Labour in-fighting over education policy

7.03.54pm GMT Tue 4th Apr 2006

Haringey Labour has been plunged into disarray after several of their council candidates started openly campaigning against the official local schools policies being promoted by other Labour candidates.

Labour's Muswell Hill candidates have attacked the official schools policy calling it "controversial", "wrong" and saying "we don't want [it]" in an election leaflet only days into the election campaign for control of the council on May 4th.

They have also warned how Labour's schools policy will only help "a select few".

Labour's splits come after the party has been heavily criticised by local parents for the shortage of school places plaguing much of the borough. The latest bad news is that over 189 children have not been offered a place at any of the secondary schools their parents applied for, and the number is expected to increase further in the next few weeks.

Gail Engert, Liberal Democrat candidate for Muswell Hill and Education spokesperson said: "This is a Labour group in chaos. It appears that the left hand and right hand are not connecting.

"The Liberal Democrats in Haringey offer a clear positive choice, we are pledging to end the annual school's places crisis with a full consultation with local parents and a ten year plan. Labour just offer chaos and confusion."

Neil Williams, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group said: "I have written to Councillor Adje demanding a full explanation about this policy split."