party lines. Disagreement with Policies: Current Labour leader Keir Starmer seems to have a non-tolerant approach. Members who disagree with his policies may face expulsion. For instance, Jeremy Corbyn was expelled from the Parliamentary Labour Party for criticizing the leader's policies.

Where Else the Rules Apply

Maria Gould: Maria Gould, a member of the Provisional IRA, was elected to Croydon Council as a Conservative Party member, causing controversy. Owen Patterson: Owen Patterson, a member of a controversial organization, was not suspended from the Conservative Party, highlighting the varying enforcement of these rules across parties.

Conclusion

The Labour Party's rules and regulations are clear, but their application can vary. While not all members face expulsion, severe conduct and adherence to party policies are critical. The party's approach reflects a balance between strict adherence to core values and a willingness to engage with dissenting members to maintain unity.