Irony is dead, and so is the Labour Growth Group. A new message from Mark McVitie to supporters just now:
“Hi all,
I wanted to update you on where things stand with Labour Growth Group, following recent conversations about the group’s direction and the work it should be doing.First, I want to acknowledge that some of you felt blindsided by the publication of An Honest Day without sight of it beforehand. That was a mistake, it sits with Chris and me, and we apologise. The paper came at the end of a long and resource-light process, and in the rush to land it we did not bring you in as we should have. I remain very proud of what the paper has done to shape the argument for a more persuasive and dynamic politics of growth both within the party and more widely. But the process should have been better.
You may also know that the current funding block which has sustained LGG operations is coming to an end. Chris has given a huge amount to LGG as Parliamentary Chair and is now keen to focus on other work, including advocacy on housing and on devolution and the metro mayoralties around the country. For my part, I am keen focus my energy on taking the ideas in An Honest Day forward through new routes.
With that, Chris will soon be standing down as Chair and I will be winding things down behind the scenes.
That leaves the question of what LGG becomes next open, and I think it is only right to put that to all of you. If you want to take it on, as Chair or as part of a new organising committee, please email Chris and CC me. I would encourage anyone who believes in the group’s potential to put themselves forward. Based on the response, we will create a process for an orderly handover and a timetable for moving into a new phase.
I am genuinely very grateful for the support so many of you have shown throughout my time leading this work. I am glad to have gotten to know many of you and hope to continue working with you in the future. I hope you feel it has been worthwhile.”
Will anyone bother to step forward…
Former leader of the SNP in Westminster Ian Blackford told Times Radio why he believes Nicola Sturgeon’s claim that she spent no time in the kitchen and therefore didn’t see any of her husband’s purchases:
“She doesn’t have a passion for cooking.”