Marsha Jane Thompson

I watched Marsha Jane Thompson evolve over the years and of course worked closely with her when we were both nominated to stand as joint Co Convenors by the soft side of the United Left. The rest of the UL did not of course agree with this and instead supported (narrow majority of 2) a hard left candidate who lost that decisive key election battle. But that is old history.

Marsha has definitely developed and has changed her approach and style. She is much more careful now and thinks a lot longer before she makes any statements. She has, overall, become better and more effective so her decision to stand for the position of Regional Convenor for the February 8 2012 AGM could be a good one.

So who is this persistent female activists? Well she is, to start with, a close friend and associate of Jon of the Rogers who is, without any question (even he agrees with this) a force in the TU movement within London if not through out the country. I worked with Jon for 20 years and we are work partners and close associates it was inevitable therefore that I too became a friend of Marsha. We are not close now as we fell out a few times for silly things but I think I know the woman behind the activist and understand how she operates.

I will go as far as to say that Marsha could win the election if those on the left and the independent thinkers of the region voted for change and had an effective mobilising campaign to get the vote out. The region needs some excitement and is due for change!!

So what plus points does she bring with her? She is younger and more in touch with the under 40s, works hard, will be an independent thinker (more than most people think) and will fight fiercely battles for the region. She will also try to be constructive and built bridges with the regional office as she understands the power regional officials hold. On the negative side she tends to be impulsive, gets angry easily and sometimes misunderstands clear signals. She is also impressed with those she thinks have power and that can be a destruction. On balance she is ready for this and should be good at the job!