‘Red flag’ tribute for Ellen Luby

Published: 05 August, 2010
by RICHARD OSLEY

THE Mayor of Camden has approved an idea to raise the “red flag” for campaigner Ellen Luby, the heckling pensioner who died last month.

The tribute has been organised in honour of the 86-year-old whose outbursts from the public gallery at the Town Hall became local legend.

Mayor Jonathan Simpson said the red flag would be hoisted above the council’s headquarters at the next full council meeting, scheduled for September.

It promises to be the quietest meeting in decades without the heckles and loud put-downs from Ms Luby, who spent years campaigning for improved conditions for pensioners and low-paid workers.

Councillor Simpson said: “It is important she is remembered properly. We have cross-party agreement to fly the red flag at the Town Hall on September 13. Ellen’s family and friends asked us to do this as a one-off in memory of her. I’m pleased that Nash Ali (Labour council leader) and the other party leaders have agreed to do this.”

The red flag is regarded as a symbol of left-wing campaigning politics. Ms Luby had become disenchanted with politicians from all parties and often accused Labour of turning its back on core supporters.