Class War at the 2015 UK General Election: Radicalism, Subversion and the Democratic Process By Jon Bigger Doctoral Thesis Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Loughborough University 6th October 2020 © by Jon Bigger 2020 i Abstract The anarchist movement Class War stood candidates in the 2015 UK general election. Anarchists tend to shun official politics so it is appropriate to ask why the group took part and what it hoped to achieve? In answering that question, this thesis provides the first ethnographic study of Class War, focusing on a small but significant subculture on the fringes of UK politics and society. In recounting their general election campaign, it examines how far radicals can utilise the mechanisms of the liberal democratic state for their own advantage. It highlights where the group was successful and how its subversion could be developed and improved. The thesis argues that the experiment punctured the normal, stale election process and provides a benchmark for radicals wishing to subvert it for their own ends. Election leaflets, campaign launches, hustings events, media appearances and the election count were all used as forms of direct action, piercing through the fabric of constitutional activity and therefore forging liberated spaces within the electoral process. The research was conducted in the run up to, during, and in the aftermath of the election. Embedded within the group, I used Participatory Action Research as a reference point to write about my own experiences as an election candidate and those of my research participants during the research process. The thesis provides a thick description of how one small group of activists attempted to fuse direct action with constitutional means in an effort to inspire the working class beyond the staid failures of leftist party politics. It is the story of Class War’s election told through the lens of their activists. KEYWORDS Anarchism, Class War, Direct Action, General Elections, UK Politics, Subculture iv Acknowledgements I could not have completed this work without the help of all the Class War participants. Those that participated directly in this research provided their time and effort to help me understand their view of the world. There are some that I spent time with, staying in their houses and socialising. Their kindness and friendship made this an enjoyable project. My supervisors at Loughborough University, Ruth Kinna and Ian Fraser were understanding, helpful and patient. Their gentle pushes in the right direction helped me learn a great deal formulating my thoughts and developing my analysis. I owe them both a great deal for their teaching. Dave Berry left the university before I completed but was also a supervisor for the first year. His help was invaluable as I headed into the field to gather data. The work of photojournalist Peter Marshall is much admired by me. As Class War’s unofficial photographer, Peter was working during much of what this thesis describes, providing useful pictorial evidence. He has kindly allowed me to use some of his photographs. Likewise, there is a photograph by Guy Smallman of the moment when a participant was arrested, which conveys the drama of the moment perfectly. I would like to thank both Peter and Guy for allowing me to use their images. Early in this research my finances dried up. I was very close to having to give the project up. I was given a grant by the Civil Service Charity, on account of being a former worker in that sector. I am extremely grateful for that help from former civil servants. Loughborough People and Planet deserve a special mention for extra-curricular excitement. Being able to help kick-start the group with some imaginative direct action and generally helping to inspire left leaning undergraduates has been joyous. Gaining a policy change at the University on fossil fuel investments within a few months was an achievement for the group that I will look back on fondly. Taking coffee breaks with Steff to plan and plot and scheme is something I will really miss. My parents have both supported me through my time at Loughborough University. I hope they enjoy the fact that this work is complete. The time that I’ve been able to spend on holiday with my mother has helped me to unwind during the process. The visits with my father to see Lincoln City (mainly) win games has also been useful. Finally, I must thank my proof-reader and partner Anne. I didn’t really talk too much about my thesis in great depth with her until towards its completion. I’ve really made up for it in those final three months. She’s been the first person to read the work outside of my supervisors and she’s v very patiently helped me improve the grammar and reduce the typos. Beyond that, of course, it’s just been nice to spend time with someone so fun to be with. vi List of Images / Figures Figure 1, The first Class War front cover. Image credit: CW .................................... 15 Figure 2, The front cover of the theoretical 4th edition of Class War. Image credit: CW 15 Figure 3, Class War supporting violent strikers. Image credit: CW .......................... 15 Figure 4, Class War promoting urban rioting. Image credit CW. .............................. 15 Figure 5, Class War front cover, promoting the Bash the Rich campaign. Image Credit CW. 16 Figure 6, Front page of Class War promoting their Spring Offensive. Image credit: CW. 16 Figure 7, Class War's take on the birth of William Arthur Philip Louis Windsor. Image credit: CW. ................................................................................................................................. 16 Figure 8, Class War celebrating a royal wedding. Image credit: CW. ...................... 16 Figure 9, A Class War scoop. Image credit: CW. ..................................................... 31 Figure 10, The movement makes it clear how much it dislikes Thatcher. Image credit: CW. 31 Figure 11, Class War celebrates the poll tax disorder. Image credit: CW. ............... 31 Figure 12, Class War using humour to make a point about economic policy. Image credit: CW. 31 Figure 13, The front cover of the 1st Heavy Stuff. Image Credit CW. ...................... 32 Figure 14, The Wolverine #1 front cover. Image credit CW. .................................... 32 Figure 15, The Wolverine #2 front cover. Image credit CW. .................................... 32 Figure 16, A cartoon from The Wolverine. Image credit: CW. .................................. 32 Figure 17, Oscar Brand: The Finest Fucking Family. ............................................... 63 Figure 18, The WDB and the dancing banner at a Poor Doors protest. ................... 63 Figure 19, The design for the Lucy Parsons Banner. Image credit: CW. ................. 64 Figure 20, The design for the WDB banner. Image credit: CW. ............................... 64 Figure 21, CW leaflet for the Criminal Justice Bill 1994. .......................................... 77 Figure 22, A CW image publicising the basic policies. ............................................. 78 Figure 23, A CW image utilising words from one of my articles. .............................. 78 Figure 24, Ian and Jane at Tory event in Selsdon. Video credit: Jane ..................... 78 Figure 25, My interview with the Croydon Advertiser was publicised in my local area.78 Figure 26, The published interview. ......................................................................... 78 Figure 27, A staff member guards the rich door at the first Poor Doors Protest. Image credit: Peter Marshall. .................................................................................................................. 85 Figure 28, The Lucy Banner at the first Poor Doors Protest. Image credit: Peter Marshall. 85 Figure 29, The Police arrive at the first Poor Doors protest. Image credit: Peter Marshall. 85 Figure 30, Poor Doors soon attracted other housing campaigners. ......................... 85 Figure 31, Music at the Poor Doors. ........................................................................ 85 Figure 32, A police free Poor Doors and a party atmosphere. ................................. 85 vii Figure 33, The alley to the poor door. Image credit: Peter Marshall. ....................... 86 Figure 34, CW advert for Poor Doors protests. Image credit: CW ........................... 86 Figure 35, The rich entrance, occupied. Image credit: Peter Marshall. .................... 86 Figure 36, Ian arrested. Image credit: Peter Marshall. ............................................. 86 Figure 37, Courting the controversy from Ian's arrest. Image credit: CW ................. 86 Figure 38, Promotion for Poor Doors on the same day as the London Anarchist Bookfair. Image credit: CW. ............................................................................................................... 86 Figure 39, The CW promo for Poor Doors on November 5th, 2014. ........................ 89 Figure 40, The police stand by as Boris burns. Image credit: Guy Smallman. ......... 89 Figure 41, CWP attempt to protect Jane, as the police arrest her. Image credit: Guy Smallman. 89 Figure 42, The WDB showing solidarity for Jane. .................................................... 90 Figure 43, The WDB, the week following Jane's arrest. Image credit: Peter Marshall.90 Figure 44, Another example of the dancing banner. Image credit: Peter Marshall. .. 90 Figure 45, Ian wonders if Griff Rhys-Jones is at home.