Labour at War Over Reality TV Star
Appointment of former comedian Nick DeVon as Internal Affairs Spokesperson exposes internal strife
Kaliburg, Ananto
December 13th 4174
Critics argue that DeVon presents an unprofessional image of the Labour Party
Labour Party leader Valerie Appelman's decision to appoint Nick DeVon, a former reality television star and comedian, as Spokesperson for Internal Affairs has led to a motion of no confidence in her leadership being brought before the membership. Though party members rejected the motion by a 2:1 margin, it highlights wider issues within the party. Any appointment to the Central Committee, which acts as Labour's internal cabinet, must be approved by the Party Congress but this is a body which remains sceptical of Appelmans' leadership abilities. When she submitted DeVon as the replacement to Caitlyn Robles, who resigned over her support for the Firearm Sales Act, the Congress sensed an opportunity to undermine Appelmans. DeVon's appointment was voted down and a no confidence motion was drafted soon after.
Professor of Political Science at the University of Kalistan, where the Labour Party was founded over a century ago, explains the root of the problems;
Ultimately, the core issues which now divide the Labour Party are more a matter of approach and personality than of genuine political disagreement. Last summer's bitter and polarising leadership election has led many to adopt a somewhat tribal affiliation to either Valerie Appelmans or her prominent critics- such as Lala Kalena and Caitlyn Robles. The reason for this is both sides have convinced each other that the other is damaging the party, which becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy as Labour becomes engulfed by internal rows.
In reality, the three individuals mentioned above are actually in agreement on the vast majority of policy issues- especially compared to Labour's historic position. They are all so-called Bergites, that is adherents to the school of thought professed by former leader Ana Berg that the Labour Party has to position itself clearly in the centre-ground of Kalistani politics and draw socially conservative voters who their Socialist allies simply cannot attract. While this faction seems to have received a boost with Kalena's three terms as President and Appelmans' election as leader, that will soon change if its central figures cannot put personal differences aside for the sake of winning elections.
Since the result of the motion, DeVon has been confirmed by the Labour Party Congress as Internal Affairs Spokesperson. Despite the storm around his selection, it is a remarkable achievement, given that DeVon has only held a National Assembly seat for eight months (he was chosen to replace a deceased Labour Deputy). Prior to entering politics, he hosted the reality television show, Open Doors in which a panel of celebrities attempted to determine the famous owner of a property. DeVon was well-known for his lewd gags and provocative behaviour on the show, which is the cause of much of the concern around his selection.