Executive Committee Statements
Statement by the Scottish Socialist Party 11/11/04: 00:45
The Scottish Socialist Party tonight announced that Tommy Sheridan has resigned as national convenor of the party with immediate effect.
Tommy has played an outstanding role in the development of socialist politics in Scotland over the course of two decades and has become one of the most effective party spokespersons in UK politics.
Tommy Sheridan's track record in fighting for the cause of the working class is undisputed.
Jailed in 1992 for defying a court order banning him from a warrant sale in Turnbull Street, Glasgow, Tommy spent 6 months in Edinburgh's Saughton jail.
While a prisoner there he was elected as councillor for Pollok in May of 1992.
Through the course of the next 15 years Tommy was sent to jail again for fighting the poll tax but also for taking part in blockades at Faslane nuclear submarine base in the fight for nuclear disarmament, a cause he believed passionately in.
Whether it was on striking workers picket lines or his championing of the abolition of the council tax, Tommy Sheridan brought to Scottish politics a unique voice that spoke up for those who had no voice in the elitist world of establishment politics.
15 years at the frontline of political struggle would take its toll on anyone.
For the first four years of the Scottish Parliament, Tommy battled alone as the sole MSP, for 6 years he has led the party and as a larger than life public figure has come under intense personal pressure and scrutiny.
These pressures have recently been aggravated by changes in his personal circumstances which have been widely reported.
Faced with these pressures Tommy has decided to take a step back from the frontline of political struggle.
He has issued a personal statement explaining in more detail his reasons for standing down.
The SSP Executive understands the pressure Tommy is under and accepts his decision to resign as national convenor and is confident that he will continue to play an important role in the continued success of the party and the movement that he played a central role in bringing to the position it is today.
Although a new party that has was born just 5 years ago, the SSP has never been a "one man band" and contains an abundance of talent and a range of expertise Tommy's decision comes while nominations are open for the party convenorship.
It will be in the hands of the party bodies and membership to decide arrangements for party convenorship.
In the meantime the SSP group in the Scottish Parliament will make arrangements in consultation with the elected structures of the party.
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Statement from Scottish Socialist Party Executive Committee 14/11/04
The SSP Executive confirms its acceptance of the resignation of Tommy Sheridan MSP from the post of National Convenor.
Tommy remains a valued member of the most dynamic team of MSPs in the Scottish Parliament.
The Executive completely dismisses the rumours that have circulated in the press that Tommy's resignation was provoked by a leadership challenge, a factional power struggle or any other form of internal in-fighting.
The party remains united in its support for an independent socialist Scotland, its opposition to war and racism, and the other policies detailed in our previous election manifestoes.
We understand that recent allegations in a Murdoch newspaper may be the subject of a future libel action by Tommy Sheridan and consequently the Scottish Socialist Party does not wish to comment on matters concerning the allegation.
The party will now look at a number of options on the question of the convenorship in full consultation with party branches and members around the country.
There will be a press conference of the party's MSPs and key members of the Executive on Tuesday at the Parliament to outline our internal and external priorities.
This statement was agreed unanimously by the Executive of the SSP on Sunday 14 November at 6.30 p.m.
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