We, the undersigned, call for the immediate reinstatement of Brecon & Radnorshire Constituency Labour Party (CLP) Chair, Ivan Monckton, and all the other CLP Secretaries, Chairs and Vice Chairs who have fallen victim to the recent spate of unjust administrative suspensions.

Ivan is a well-known and popular socialist who's been a devoted trade unionist and Labour Party activist for over 40 years. He represents the members of 8 CLPs in Mid & West Wales on the Welsh Executive Committee. In the run up to the last general election, as with many before, he spent hour upon hour knocking on doors, trying to secure a Labour victory because he cares deeply about the standard of everyone's lives. He is a highly skilled chairperson, keeping meetings of all sizes good natured - even a discussion on Brexit.

Ivan has been administratively suspended by the Labour Party along with dozens of other volunteer party officers, up and down the country. This type of immediate suspension is meant to be reserved for cases where an accusation is so serious, there is a danger of real harm from the behaviour of the accused while the first accusation is investigated. Legally, it gives the party scope to override the principles of natural justice and should only be a measure of last resort.

We believe that suspensions are being used as a punishment rather than a precaution. Their use is disproportionate and the scale at which they're sweeping the party is staggering. At least 27 CLP Secretaries and Chairs were suspended on one day, just before Christmas.

No-one is allowed to know the details of the accusation against Ivan. As in all recent cases, he has been asked not to disclose details to anyone, on pain of further disciplinary action.

If you have ever been falsely accused of something and been unable to defend yourself, you will know that the stress and sleepless nights can be devastating. The addition of advice on the suspension letters, to seek help from a GP or the Samaritans, cynically acknowledges this fact.

To the leadership of the Labour Party, we need a united party now more than ever. The unfairness of these suspensions could show up division in the party which the electorate cannot stomach. Quite apart from the pain inflicted on these committed volunteers, you are making the party look vicious and incompetent. Rescind these unjust suspensions now, before they seriously damage our chances in the coming May elections.

To all unfairly suspended CLP members and officers, like Ivan, we stand with you and support you!