LABOUR’S left protested against the death of democracy in the party today ahead of a decision on whether to purge left-wing groups. 

Hundreds of suspended party members picketed Labour’s central London headquarters alleging unfair expulsions, attacks on free speech and rigged internal elections.

The demonstration, partly organised by Norman Thomas, chairman of Labour’s South Thanet branch until he was suspended in December, came as the party’s national executive committee (NEC) was due to vote on whether to proscribe four grassroots groups as “toxic.” The meeting was ongoing as the Morning Star went to press.