Del Young / UKIP Youth letter

Anthony Butcher · 20-11-2007, 02:24 PM

I have just been forwarded a copy of a letter issued by Del Young

Quote:

Date: Monday 19th November 2007

Dear UKIP Members,

I am writing to update you on UKIP Young Independence, the fledgling section of our party intended for younger members. Unfortunately some serious problems have emerged.

In January 2007 I pointed out to John Whittaker that UKIP Youth kept appearing on the NEC agenda and nothing was being done about it and we were missing an important opportunity to bring young people into the party. He told me if I was so concerned about it I should put proposals/ideas together about making it work.

In February 2007, I went to the NEC with a plan of action and explained it to the NEC I stressed to them that I needed the autonomy and the authority to set up and run UKIP Youth as I saw it, but I also insisted on giving the NEC a running Commentary at the monthly meetings on what was happening in UKIP Youth, as they are the managers of the party and UKIP Youth must be under their overall management but in a loose way.

It’s important to note that there have been times when I went to give the NEC updates about UKIP Youth and the Party Chairman stop me from giving it and sometimes UKIP Youth was never on the agenda.

I appointed a Chairman, Secretary, Press officer, Fund Raising officer, Membership officer. I also appointed four Mentors from amongst members of the party; they were there to give support to the Youth Council when asked and I used them as a sounding board and advice when I wanted to. I was asked by the NEC to find a paid administrator and despite the difficulty of finding funding, and a lack of cooperation from some people, the organisation was successfully set up and an excellent administrator was appointed.

The mentors and I would have gradually fallen away as the organisation got strong and could stand on its own two feet.

After the completion of the Web site and a meeting in Birmingham with two mentors, five members of the Youth council and I, setting out how we were all going to make UKIP Young Independence a success, there was no action from some members of the Young Council. I phoned and contacted the mentors on a number of occasions to express my concerns and told them I was considering removing and replacing some members of the Young Council to improve things.

A few weeks after conference 2007, I did a SWOT analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Trends) on the organisation, and the inactivity and silly mind games by some Young Council members stood out as one of the biggest weaknesses and obstacles to UKIP Young Independence becoming a success.

I therefore exercised my right to reorganise the Young Council to make it more effective and successful. I removed the Chairman, the Press Office and the Fund raising Officer on the 1st November 2007.

When I attended the last NEC meeting on the 5th November, as an elected member, I was surprised to discover that an item was suddenly raised that had not been on the agenda. I was equally surprised to discover that, the chairman of Young Independence I had appointed and removed had been invited.

What followed I can only describe as an orchestrated denunciation which, among other things, included claims that I had criticised the Party leader, Deputy Leader and the Party Chairman at a meeting of UKIP Young Independence in Birmingham. In fact this is not true, though I had not realised that criticism was no longer allowed.

I was then asked to leave the meeting – despite being an elected member – and when allowed back was kindly informed that “my resignation as Director of Young Independence had been accepted,” even though I had not resigned.

At no point in that NEC meeting which was more akin to a Soviet-style Politburo purge did I tell the NEC I resigned or handed them a letter of resignation!

Half way though the former chairman Wayne Harling`s report to the NEC I interrupted to informed the NEC he was lying and I needed a copy of the report to produce evidence and witnesses proving to them that he was lying. A member of the NEC told me I was being confrontational and I didn’t need a copy of the report. I then said “If you all are going to sit here and believe these lies I might as well step down from this thing”

This was a comment which has obviously been cynically manipulated as a resignation in order to get rid of me. It is also important to note that:

· I did not have a copy of the Harling report before or after the NEC meeting
· I did not have an opportunity to provide witness and evidence to prove my case
· I did not know Harling was going to be at the meeting or that any issue would be raised
· The Chairman (John Whittaker) and some other members of the NEC said I do not need a copy of the report when I asked Wayne Harling for the copy he had in his hand. Wayne Harling said he will email me a copy and to date I have not receive a copy of the report from Wayne.
· Why didn’t the NEC wanted me to have a copy of Wayne Harling report
· Why didn’t the NEC speak to the Mentors and the other members of the Young Council before the ambush
· Why get rid of me when the structures and systems I had and was putting in place, stood a good chance of making UKIP Young Independence a success
· Why did the NEC got rid of me and reappoint the members of the Young Council whom I removed for being inactive, incapable of making UKIP Young Independence a success In other words this was a blatant ambush and an abuse of procedure.

The result of all of this is that our Young section is now in turmoil; there is no direction, the administrator has no guidance and a great opportunity is being squandered.

In addition, given the way in which I was treated at the last NEC some have suggested to me that I might as well resign altogether. However I was elected by the members to serve them on the NEC. I think it is important to have strong, independent voices on our governing body, so I intend to continue. My aim is to make an entirely positive contribution to the Party, but I will speak my mind at meetings in the interest of the members, their party and its aims and goals at the NEC as I am sure those who elected me want.

Yours faithfully

Delroy Young
Elected Member of the NEC

Anthony Butcher · 20-11-2007, 02:30 PM

I am glad that I am no longer a UKIP member; the actions of the leadership are just shameful. Whittaker should resign immediately; deliberately ambushing NEC members by secretly inviting other members to give a pre-prepared attack, with no opportunity to put a proper defence together, is absolutely disgusting and about as unprofessional as it gets. Is this really what the Party Chairman should be involved in?

The fact that Farage and the rest of the NEC allowed this ambush to go ahead says a lot about their lack of integrity as well.

I am astonished that Del has stayed in there given the way he has been treated. Notch up another shambles for Farage and Whittaker.

The Youth movement was one of the few promising areas of UKIP.

wayneanthonyharling · 20-11-2007, 03:34 PM

I think the time is due for those attacked and bullied by Delroy to actually have their say. Then perhaps you can make a judgement on much fairer grounds.

For Del to say I was inactive is just ridiculous. I have been trying to get the Youth Council together to have regular meetings but this was blocked by Del. I arranged a meeting in Chichester and Del was invited. He first sent his apologies, and after the meeting would shout down the phone at me, threatening me throughout and stated his intention to sack me. This bullying tactic would be used anytime I would call Del for any advice or help on anything.

Just a list of activities I have been getting involved in include;
Attended EU critical conference in Slovenia in order to build links with other link minded groups

In the developed process of linking with Youth Against The EU in Norway, and Movimento Libero of Italy for the co-operation of fiscal policy.

Organising an MEP visit to Brussels and/or Strasbourg with Mike Nattrass MEP in the spring of 2008. Details are on the Young Independence website

Organising a conference/football game social in Italy with Movimento Libero

Sorting out arrangments to be a guest speaker with Paul Dennett at a garden party in Worcester Branch

Found several competitive quotes for Young Independence merchandise and freebies such as pens and badges.

Planning a separate conference for Young Independence with guest speakers from main party but with emphasis on youth.

Planning a by-election team of young members to mobilise into target areas.

Set up a UKIP branch in 2005 at Keele University and stood in 2 elections gaining 8% of the vote in a university campus

Idea for co-operation with all young members to stay at the same hotel for UKIP conference 2008 in order to achieve a better deal, greater social interaction and more young members participating.

Using our youth contact in Brussels, Jamie Illingworth to receive information regarding young people and the EU straight from the source.

Was in the process of planning an activity against plans to have a national service policy within the party.

Generally given a great deal of time and effort at great financial cost to the cause of UKIP as a whole.

Wayne Harling

tamashi · 20-11-2007, 03:36 PM

Interesting display of bias from Anthony in his post above.

He accepts as Gospel everything written by Del and denounces Farage and Whittaker.

Anyone with an open mind would have at least asked for the other side of the story before making up their mind.

Anthony Butcher · 20-11-2007, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wayneanthonyharling

I think the time is due for those attacked and bullied by Delroy to actually have their say. Then perhaps you can make a judgement on much fairer grounds.

Absolutely, there are always two sides to these things. However, for me your disagreement with Del is between yourselves, and I think that it is nigh on impossible for others to make a judgement. The real issue is how it has been dealt with by Farage and Whittaker, and why they became involved at all.

Anthony Butcher · 20-11-2007, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tamashi

Interesting display of bias from Anthony in his post above.

He accepts as Gospel everything written by Del and denounces Farage and Whittaker.

Anyone with an open mind would have at least asked for the other side of the story before making up their mind.

I've seen it all before first hand from Farage and Whittaker. Not one bit of it surprises me. We know that Farage is a liar and I wouldn't even waste my breath asking him for a version of events.

On the other hand I have no reason to doubt Del's version of events, and I see that Wayne hasn't suggested that Del's description of the meeting was inaccurate.

Assuming that Del's description is largely accurate, what do you make of it?

tito · 20-11-2007, 03:45 PM

FFS!

Good luck guys, but I quit. There are bigger fish to fry.

gimlet · 20-11-2007, 04:25 PM

Wayne

Can you post a copy of your report, I am sure it would add to the debate.

Razman · 20-11-2007, 05:03 PM

Mr. Anthony Butcher I am so utterly disappointed you have decided to take side before you have even retrieved all the facts for yourself, for what its worth I wish to share with you what I know.

When Young Independence was formed I had nothing but praise for Mr. Delroy Young for all the work he had done and continued to do, but he soon became paranoid about everything the council members did, during the meeting in birmingham when he learnt Wayne Harling and myself were brain storming ideas to get young people to stand as council candidates he immiediatly launched at us, "whats been said behind my back!" it became difficult to even move without his permission, he held the leadership viscously with cold hands.

Then it came, I phoned him one morning to enquire about the reply he had put forward to Wayne Harling, it turns out Wayne sent a letter to our administrator asking why he hadnt attended a key event in London and what his Progress was with the work he had layed out, immeditly our adminsitrator sent it to Delroy Young in which his reply was in attack to Wayne, when I phoned him about it, I said I couldnt understand his anger for what Wayne had said, I then proceeded to ask him, "Well what is our Chairmans job?, He cant even ask our administrator whats hes been doing?" He then stormed into another rage, and put the phone down, a few hours following that phone call the Chairman, Myself and the Membership Officer where sacked... no real reason given.

Wayne Harling went to the NEC to protest this decision, yes to appeal...something Delroy had not offered us, not even at least a real reason for our dismissal, Wayne presented what work he had done for YI, fueled by rage and blinded by his own paranoia Delroy rejected everything that was said. after which he said “If you all are going to sit here and believe these lies I might as well step down from this thing”, when Wayne and Del left the room, the NEC held a vote on Delroys Leadership... Stay or Leave, following this vote he was dismissed as leader and those who where sacked where reinstated.

Now listen for a moment, Wayne Harling never for a moment wanted this to happen, he didnt hiss and curse, project and lance execration toward Delroy Young, but praised him for all good work he did, Never did he want Delroy to be thrown away as leader, It is an assumption you have arrived at on Wayne Harlings defense for himself, Myself and Paul.

Everything that Wayne Harling has done it has been for the people of YI, It has been for all those within UKIP, It has been for the success of everything he loves, I can think of no better man for the job, and if the Future of Young Independece means the dismissal of Delroy Young then so be it.

Alex McKee · 20-11-2007, 05:18 PM

Set up an election then guys, earn a mandate and then I'll back you.

Until then I'll stick by Del who I have always found to be polite, courteous and pleasant.

20-11-2007, 02:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
Anthony Butcher Administrator Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Long Ashton, Bristol Posts: 9,714 Party: None	I am glad that I am no longer a UKIP member; the actions of the leadership are just shameful. Whittaker should resign immediately; deliberately ambushing NEC members by secretly inviting other members to give a pre-prepared attack, with no opportunity to put a proper defence together, is absolutely disgusting and about as unprofessional as it gets. Is this really what the Party Chairman should be involved in? The fact that Farage and the rest of the NEC allowed this ambush to go ahead says a lot about their lack of integrity as well. I am astonished that Del has stayed in there given the way he has been treated. Notch up another shambles for Farage and Whittaker. The Youth movement was one of the few promising areas of UKIP. __________________ If you care about what's in your food and where it comes from, then get it labelled! Label My Food - http://www.labelmyfood.org.uk

20-11-2007, 03:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
wayneanthonyharling Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Barnsley Posts: 79 Party: UKIP	Delroy Young??? I think the time is due for those attacked and bullied by Delroy to actually have their say. Then perhaps you can make a judgement on much fairer grounds. For Del to say I was inactive is just ridiculous. I have been trying to get the Youth Council together to have regular meetings but this was blocked by Del. I arranged a meeting in Chichester and Del was invited. He first sent his apologies, and after the meeting would shout down the phone at me, threatening me throughout and stated his intention to sack me. This bullying tactic would be used anytime I would call Del for any advice or help on anything. Just a list of activities I have been getting involved in include; Attended EU critical conference in Slovenia in order to build links with other link minded groups In the developed process of linking with Youth Against The EU in Norway, and Movimento Libero of Italy for the co-operation of fiscal policy. Organising an MEP visit to Brussels and/or Strasbourg with Mike Nattrass MEP in the spring of 2008. Details are on the Young Independence website Organising a conference/football game social in Italy with Movimento Libero Sorting out arrangments to be a guest speaker with Paul Dennett at a garden party in Worcester Branch Found several competitive quotes for Young Independence merchandise and freebies such as pens and badges. Planning a separate conference for Young Independence with guest speakers from main party but with emphasis on youth. Planning a by-election team of young members to mobilise into target areas. Set up a UKIP branch in 2005 at Keele University and stood in 2 elections gaining 8% of the vote in a university campus Idea for co-operation with all young members to stay at the same hotel for UKIP conference 2008 in order to achieve a better deal, greater social interaction and more young members participating. Using our youth contact in Brussels, Jamie Illingworth to receive information regarding young people and the EU straight from the source. Was in the process of planning an activity against plans to have a national service policy within the party. Generally given a great deal of time and effort at great financial cost to the cause of UKIP as a whole. Wayne Harling

20-11-2007, 05:03 PM	#9 (permalink)
Razman Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Chichester, South East Posts: 21	Mr. Anthony Butcher I am so utterly disappointed you have decided to take side before you have even retrieved all the facts for yourself, for what its worth I wish to share with you what I know. When Young Independence was formed I had nothing but praise for Mr. Delroy Young for all the work he had done and continued to do, but he soon became paranoid about everything the council members did, during the meeting in birmingham when he learnt Wayne Harling and myself were brain storming ideas to get young people to stand as council candidates he immiediatly launched at us, "whats been said behind my back!" it became difficult to even move without his permission, he held the leadership viscously with cold hands. Then it came, I phoned him one morning to enquire about the reply he had put forward to Wayne Harling, it turns out Wayne sent a letter to our administrator asking why he hadnt attended a key event in London and what his Progress was with the work he had layed out, immeditly our adminsitrator sent it to Delroy Young in which his reply was in attack to Wayne, when I phoned him about it, I said I couldnt understand his anger for what Wayne had said, I then proceeded to ask him, "Well what is our Chairmans job?, He cant even ask our administrator whats hes been doing?" He then stormed into another rage, and put the phone down, a few hours following that phone call the Chairman, Myself and the Membership Officer where sacked... no real reason given. Wayne Harling went to the NEC to protest this decision, yes to appeal...something Delroy had not offered us, not even at least a real reason for our dismissal, Wayne presented what work he had done for YI, fueled by rage and blinded by his own paranoia Delroy rejected everything that was said. after which he said “If you all are going to sit here and believe these lies I might as well step down from this thing”, when Wayne and Del left the room, the NEC held a vote on Delroys Leadership... Stay or Leave, following this vote he was dismissed as leader and those who where sacked where reinstated. Now listen for a moment, Wayne Harling never for a moment wanted this to happen, he didnt hiss and curse, project and lance execration toward Delroy Young, but praised him for all good work he did, Never did he want Delroy to be thrown away as leader, It is an assumption you have arrived at on Wayne Harlings defense for himself, Myself and Paul. Everything that Wayne Harling has done it has been for the people of YI, It has been for all those within UKIP, It has been for the success of everything he loves, I can think of no better man for the job, and if the Future of Young Independece means the dismissal of Delroy Young then so be it. __________________ Young Independence Press Officer www.youngindependence.org press@youngindependence.org Not living in the Past, But thinking about the Future ~ James McCulloch

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20-11-2007, 03:36 PM	#4 (permalink)
tamashi Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 519	Interesting display of bias from Anthony in his post above. He accepts as Gospel everything written by Del and denounces Farage and Whittaker. Anyone with an open mind would have at least asked for the other side of the story before making up their mind.

20-11-2007, 04:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
gimlet Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Shropshire Posts: 802	Wayne Can you post a copy of your report, I am sure it would add to the debate.

20-11-2007, 05:18 PM	#10 (permalink)
Alex McKee Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Gloucester Posts: 6,621	Set up an election then guys, earn a mandate and then I'll back you. Until then I'll stick by Del who I have always found to be polite, courteous and pleasant.