Lozells by-election row: Labour accused of using Soviet tactics

Apr 30 2009 by Neil Elkes, Birmingham Post

The Labour Party has been accused of adopting Stalinist selection policies by the one grass-roots member who refused to endorse a council by-election candidate.

Barbara Holland, who has been in the party for more than 20 years, is outraged that members were presented with one candidate at the Lozells and East Handsworth selection meeting and has accused the party of failing democracy.

The selection row has already led to official complaints against former Lord Mayor, Coun Mahmood Hussain, over allegations that he told another applicant, Elaina Cohen, that he could not support her, because she was ‘white and Jewish’, an allegation he denies.

He was also a leading member of a secretive nine-strong panel which withdrew two able applicants, including Ms Cohen, from the shortlist put to members.

The panel’s favoured candidate, Hendrina Quinnen, won the backing of all but one person in the 50-strong members meeting – with Mrs Holland being the one objector.