Geoff shares this latest news. See bottom of article for response from Labour Chair, Mark Chiverton. Ed
After nearly 35 years membership, long-time Labour IW councillor Geoff Brodie has announced he has left the party with immediate effect.
Geoff explained,
“Although I have no issues with the national party, particularly under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, I do find myself very isolated from the local party leadership.
“Ever since my personal socialist values lead me to support leaving the neo-liberal EU in 2016’s referendum, I have become a pariah. Also they have failed to support me with my epilepsy-related problems.
“Being overwhelmingly re-elected for Newport East in May for a fourth time, but once again on my own at County Hall, requires full support from the local party leadership. I have not had that over the last nine months, far from it, so I have decided I will battle on without them.”
‘Independent Labour’
Geoff will now sit as an ‘Independent Labour’ councillor at County Hall representing the residents of Newport East to his usual demanding standards.
Geoff Brodie was for 13 years the local Labour Election Agent and is a former Party Secretary, Campaigns Organiser and the only local delegate in the last 25 years to address Labour Party Conference.
Strongly refute allegations
In response to Geoff Brodie’s announcement, Isle of Wight Island Labour Chair, Mark Chiverton, said.
“Geoff is a fiercely resolute politician so we must accept his decision and move on.
“In doing so I would place on record my thanks for the support he has given to the party over many years.
“The party will not enter into a public discussion about the reasons behind Geoff’s decision but suffice it to say we strongly refute the allegations he makes.
“For its part, Labour has – thanks to a huge surge in membership – become the Island largest political party. Encouraged by a dramatic increase in votes at the last general election, we will continue to provide a united, strong and rational local voice in defence of public services and against the government’s damaging austerity agenda.”
Article edit
1. Response from Mark Chiverton added
Image: Marco Verch under CC BY 2.0
