In my view the news that Martin Winter is at loggerheads with the Labour Party shows the man in his true colours.

Labour politics is about unity, solidarity, togetherness. Opinions can be divided, you may not agree with the party-line, but you stay in, you debate and, by the democratic process, you persuade the others to follow your line - if you can.

Conservatives place greater emphasis on the individual and self-reliance. Lib-Dems are strong on the individual's right to choose.

Independents are just that - they can join up with whoever they like - or not.

Being "Labour" is different. Being "Labour" is not a fashion choice - you either are Labour or you're not. With Labour suffering a popularity crisis, and having a (democratically-ratified) rule that an elected mayor can serve only two terms, does he think that the time is right to changes horses?

Thankfully, he has only 12 months left in office - maximum.

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