- Left Fraction
The Left Fraction, sometimes calling itself the Left Fraction, British Section of the Fourth International (In Opposition),
Harry Selby , " [http://marxists.anu.edu.au/history/etol/revhist/backiss/vol1/no1/selby.html Brief Notes on the History of the Left Fraction] " (1964)] was aTrotskyist organisation in theUnited Kingdom .The group formed as a tendency of the Revolutionary Socialist League (RSL) in 1940. It was described by other tendencies in the disintegrating organisation as
pacifist . The group opposedTrotsky 'sProletarian Military Policy , and were expelled in 1943. One the first day of conference held by theFourth International in 1944, the Left Fraction and also the Trotskyist Opposition and the Left Fraction were reunited with the RSL. Despite the objections of the Left Fraction, the second day saw the reformed RSL unified with the rival Workers International League – on the WIL's terms – to form the new Revolutionary Communist Party (RCP).Sam Bornstein andAl Richardson "Against the Stream" (Socialist Platform, 1986) ISBN 0950842338]The Left Fraction initially remained within the RCP, but refused to accept the authority of its leadership. They published their own newspaper, the "Militant Miner", aimed at
coalminer s, and determined instead to pursue a policy ofentrism within the Labour Party. As a result, they were expelled in 1945.Outside the RCP, the Left Fraction began publishing a general entrist newspaper, the "Voice of Labour". The Labour Party opposed this, and expelled two Fraction members, Tom Mercer and
Harry Selby , for contributing to it. This led to a split within the organisation over tactics, with the group's leadership deciding to join the newly formedSocialist Fellowship . They dissolved the organisation in 1948.A majority of the organisation opposed the group's dissolution, but only a small rump based in
Glasgow actually continued under the Left Fraction name. Some members left to join a new Revolutionary Socialist League in 1956.John Moorhouse, "A Historical Glossary of British Marxism" (Pauper's Press, 1987) ISBN 0946650063] After a failed attempt to work with theInternational Group , the remainder determined to continue alone, publishing the journal "Politics".In 1966, the Left Fraction - by now possibly consisting solely of Selby - discussed a joint publication with the tiny Socialist Current organisation, but this was not pursued. [ [http://www.revolutionary-history.co.uk/backiss/Vol1/No2/LetSelby.html Harry Selby] , "
Revolutionary History " Vol 1, No 2]The Left Fraction finally ceased operations in 1967. Selby later became a Labour
Member of Parliament .References
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