July 16.

The revelation by the trade union Save The Link campaign that

constituency parties disagree with one member, one vote (OMOV) proves

nothing: delegates from the same unions probably used their multiple

voting rights (at #6 per skull) within the constituency Labour parties

to secure that outcome.

Moreover, this is in itself ample reason why Labour must change: local

parties are sewn up by careerist cliques, sustained by trade union

delegations centred on opportunist, sponsored MPs.

Of course they do not want any change that will upset their dominance.

Add to this the bizarre attitude of the headbangers (seen at party

conference every year) who wish to convert Labour into a nationalist

party, or a revolutionary party, and the result is a declining and

inactive membership, exclusive and frequently unwelcoming to people who

want simply to support John Smith and democratic socialism.

Trade unions should welcome OMOV as an opportunity to bring Labour's

active membership back into line with the aims and aspirations of its

voters.

They should encourage their members to take up Labour Party membership

in their hundreds of thousands, to create a whole new party

overwhelmingly made up of working people who support Labour's goals.

The OMOV proposals have the potential to transform the whole culture

of the Labour Party, from one characterised by an eccentric and at times

perverse membership into one that is genuinely representative of the

people it seeks to benefit.

The new members will wrest control from daft, far-left, and

nationalist ''activists'' and ensure that MPs are selected to reflect

local wishes. Crucially Labour will never again be in the pocket of any

vested interest group offering cash in exchange for influence.

In short, OMOV can galvanise Labour into the UK's modern democratic

socialist party, able to pursue radical goals of social justice and

equality free from the institutional shackles of all establishment

interests.

And if the unions share Labour's aims, that should be ample motive for

party donations at election time.

Peter Russell,

1 Bower Street,

Hillhead,

Glasgow.