Political spat erupts at group’s 40th birthday bash

POLITICS almost overshadowed a party celebrating 40 years of a campaigning residents’ group on Saturday.

Former Lib Dem ward councillor Margaret Little joined former Labour Town Hall colleagues Gerry Harrison and Janet Guthrie at the South End Green Association (Sega) event at Hampstead Hill School in Pond Street.

Mr Harrison, who stepped down at May’s elections, chose the event to announce  he had quit the Labour Party.  He said: “I resigned on May 5 – four years too late. I am not a member of any party any more. Against the wishes of my councillor friends I am now helping the Lib Dems – and I am accused of being a traitor. ”

Former Labour ward councillor Janet Guthrie, who lost her seat last month, retorted: “I am not deserting my party. I believe in it and I believe Labour values are right and proper.”

New Sega chairwoman Pam Gilby said: “Perhaps Gerry could have left out the fact he had resigned but I think he was making the point that serving the community is the most important thing, regardless of politics, which I agree with.”

Pictured back row, from left: former Labour councillor Gerry Harrison, Tory councillors Kirsty Roberts and Chris Knight, former Sega chairman Michael Render, Tory councillors Lulu Mitchell and Mike Greene.

Front frow from left: former Labour councillor Janet Guthrie, former Lib Dem councillor Margaret Little and Sega chairwoman Pam Gilby.