The Independent Labour Party was formed in Bradford on 14th January 1893. On 18th January Engels wrote to Sorge about it. He was positive about the formation of the ILP- he did not think the SDF or the Fabians were on the right lines. He was concerned however that the new party should steer clear of London influences…
since the bulk of its members are undoubtedly first class, since its centre of
gravity lies in the provinces rather than in that hive of intrigue, London, and
its programme is substantially the same as our own, Aveling did right in
joining it and in accepting a position on the Executive. If the petty private
ambitions and intrigues of the London panjandrums can be kept under some
control, and its tactics are not too misguided, the Independent Labour Party
may succeed in enticing away the masses, not only from the Social
Democratic Federation but, in the provinces, also from the Fabians, and thus
enforcing unity.
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