Dr Edwards Leaves Labour Party (Press, 29 June 1974)
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Summary: Dr Edwards Leaves Labour Party (Press, 29 June 1974)
Dr Brian Edwards has announced his resignation from the Labour Party, citing significant disillusionment with its social policies. In a statement made on 28 June 1974, he expressed his desire to sever all connections with the party, a move also mirrored by his wife, Susan, a former secretary for the party's Miramar branch. Dr Edwards specifically condemned the party's lack of courage over the issue of homosexuality and criticised Prime Minister Mr Kirk's response to recent developments involving the Wellington Tenants’ Protection Association. Having served as the Labour candidate for Miramar in the last General Election, Dr Edwards described his departure as hastened by what he perceives as the party's betrayal of its principles since it came to power 19 months earlier. He characterised the Labour government’s record as one of broken promises and a commitment to repressive and reactionary social policies, which he equated to a form of "unprincipled pragmatism" that is contrary to the expectations of thousands of New Zealanders who look to Labour for progressive change. Edwards, who also hosts a talk-back radio programme, noted that widespread public sentiment aligns with his own feelings of disappointment and disenchantment with the party’s direction. He asserted that Labour’s approach to issues such as drug offenders, criminals, and homosexuals reflects a troubling inertia reminiscent of previous administrations, lacking both sense and humanity. He voiced concerns over the future of the party, stating that the so-called “young radical Left” has either succumbed to or become overly respectful of the party leadership, leaving little hope for progressive reform. Dr Edwards' resignation underscores a broader discontent with the Labour Party's current trajectory and its failure to adhere to the progressive social reforms that many had anticipated when they came into power.
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