It was kept for totemic value, but getting rid of it was emblemetic of shedding the militant past which ws far more important. As a formulation of words it was not only meaningless in the 90s, it was meaningless when it had been incorporated. It was only done to throw a thank-you bone for the Webbs who were saddo Marxists but who had been instrumental in getting the party started. keep to the Fen Causeway
By the time Clause 4 was eliminated, most members of the party knew it was meaningless except for people who actually thought Britain still had a Marxist future. It was like throwing away a piece of clothing we never wore and didn't need.
Disclaimer : I was a member of the party during the 80s and had my share of shouting matches and genuine physical intimidation from Militant. They were scum who deserved to be removed. I left the party because I realised Blairism was coming and didn't like it. And a few other more personal reasons. keep to the Fen Causeway
