"It was a defining moment. It was a time when clearly something had to take place which changed the outlook of British politics....All three political parties support capitalism and support the free market."
At the official launch on May 1st (International Workers Day) Mr Scargill said that membership of his party was already "way ahead" of predictions and had exceeded "wildest expectations". In January 1996 Mr Scargill had said that Socialist Labour would be a major force in British politics if it could win a thousand members within one year of its launch and 5,000 within two years.
The party originally said it had already selected candidates in Scunthorpe, Tower Hamlets, London, Pudsey, Gorton in Manchester and two seats in Oldham, including Oldham West - the Shadow Employment Secretary, Michael Meacher's seat. Mr Scargill has not ruled himself out as a candidate.
The party has contested one by-election - Brenda Nixon stood in Hemsworth in February 1996, gaining 5.4% of the vote, just holding on to her deposit.
Mr Scargill has rejected suggestions that his party might be in danger of splitting the Left-wing vote at elections, saying that anyone who claimed to be a socialist must recognise that their place was with Socialist Labour, not with New Labour "who support capitalism, a stakeholder economy and the free market." (Financial Times 2 May 1996).
Party Headquarters:
9 Victoria Road
Barnsley
South Yorkshire
S70 2BB
Tel: 01226 770957