Thread by @ADifferentNarr1

1/ So this Corbyn/Starmer expulsion stuff. It's not really my business these days. But it's trending & I have an opinion so why not. What are #Starmer's objectives, given the odd move of barring @jeremycorbyn from being an MP while allowing him to remain a Labour member.

2/ I think the intention is clear from the content of the motion. The aim is to use JC's loyalty to the Labour Party against him forcing him to make a choice between remaining as an MP and retaining the friendship/ support networks he's had in Labour for about 50yrs.

3/ I suspect Starmer is banking on Corbyn's residual loyalty to the party and the interventions of Corbyn "allies" worried over what his exit from the Party means for the Labour/Momentum left. JC is by far the most popular representative of that side of the party & ...

4/ ... Without that association they are screwed. If JC remains a Labour member but not MP the Momentum crowd can keep milking his reputation for their own benefit. There will be no barriers to selfies, attending events with him etc. But this begs the question...

5/ ... Why would #starmer want to throw a bone to the Momentum left? Probably for the same reason he hasn't yet proscribed it even though he's clearly free to whatever the hell he likes. Starmer is an establishment man leading an establishment party whose main function is...

6/ To contain and control dissent. Momentum's main purpose is to funnel Socialists into this dead end. Momentum relies both on the Labour Party & Corbyn for their platform, profile and influence. Corbyn leaving wld force them to choose Labour but their profile wld be diminished.

7/ Corbyn leaving completely wld also be a problem for the establishment who need his his popularity to be contained & limited by an organisation they control. Without Corbyn, Labour would be damaged as the main vehicle of legitimised dissent. Moreover...

8/ Corbyn himself would become a rallying point for dissent outside Labour. This would put people who rely on both Corbyn and Labour for their status and careers in a very difficult position. Some wld no doubt make the jump with him to ensure the operation is controlled...

9/ ... & I believe @ProgIntl serves that function to an extent anyway. Nevertheless, I'd be REALLY interested to know which Corbyn allies are begging him to stay within the Labour fold, as I think it would reveal their true agenda. I am completely out of the loop...

10/10 ... I have no idea what's being said privately & actually can't guess what JC will do. I there'll be huge pressure not to stand from Momentum. For what it's worth, I hope he stands as independent. It's the right thing for the people of Islington North who need a good MP.