19/02/2019
This morning, a day after seven Labour Members of Parliament resigned from the Labour Party due to ongoing displeasure at the direction it has taken since Jeremy Corbyn became its leader, the news broke that Derek Hatton had rejoined the Labour Party. It had been more than three decades since he was expelled from the political party for his membership of Militant, an extreme left wing element of the Labour Party.
But, was he ever actually a socialist?
He had a penchant for Armani suits, drove a red Ferrari with a personalised number plate and, when I sat next to him at a Round Table dinner where he was to deliver the after dinner speech, boasted about never having been a socialist. During the dinner, which he spent most of talking to me quite enthusiastically, he eagerly boasted about having always been a capitalist. So, why did he become a Labour Councillor for Liverpool, gaining notoriety for illegal budgets and sending out redundancy notices to council employees; not delivered in face to face meetings or posted via Royal Mail, but actually delivered by taxis! I did ask him this question and his answer showed just what sort of man Derek Hatton is.
He clearly stated, quite proudly, that he knew the only way he was going to attain any power in Liverpool, was by standing as a Labour candidate for Council. To stand as a Conservative candidate would, he admitted, would mean to accept failure. So, he presented himself as an ultra left wing Labour supporter.
Hatton's appearances on TV today showed again, just how much this narcissist craves power, fame and fortune. The initial TV interviews showed a haggard looking Hatton, seemingly unable to keep his eyes open when talking to the camera.
It's just a shame he didn't also keep his mouth shut.
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