THE MAIN REASON that Eric Heffer has put his candidature forward in the battle for the leadership of the Labour Party is that the party membership was faced with a narrow choice between Messrs Kinnock, Shore and Hattersley: laurie PHOTO believe that my record as a socialist stands for itself', he says. I want to see Clause 4 defended in the wally constitution. There should be freedom of discussion. Members of ine party should not be expelled because of their portical vices.
'I don't believe that the problems of this country, or those of Europe as a can be solved outwhole. side the context • OT democratic socialist policies.' While he is unwilling to comment directly on other candidates, the Liverpudian Mo believe these record on these questions compare. favourably with that of the other as left wing. by the media Neil Kinnock.
While Kinnock has consistently voted on the NEC of the Party against such measures as the nationalisation of the clearing banks, total opposition incomes policy against the expulsion of the board, Heffer has stood up for the views of the majority of the rank and file of the party.
Battle He is standing for the leadership Parly too because he thinks that there should be a vigorous lead from the parliamentary platform in the battle against the measures announced In the Queen's Speech.
the countrv there needs Illass movement to defeat ThatCICT There has to be a combination of parliamentary and extraparliamentary action in a that • IS traditional to the British working class movement.' The election for the leader and deputy leader has once again raised the question of how the rank and file of the trade unions should participate election as well as broader questions of the relation ship between the Labou the unions. Unions Heffer had written an article for a forthcoming issue of New Left Review six months previously on this topic. *I believe, along with Alex Kitson, that the weighting between the constituencies the trade unions is disproportionate. I believe that the weighting of the consti. tuencies must be increased to give the rank and file activists of the greater say in conferences.
"Secondly, Should be ab pot vale y matters concering th Labour Party.
'It's completely wrong that Conservative, SDP and Liberal supporters can influence the direction of the party without paying a penny to support it'.
He thinks that, in general, NUPE's action in seeking a branch ballot on blockade's rejection of America's war plans for Europe. Further information from: London