labourlist--2020-02-07--Labour members feel the Byrne as leadership race picks up

The race is over .
No , not the big one you ’ ve been waiting for – there ’ s still over eight weeks to go in the Labour leadership race .
But Liam Byrne has won the contest to be Labour ’ s candidate in the West Midlands metro mayoral election , which will take place in May this year .
The MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill won the process after second preferences were taken into account .
But the candidate received nearly enough first preferences alone , taking 45 % of the vote in the first round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Salma Yaqoob took third place with 26 % .
Byrne had the support of GMB , TSSA , Community and Usdaw , as well as the backing of ex-deputy leader Tom Watson .
Surprisingly for many , considering that he was a New Labour minister who co-founded the Blairite think tank Progress , he was also endorsed by John McDonnell .
Both Yaqoob and Lowe are considered to be further left than Byrne , with the former endorsed by Unite and Momentum .
But Byrne worked hard throughout the campaign , supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and promoting many of the ideas backed by the Corbynite leadership – such as Labour ’ s green new deal .
His victory is seen as good news for Keir Starmer ’ s leadership bid , as the Holborn MP is similarly trying to bring together a broad coalition , against Rebecca Long-Bailey ’ s Unite and Momentum backed candidacy .
We had a bumper night of 66 all-member meetings yesterday .
Starmer picked up 31 nominations , bringing his total to 201 .
Long-Bailey had a good night too but gained less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , raising her tally to 96 .
Nandy managed to nab nine , but it was a difficult night for Thornberry who didn ’ t receive any .
As the only candidate not already on the ballot paper , the Shadow Foreign Secretary needs another 20 .
Angela Rayner continued to widen her lead in the deputy race and received 29 of the 66 .
Dawn Butler is still in second place , having picked up a further nine to bring her up to 49 .
Richard Burgon can be pretty happy with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominations to see him overtake Ian Murray for third place .
But Murray is now on the ballot paper .
Rosena Allin-Khan received seven , bringing her total to 27 , which makes the requirement of 33 look doable .
Nominations for BAME and CLP representatives on Labour ’ s national executive committee are also being considered at these meetings , after Keith Vaz vacated his spot and Navendru Mishra and Claudia Webbe were elected as MPs .
To reach the ballot , each candidate needs the support of five CLPs , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place by receiving nominations from two trade unions .
After some delay , Momentum has revealed its slate for the local party positions : Leigh Drennan and Lauren Townsend .
But already Jo Bird , supported by the Labour Left Alliance and the Labour Representation Committee , is doing well – as is Labour First-backed Johanna Baxter .
We ’ ve got a rolling list here – if your local party nominates someone , please let us know .
We ’ re relying on tips from members and candidates , so slide into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has committed to ending the “ stifling over-centralisation of power in our politics , in our party and in parliament ” in a LabourList article this morning .
As part of our local government week , he has unveiled five pledges to devolve powers away from Whitehall .
We have lots more great content coming up , with contributions today focusing on why Labour ’ s fightback strategy needs to begin at the local level .
This is all in anticipation of the Labour Local Government Conference taking place in Nottingham tomorrow .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the action , as usual , so don ’ t miss us too much over the weekend and make sure you keep an eye on the website .

The race is over. No, not the big one you’ve been waiting for – there’s still over eight weeks to go in the Labour leadership race. But Liam Byrne has won the contest to be Labour’s candidate in the West Midlands metro mayoral election, which will take place in May this year. The MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill won the process after second preferences were taken into account. But the candidate received nearly enough first preferences alone, taking 45% of the vote in the first round, with Pete Lowe receiving 29% as Salma Yaqoob took third place with 26%.
Byrne had the support of GMB, TSSA, Community and Usdaw, as well as the backing of ex-deputy leader Tom Watson. Surprisingly for many, considering that he was a New Labour minister who co-founded the Blairite think tank Progress, he was also endorsed by John McDonnell. Both Yaqoob and Lowe are considered to be further left than Byrne, with the former endorsed by Unite and Momentum. But Byrne worked hard throughout the campaign, supporting food banks and campaigning against homelessness, and promoting many of the ideas backed by the Corbynite leadership – such as Labour’s green new deal. His victory is seen as good news for Keir Starmer’s leadership bid, as the Holborn MP is similarly trying to bring together a broad coalition, against Rebecca Long-Bailey’s Unite and Momentum backed candidacy.
We had a bumper night of 66 all-member meetings yesterday. Starmer picked up 31 nominations, bringing his total to 201. Long-Bailey had a good night too but gained less support with 20 coming out for her, raising her tally to 96. Nandy managed to nab nine, but it was a difficult night for Thornberry who didn’t receive any. As the only candidate not already on the ballot paper, the Shadow Foreign Secretary needs another 20.
Angela Rayner continued to widen her lead in the deputy race and received 29 of the 66. Dawn Butler is still in second place, having picked up a further nine to bring her up to 49. Richard Burgon can be pretty happy with the evening as he grabbed another 14 nominations to see him overtake Ian Murray for third place. But Murray is now on the ballot paper. Rosena Allin-Khan received seven, bringing her total to 27, which makes the requirement of 33 look doable.
Nominations for BAME and CLP representatives on Labour’s national executive committee are also being considered at these meetings, after Keith Vaz vacated his spot and Navendru Mishra and Claudia Webbe were elected as MPs. To reach the ballot, each candidate needs the support of five CLPs, and the BAME representative can also secure a place by receiving nominations from two trade unions. After some delay, Momentum has revealed its slate for the local party positions: Leigh Drennan and Lauren Townsend. But already Jo Bird, supported by the Labour Left Alliance and the Labour Representation Committee, is doing well – as is Labour First-backed Johanna Baxter. We’ve got a rolling list here – if your local party nominates someone, please let us know. We’re relying on tips from members and candidates, so slide into our DMs or email us.
Starmer has committed to ending the “stifling over-centralisation of power in our politics, in our party and in parliament” in a LabourList article this morning. As part of our local government week, he has unveiled five pledges to devolve powers away from Whitehall. We have lots more great content coming up, with contributions today focusing on why Labour’s fightback strategy needs to begin at the local level. This is all in anticipation of the Labour Local Government Conference taking place in Nottingham tomorrow. LabourList stands ready to cover all of the action, as usual, so don’t miss us too much over the weekend and make sure you keep an eye on the website.


labourlist--2020-02-07--Ian Murray secures place on ballot in Labour’s deputy leader race

Labour deputy leadership hopeful Ian Murray , the party ’ s only Scottish MP , has secured his place on the ballot paper by surpassing the threshold of 33 local party nominations .
Amid a bumper crop of all-member meetings that took place across the country on Thursday evening , the Edinburgh South MP reached a total of 37 CLP nominations .
31 of the local parties that endorsed Murray also opted for Keir Starmer as their preferred choice for leader , with the rest backing Lisa Nandy or Emily Thornberry .
With Murray being a staunch Corbynsceptic , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominations and his own so far .
Commenting on his success , Murray issued a defiant message , saying : “ I ’ m extremely grateful to ordinary Labour members across England , Scotland and Wales who have backed me for deputy leader .
“ Grassroots members up and down the country have chosen to put change on the ballot paper .
If members are happy to remain in opposition , they should vote for one of the other candidates who all stand for continuity .
“ But to return to power , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alternative government .
That starts by listening to voters in seats we lost , which is what I have been doing during this campaign .
“ I will continue to campaign in every corner of Britain over the coming days , because Labour must become a party for the entire country once again – all its nations and regions .
“ Having a Scot at the top of the party will send that important signal , as the path to a Labour government will always run through Scotland.
” To qualify for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either 5 % of local parties – a total of 33 – or three affiliated groups , including two trade unions , comprising 5 % of affiliated membership .
During the campaign so far , Murray has travelled to meet people in Liverpool , Delyn , Leeds , Nottingham , Bermondsey , Cardiff , Islwyn , Bristol , Exeter , Stoke , North Tynemouth , Edinburgh , Scunthorpe and Newcastle .

Labour deputy leadership hopeful Ian Murray, the party’s only Scottish MP, has secured his place on the ballot paper by surpassing the threshold of 33 local party nominations.
Amid a bumper crop of all-member meetings that took place across the country on Thursday evening, the Edinburgh South MP reached a total of 37 CLP nominations.
31 of the local parties that endorsed Murray also opted for Keir Starmer as their preferred choice for leader, with the rest backing Lisa Nandy or Emily Thornberry.
With Murray being a staunch Corbynsceptic, there has been no crossover between Rebecca Long-Bailey nominations and his own so far.
Commenting on his success, Murray issued a defiant message, saying: “I’m extremely grateful to ordinary Labour members across England, Scotland and Wales who have backed me for deputy leader.
“Grassroots members up and down the country have chosen to put change on the ballot paper. If members are happy to remain in opposition, they should vote for one of the other candidates who all stand for continuity.
“But to return to power, Labour must change and become a credible alternative government. That starts by listening to voters in seats we lost, which is what I have been doing during this campaign.
“I will continue to campaign in every corner of Britain over the coming days, because Labour must become a party for the entire country once again – all its nations and regions.
“Having a Scot at the top of the party will send that important signal, as the path to a Labour government will always run through Scotland.”
To qualify for the ballot, every candidate needs nominations from either 5% of local parties – a total of 33 – or three affiliated groups, including two trade unions, comprising 5% of affiliated membership.
During the campaign so far, Murray has travelled to meet people in Liverpool, Delyn, Leeds, Nottingham, Bermondsey, Cardiff, Islwyn, Bristol, Exeter, Stoke, North Tynemouth, Edinburgh, Scunthorpe and Newcastle.


labourlist--2020-02-07--Let’s end the stifling over-centralisation of power in our politics

Labour has been out of power nationally for a decade .
But we ’ ve been in power in town halls up and down the country for all of that time .
Labour ’ s national politicians should be hammering on those town hall doors to find out what our colleagues in local government can teach us about winning and governing .
If I ’ m elected leader , that will happen .
Local government is the frontline of Labour politics .
Councillors are often the first to see where national government is going wrong , and the first to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour councils are engines of innovation that power new ideas in our party .
Plymouth has set up dozens of community-owned energy co-ops that generate energy sustainably and plough the profits back into community projects .
Preston has led the way with community wealth building , using the financial muscle of council contracts to ensure investment and jobs go where local people need them most .
Barking and Dagenham have launched their exciting ‘ Every One Every Day ’ project that opens up empty shops for use by dozens of community groups who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Conservative government funding cuts and the closure of so many community hubs like libraries , youth centres and children ’ s centres .
Our Labour councillors are leading the way on working towards climate justice , economic justice and social justice – the foundations of moral socialism .
Similarly , our metro and city region mayors have led the way on tackling rough sleeping , building social housing , boosting apprenticeships , freezing transport fares , championing green energy and tackling air pollution .
I could have listed tens of dozens more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the country .
We should be championing our successes , and learning from good practice .
Our councillors and mayors are not marginal to our politics , they are central to it – breathing life into our Labour values in ways that are relevant to local communities .
This is Labour ’ s frontline of resistance to the Tory government , and our frontline in building a credible alternative .
Throughout this leadership campaign , I ’ ve insisted that another future is possible if we come together and fight for it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking shape in the best of our Labour councils and mayors , and I want our party to learn from them .
It ’ s time to end the stifling over-centralisation of power in our politics , in our party and in parliament .
Here are the five principles that will guide me as I put Labour councils , mayors and councillors back where they should be – right at Labour ’ s heart .
I will lead the most radical devolution of power our country has ever seen , shifting decision-making away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cities and towns right across our country .
In many other countries , local government is the equal , not the subordinate , of national government .
Germany ’ s regional states raise taxes and control key public services like education so that they can make sure they meet local needs .
In the UK , our government controls too much from the centre and holds the purse strings as well .
Communities are forced to accept crippling austerity , the academisation of community schools , cuts in funding for care services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even if they object .
It ’ s time to set local government free , so as leader I will launch a constitutional convention to propose a new settlement between national and local government .
I want to see local government given a bigger say over investment and local services .
I want to replace the House of Lords with a democratic second chamber that represents the nations and regions of the UK .
And I want to see councillors , communities and people on the front line in our public services given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affect them .
We need to put more power in the hands of our councils so that they can put more power in the hands of the communities they serve .
I want councillors to have a voice at every level in the Labour Party .
I will argue for increased representation of councillors on the national executive committee , and I ’ ll use our annual conference to showcase the great work of our Labour councils .
As an opposition party seeking power nationally we must not just oppose , we must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platforms to talk about the innovation they ’ re leading .
I shake my head every time I hear senior national politicians talk about local elections as if they ’ re a referendum on themselves .
They are not – they ’ re local elections about local issues and we need to take them seriously .
It ’ s shocking that , in recent years , we held a national launch for council elections without inviting a single councillor to speak or help decide our key campaign issues .
That must never happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead on work with our front bench in parliament so our national campaign adds value to local campaigns across the country .
Labour councillors collectively make an enormous contribution to party funds , I ’ ll make sure party funding is used to support local as well as national election campaigns with more campaign organisers , innovation in digital campaigning and training to share best practice .
Because councillors and mayors are on the frontline , they ’ re often the first to see where policy needs to change and the first to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improving public services and making communities stronger .
That ’ s why they deserve a bigger role in Labour ’ s policy development nationally .
Labour councils and mayors are already finding ways to engage communities to tackle the loneliness and obesity epidemics that cause such misery in our communities .
It was Labour councils that led the way in making tall buildings safe when the government refused to act after Grenfell .
And it ’ s Labour councils that are innovating by bringing privatised care services back in house so older and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from care workers who are properly paid .
I will ask every member of my shadow cabinet to work with Labour councillors in local government as we develop policy and visit councils where radical innovation is creating real improvements for local people .
Many Labour councils are already ahead of the national party in promoting diversity .
That ’ s important , because we must look like and share the lived experience of all the communities we seek to represent .
I will work with Labour councillors on every council to become fully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will reserve places at my proposed Labour college to support new and potential councillors from under-represented groups .
I will invite councillors from diverse backgrounds to help the party reform our selection processes so we support , encourage and train people from under-represented groups to put themselves forward for election .

Labour has been out of power nationally for a decade. But we’ve been in power in town halls up and down the country for all of that time. Labour’s national politicians should be hammering on those town hall doors to find out what our colleagues in local government can teach us about winning and governing. If I’m elected leader, that will happen. Local government is the frontline of Labour politics. Councillors are often the first to see where national government is going wrong, and the first to identify new solutions to solve problems.
Labour councils are engines of innovation that power new ideas in our party. Plymouth has set up dozens of community-owned energy co-ops that generate energy sustainably and plough the profits back into community projects. Preston has led the way with community wealth building, using the financial muscle of council contracts to ensure investment and jobs go where local people need them most. Barking and Dagenham have launched their exciting ‘Every One Every Day’ project that opens up empty shops for use by dozens of community groups who’ve been left homeless and powerless by Conservative government funding cuts and the closure of so many community hubs like libraries, youth centres and children’s centres.
Our Labour councillors are leading the way on working towards climate justice, economic justice and social justice – the foundations of moral socialism. Similarly, our metro and city region mayors have led the way on tackling rough sleeping, building social housing, boosting apprenticeships, freezing transport fares, championing green energy and tackling air pollution.
I could have listed tens of dozens more bold, local Labour initiatives up and down the country. We should be championing our successes, and learning from good practice. Our councillors and mayors are not marginal to our politics, they are central to it – breathing life into our Labour values in ways that are relevant to local communities. This is Labour’s frontline of resistance to the Tory government, and our frontline in building a credible alternative.
Throughout this leadership campaign, I’ve insisted that another future is possible if we come together and fight for it. I know that future is already taking shape in the best of our Labour councils and mayors, and I want our party to learn from them. It’s time to end the stifling over-centralisation of power in our politics, in our party and in parliament. Here are the five principles that will guide me as I put Labour councils, mayors and councillors back where they should be – right at Labour’s heart.
1. Devolve power to councils and communities.
I will lead the most radical devolution of power our country has ever seen, shifting decision-making away from Whitehall to the nations, regions, cities and towns right across our country. In many other countries, local government is the equal, not the subordinate, of national government. Germany’s regional states raise taxes and control key public services like education so that they can make sure they meet local needs. In the UK, our government controls too much from the centre and holds the purse strings as well. Communities are forced to accept crippling austerity, the academisation of community schools, cuts in funding for care services and the selling-off of council housing – even if they object.
It’s time to set local government free, so as leader I will launch a constitutional convention to propose a new settlement between national and local government. I want to see local government given a bigger say over investment and local services. I want to replace the House of Lords with a democratic second chamber that represents the nations and regions of the UK. And I want to see councillors, communities and people on the front line in our public services given a bigger say over the decisions that affect them. We need to put more power in the hands of our councils so that they can put more power in the hands of the communities they serve.
2. Give councillors a bigger voice in our party.
I want councillors to have a voice at every level in the Labour Party. I will argue for increased representation of councillors on the national executive committee, and I’ll use our annual conference to showcase the great work of our Labour councils. As an opposition party seeking power nationally we must not just oppose, we must propose, and that means giving councillors platforms to talk about the innovation they’re leading.
3. Let councillors lead on campaigning.
I shake my head every time I hear senior national politicians talk about local elections as if they’re a referendum on themselves. They are not – they’re local elections about local issues and we need to take them seriously. It’s shocking that, in recent years, we held a national launch for council elections without inviting a single councillor to speak or help decide our key campaign issues. That must never happen again. I will invite councillors to lead on work with our front bench in parliament so our national campaign adds value to local campaigns across the country.
Labour councillors collectively make an enormous contribution to party funds, I’ll make sure party funding is used to support local as well as national election campaigns with more campaign organisers, innovation in digital campaigning and training to share best practice.
4. Involve councillors and mayors in policy development.
Because councillors and mayors are on the frontline, they’re often the first to see where policy needs to change and the first to come up with radical new approaches to improving public services and making communities stronger. That’s why they deserve a bigger role in Labour’s policy development nationally. Labour councils and mayors are already finding ways to engage communities to tackle the loneliness and obesity epidemics that cause such misery in our communities. It was Labour councils that led the way in making tall buildings safe when the government refused to act after Grenfell. And it’s Labour councils that are innovating by bringing privatised care services back in house so older and disabled people get the care they need from care workers who are properly paid.
I will ask every member of my shadow cabinet to work with Labour councillors in local government as we develop policy and visit councils where radical innovation is creating real improvements for local people.
5. Promote diversity.
Many Labour councils are already ahead of the national party in promoting diversity. That’s important, because we must look like and share the lived experience of all the communities we seek to represent. I will work with Labour councillors on every council to become fully representative of their own communities. I will reserve places at my proposed Labour college to support new and potential councillors from under-represented groups. I will invite councillors from diverse backgrounds to help the party reform our selection processes so we support, encourage and train people from under-represented groups to put themselves forward for election.


labourlist--2020-02-08--Over 35% of Labour council leaders endorse Starmer for leadership

Over 35 % of Labour council leaders in England , Wales and Scotland – a total of 46 out of 125– have come out in favour of Keir Starmer as their preferred candidate in the party leadership contest .
Ahead of the Local Government Conference including leadership hustings taking place in Nottingham on Saturday , more than a third of Labour ’ s local authority leaders have signed a letter supporting Starmer .
The top local government figures have explained that they are supporting the London MP for the top job due to his “ vision , values and integrity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ track record of giving a voice to the voiceless ” .
“ As Labour leader he will end divisiveness , unite our movement , and provide real opposition to the government , ” the letter reads , adding that he is “ the candidate with the greatest chance of winning power ” .
The list of signatories includes 28 who lead councils in areas of the country where a majority voted Leave in the 2016 EU referendum .
12 represent areas in London , nine in the North West and eight in Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the letter signed by 46 council leaders .
As leaders of Labour councils we ’ re proud to be making a positive difference to people ’ s lives day in , day out .
After losing 60p from every £1 in funding that the last Labour government provided , Labour councillors have been forced to make difficult choices .
But we have always put our Labour principles into practice by protecting vital public services , prioritising building council housing , and tackling the climate emergency .
We agree with Nye Bevan ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of priorities but his next words , that ‘ only by the possession of power can you get the priorities correct ’ , are just as important .
We are only in a position to deliver our socialist values from our town halls because we have first won the trust of local people at the ballot box .
The communities we serve desperately and urgently need a Labour government , not just a strong opposition .
Our new leader must be someone who shares Bevan ’ s view that our party exists to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver the radical policy priorities that will change our country for the better .
That is why we believe Labour ’ s next leader must be Keir Starmer .
We are backing Keir because of his vision , values and integrity , and for his track record of giving a voice to the voiceless .
As Labour leader he will end divisiveness , unite our movement , and provide real opposition to the government .
And most crucially we are supporting him because we believe he is the candidate with the greatest chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ becoming Labour ’ s next Prime Minister .
Council leaders are all too aware that the next set of local and mayoral elections are less than 100 days away , so our next leader must be ready to have the qualities required to reconnect with communities where the party needs to win to get back into government .
Another future really is possible if we have the courage to seize it .
Keir Starmer is the right choice because he has the credibility and experience this mission requires , and we urge Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him as our new leader .
1 – Michael Payne , Deputy Leader , Local Government Association Labour Group 2 – Georgia Gould , Deputy Chair , London Councils ; Leader , London Borough of Camden 3 – Sir Richard Leese , Leader , Manchester City Council 4 – Sharon Taylor , Leader , Stevenage Borough Council 5 – Louise Gittins , Leader Cheshire West & Chester Council 6 – Andrew Morgan , Leader , Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council 7 – Peter John , Chair , London Councils ; Leader , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McCabe , Leader , Inverclyde Council 9 – Jane Mudd , Leader , Newport City Council 10 – Shaun Davies , Leader , Telford & Wrekin Council 11 – Nesil Caliskan , Leader , London Borough of Enfield 12 – John Clarke , Leader , Gedling Borough Council 13 – Stephen Alambritis , Leader , London Borough of Merton 14 – David Baines , Leader , St. Helens Council 15 – Iain Malcolm , Leader , South Tyneside Council 16 – Tom Beattie , Leader , Corby Borough Council 17 – Anthony Hunt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 – Huw David , Leader , Bridgend County Borough Council 19 – Tricia Gilby , Leader , Chesterfield Borough 20 – Steve Cowan , Leader , London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham 21 – Tony Newman , Leader , London Borough of Croydon 22 – Alan Waters , Leader , Norwich City Council 23 – Huw Thomas , Leader , Cardiff City Council 24 – David Ellesmere , Leader , Ipswich Borough Council 25 – Damien Egan , Executive Mayor , London Borough of Lewisham 26 – Steve Curran , Leader , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stewart , Leader , Swansea Council 28 – John Biggs , Executive Mayor , London Borough of Tower Hamlets 29 – Brenda Warrington , Leader , Tameside Council 30 – Jack Hopkins , Leader , London Borough of Lambeth 31 – Andy Abrahams , Executive Mayor , Mansfield District Council 32 – Sam Corcoran , Leader , Cheshire East Council 33 – Steve Siddons , Leader , Scarborough Borough Council 34 – Ian Roberts , Leader , Flintshire County Council 35 – Norma Redfearn , Executive Mayor , North Tyneside Council 36 – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council 37 – Neil Moore , Leader , Vale of Glamorgan Council 38 – Danny Thorpe , Leader , Royal Borough of Greenwich 39 – Ian Gilbert , Leader , Southend-on-Sea Borough Council 40 – James Swindlehurst , Leader , Slough Borough Council 41 – Julian Bell , Leader , London Borough of Ealing 42 – David Jones , Leader , Bury Council 43 – Mohammed Iqbal , Leader , Pendle Borough Council 44 – Roger Truelove , Leader , Swale Borough Council 45 – Mohammed Khan , Leader , Blackburn with Darwen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leader , Rossendale Borough Council 47 – Bob Cook , Leader , Stockton Council

Over 35% of Labour council leaders in England, Wales and Scotland – a total of 46 out of 125– have come out in favour of Keir Starmer as their preferred candidate in the party leadership contest.
Ahead of the Local Government Conference including leadership hustings taking place in Nottingham on Saturday, more than a third of Labour’s local authority leaders have signed a letter supporting Starmer.
The top local government figures have explained that they are supporting the London MP for the top job due to his “vision, values and integrity”, as well as his “track record of giving a voice to the voiceless”.
“As Labour leader he will end divisiveness, unite our movement, and provide real opposition to the government,” the letter reads, adding that he is “the candidate with the greatest chance of winning power”.
The list of signatories includes 28 who lead councils in areas of the country where a majority voted Leave in the 2016 EU referendum. 12 represent areas in London, nine in the North West and eight in Wales.
Below is the full text of the letter signed by 46 council leaders.
As leaders of Labour councils we’re proud to be making a positive difference to people’s lives day in, day out. After losing 60p from every £1 in funding that the last Labour government provided, Labour councillors have been forced to make difficult choices. But we have always put our Labour principles into practice by protecting vital public services, prioritising building council housing, and tackling the climate emergency.
We agree with Nye Bevan’s famous assertion that socialism is the language of priorities but his next words, that ‘only by the possession of power can you get the priorities correct’, are just as important. We are only in a position to deliver our socialist values from our town halls because we have first won the trust of local people at the ballot box. The communities we serve desperately and urgently need a Labour government, not just a strong opposition. Our new leader must be someone who shares Bevan’s view that our party exists to win power, so that it can deliver the radical policy priorities that will change our country for the better.
That is why we believe Labour’s next leader must be Keir Starmer. We are backing Keir because of his vision, values and integrity, and for his track record of giving a voice to the voiceless. As Labour leader he will end divisiveness, unite our movement, and provide real opposition to the government. And most crucially we are supporting him because we believe he is the candidate with the greatest chance of winning power for a purpose and becoming Labour’s next Prime Minister.
Council leaders are all too aware that the next set of local and mayoral elections are less than 100 days away, so our next leader must be ready to have the qualities required to reconnect with communities where the party needs to win to get back into government. Another future really is possible if we have the courage to seize it. Keir Starmer is the right choice because he has the credibility and experience this mission requires, and we urge Labour members to join us in voting for him as our new leader.
1 – Michael Payne, Deputy Leader, Local Government Association Labour Group
2 – Georgia Gould, Deputy Chair, London Councils; Leader, London Borough of Camden
3 – Sir Richard Leese, Leader, Manchester City Council
4 – Sharon Taylor, Leader, Stevenage Borough Council
5 – Louise Gittins, Leader Cheshire West & Chester Council
6 – Andrew Morgan, Leader, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
7 – Peter John, Chair, London Councils; Leader, London Borough of Southwark
8 – Stephen McCabe, Leader, Inverclyde Council
9 – Jane Mudd, Leader, Newport City Council
10 – Shaun Davies, Leader, Telford & Wrekin Council
11 – Nesil Caliskan, Leader, London Borough of Enfield
12 – John Clarke, Leader, Gedling Borough Council
13 – Stephen Alambritis, Leader, London Borough of Merton
14 – David Baines, Leader, St. Helens Council
15 – Iain Malcolm, Leader, South Tyneside Council
16 – Tom Beattie, Leader, Corby Borough Council
17 – Anthony Hunt, Leader, Torfaen County Borough Council
18 – Huw David, Leader, Bridgend County Borough Council
19 – Tricia Gilby, Leader, Chesterfield Borough
20 – Steve Cowan, Leader, London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
21 – Tony Newman, Leader, London Borough of Croydon
22 – Alan Waters, Leader, Norwich City Council
23 – Huw Thomas, Leader, Cardiff City Council
24 – David Ellesmere, Leader, Ipswich Borough Council
25 – Damien Egan, Executive Mayor, London Borough of Lewisham
26 – Steve Curran, Leader, London Borough of Hounslow
27 – Rob Stewart, Leader, Swansea Council
28 – John Biggs, Executive Mayor, London Borough of Tower Hamlets
29 – Brenda Warrington, Leader, Tameside Council
30 – Jack Hopkins, Leader, London Borough of Lambeth
31 – Andy Abrahams, Executive Mayor, Mansfield District Council
32 – Sam Corcoran, Leader, Cheshire East Council
33 – Steve Siddons, Leader, Scarborough Borough Council
34 – Ian Roberts, Leader, Flintshire County Council
35 – Norma Redfearn, Executive Mayor, North Tyneside Council
36 – Christopher Hammond, Leader, Southampton City Council
37 – Neil Moore, Leader, Vale of Glamorgan Council
38 – Danny Thorpe, Leader, Royal Borough of Greenwich
39 – Ian Gilbert, Leader, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council
40 – James Swindlehurst, Leader, Slough Borough Council
41 – Julian Bell, Leader, London Borough of Ealing
42 – David Jones, Leader, Bury Council
43 – Mohammed Iqbal, Leader, Pendle Borough Council
44 – Roger Truelove, Leader, Swale Borough Council
45 – Mohammed Khan, Leader, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
46 – Alyson Barnes, Leader, Rossendale Borough Council
47 – Bob Cook, Leader, Stockton Council


labourlist--2020-02-07--Long-Bailey: “I’ll put trade unions at the heart of Labour’s path to power”

Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey has promised to “ put trade unions at the heart of Labour ’ s path to power ” and “ back workers in every dispute and strike ” if elected as Jeremy Corbyn ’ s successor .
Speaking at a campaign rally in Sheffield on Friday evening , the MP for Salford and Eccles will set out plans to reinvigorate the wider labour movement via mass recruitment of trade unionists – particularly in seats lost by Labour in December .
Long-Bailey will say : “ Under my leadership , Labour will launch a mass trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of young activists who have been inspired by our party to become trade unionists at work .
“ Ensuring our movement ’ s community and workplace organising go hand in hand , I ’ ll also commission a trade union recruitment plan targeted in Red Wall seats in which we need to rebuild .
“ Working people across all of Labour ’ s heartlands , from the seats we lost to our city strongholds , face the same conditions of insecurity , informal contracts , and low pay .
“ A trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ labour movement ’ s institutions – and with it renew the bonds of solidarity and common interest that can unite working people everywhere .
That ’ s our path to power .
“ I would ensure the trade union movement grows by over a million members across a first term in government , as workplace freedoms , a green industrial revolution , and our organising agenda reverses the long term decline .
Without strong trade unions , we can ’ t build a socialist future.
” Appearing on BBC Breakfast on Friday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putting an end to “ 24/7 work culture ” by taking inspiration from new laws introduced in France , Italy and the Philippines where employees have been given the right to ‘ switch off ’ .
Linking these proposals to her broader campaign theme of “ aspirational socialism ” , the leadership hopeful will advocate “ coming together to collectively solve issues that are damaging our mental health and stopping us getting quality time with our families or in our communities ” .
“ We can all do better with aspirational socialism , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24/7 work culture , and with trade unions empowered to negotiate this , we can work hard , be paid for the work we do and keep that precious time with our friends and family , uninterrupted by emails or demands.
” Long-Bailey will vow to take forward Labour ’ s existing policies to repeal anti-trade union legislation and replace with new rights and freedoms for workers , saying : “ Working people exercising their right to organise together can better the lives of tens of millions of people and transform our society.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ affiliate nominations in Labour ’ s leadership election will close on February 14th , with ballots being sent out from February 24th .
Voting is set to end on April 2nd and results will be announced at a special conference on April 4th .

Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey has promised to “put trade unions at the heart of Labour’s path to power” and “back workers in every dispute and strike” if elected as Jeremy Corbyn’s successor.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Sheffield on Friday evening, the MP for Salford and Eccles will set out plans to reinvigorate the wider labour movement via mass recruitment of trade unionists – particularly in seats lost by Labour in December.
Long-Bailey will say: “Under my leadership, Labour will launch a mass trade union membership drive, supporting hundreds of thousands of young activists who have been inspired by our party to become trade unionists at work.
“Ensuring our movement’s community and workplace organising go hand in hand, I’ll also commission a trade union recruitment plan targeted in Red Wall seats in which we need to rebuild.
“Working people across all of Labour’s heartlands, from the seats we lost to our city strongholds, face the same conditions of insecurity, informal contracts, and low pay.
“A trade union membership drive can help rebuild the labour movement’s institutions – and with it renew the bonds of solidarity and common interest that can unite working people everywhere. That’s our path to power.
“I would ensure the trade union movement grows by over a million members across a first term in government, as workplace freedoms, a green industrial revolution, and our organising agenda reverses the long term decline. Without strong trade unions, we can’t build a socialist future.”
Appearing on BBC Breakfast on Friday morning, Long-Bailey that she would focus on putting an end to “24/7 work culture” by taking inspiration from new laws introduced in France, Italy and the Philippines where employees have been given the right to ‘switch off’.
Linking these proposals to her broader campaign theme of “aspirational socialism”, the leadership hopeful will advocate “coming together to collectively solve issues that are damaging our mental health and stopping us getting quality time with our families or in our communities”.
“We can all do better with aspirational socialism, through pushing for an end to the 24/7 work culture, and with trade unions empowered to negotiate this, we can work hard, be paid for the work we do and keep that precious time with our friends and family, uninterrupted by emails or demands.”
Long-Bailey will vow to take forward Labour’s existing policies to repeal anti-trade union legislation and replace with new rights and freedoms for workers, saying: “Working people exercising their right to organise together can better the lives of tens of millions of people and transform our society.”
The window for local party and affiliate nominations in Labour’s leadership election will close on February 14th, with ballots being sent out from February 24th. Voting is set to end on April 2nd and results will be announced at a special conference on April 4th.


labourlist--2020-02-07--Labour’s NEC by-elections just got even more complicated

Labour is currently holding by-elections for three places on its ruling body , the national executive committee ( NEC ) , after the spots were vacated by Navendu Mishra , Claudia Webbe and Keith Vaz .
The first two were local party representatives , but have now become Labour MPs and can not be both according to party rules .
After retiring as an MP , Vaz also stood down as the NEC ’ s BAME representative .
Candidates seeking to replace those three are currently seeking local party nominations , and the BAME rep hopefuls will also be pursuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place on the ballot paper , those seeking to become CLP representatives on the NEC must first be nominated by five CLPs , while BAME rep candidates must either be nominated by five CLPs or by two trade unions .
Corbynsceptic organisations Labour First , thought to be ‘ old right ’ , and Progress , seen as Blairite , got their joint slate sorted out in a timely manner .
They are backing Johanna Baxter , a former NEC member , and Gurinder Singh Josan , chair of Sikhs for Labour for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rep. Our rolling list of CLP nominations , which is being constantly updated , shows that Baxter is now the frontrunner with 62 .
On the Labour left , it ’ s been a different story .
Everyone involved appears to be appalled at the chaotic antics that have surrounded the process of trying to get a Labour left joint slate together .
Corbynite onlookers are disappointed .
After unsuccessful meetings and at least two revisions , Momentum has now decided on its CLP slate : Lauren Townsend and Leigh Drennan .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been made , though it is thought likely that Momentum will endorse Nav Mishra to get him back on the NEC .
Both Townsend and Drennan are considered to be the candidates best-placed to gain wider support in the labour movement , particularly from trade unions .
They are both firmly on the Labour left and without histories of being suspended from the party .
They are both white , however , which attracted criticism as Momentum ’ s slate aims to replace two BAME NEC members – Mishra and Webbe – with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently lost Chinese for Labour chair Sarah Owen as its GMB rep , too .
The Campaign for Labour Party Democracy ( CLPD ) hasn ’ t agreed to both of those suggestions , opting to back Townsend but Cecile Wright instead of Drennan .
( CLPD dropped Mohammed Azam , who they were originally backing . )
Labour Representation Committee ( LRC ) , meanwhile , has also produced a different left slate : Jo Bird , the Birkenhead councillor who was suspended after joking about “ Jew process ” ; and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Momentum Black Caucus .
Although president of the LRC , John McDonnell appeared to back the Momentum slate today .
And the Labour Left Alliance is recommending Jo Bird for CLP and Mehmood Mirza for BAME .
Before you say People ’ s Front of Judea , Judean People ’ s Front , here is where it has become even more complicated .
Azam and Bird have now been suspended from the Labour Party by the NEC .
As Momentum chair Jon Lansman sits on the ruling body as a CLP rep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a “ stitch up ” from those on the left who have defended Bird – a Jewish member , supported by Jewish Voice for Labour – from accusations of antisemitism and consistently oppose Lansman from the Momentum grassroots , which is often at odds with the organisation ’ s leadership .
The Labour Party will not comment on the specifics of disciplinary cases and there is no certainty over the subject of the complaints against Azam and Bird .
A Labour Party spokesperson said : “ The Labour Party takes all complaints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line with our rules and procedures , and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.
” The two suspended members are now ineligible as NEC candidates .
Does this increase the chances of a unity Labour left slate ?
It doesn ’ t look like it so far .
The Labour Left Alliance has tweeted to encourage Labour members to continue nominating Azam and Bird at their CLP meetings , saying : “ The more nominations , the more pressure to allow a fully democratic election !
” The Labour left is in turmoil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustrating for members who were disappointed by the result of the West Midlands mayoral selection race and are now worried about losing the left majority on the NEC – as well as , of course , the actual roles of Labour leader and deputy leader .
Labour First – Johanna Baxter and Gurinder Singh Josan for CLP , Carol Sewell for BAME Momentum – Lauren Townsend and Leigh Drennan for CLP , none for BAME yet Labour Representation Committee – Jo Bird and Deborah Hobson for CLP , Hassan Ahmed for BAME

Labour is currently holding by-elections for three places on its ruling body, the national executive committee (NEC), after the spots were vacated by Navendu Mishra, Claudia Webbe and Keith Vaz. The first two were local party representatives, but have now become Labour MPs and cannot be both according to party rules. After retiring as an MP, Vaz also stood down as the NEC’s BAME representative.
Candidates seeking to replace those three are currently seeking local party nominations, and the BAME rep hopefuls will also be pursuing trade union support. To secure a place on the ballot paper, those seeking to become CLP representatives on the NEC must first be nominated by five CLPs, while BAME rep candidates must either be nominated by five CLPs or by two trade unions.
Corbynsceptic organisations Labour First, thought to be ‘old right’, and Progress, seen as Blairite, got their joint slate sorted out in a timely manner. They are backing Johanna Baxter, a former NEC member, and Gurinder Singh Josan, chair of Sikhs for Labour for CLP reps and Carol Sewell for BAME rep. Our rolling list of CLP nominations, which is being constantly updated, shows that Baxter is now the frontrunner with 62.
On the Labour left, it’s been a different story. Everyone involved appears to be appalled at the chaotic antics that have surrounded the process of trying to get a Labour left joint slate together. Corbynite onlookers are disappointed. After unsuccessful meetings and at least two revisions, Momentum has now decided on its CLP slate: Lauren Townsend and Leigh Drennan. No final decision on BAME spot has yet been made, though it is thought likely that Momentum will endorse Nav Mishra to get him back on the NEC.
Both Townsend and Drennan are considered to be the candidates best-placed to gain wider support in the labour movement, particularly from trade unions. They are both firmly on the Labour left and without histories of being suspended from the party. They are both white, however, which attracted criticism as Momentum’s slate aims to replace two BAME NEC members – Mishra and Webbe – with two white members. The NEC only recently lost Chinese for Labour chair Sarah Owen as its GMB rep, too.
The Campaign for Labour Party Democracy (CLPD) hasn’t agreed to both of those suggestions, opting to back Townsend but Cecile Wright instead of Drennan. (CLPD dropped Mohammed Azam, who they were originally backing.) Labour Representation Committee (LRC), meanwhile, has also produced a different left slate: Jo Bird, the Birkenhead councillor who was suspended after joking about “Jew process”; and Deborah Hobson, who is also endorsed by Momentum Black Caucus. Although president of the LRC, John McDonnell appeared to back the Momentum slate today. And the Labour Left Alliance is recommending Jo Bird for CLP and Mehmood Mirza for BAME.
Before you say People’s Front of Judea, Judean People’s Front, here is where it has become even more complicated. Azam and Bird have now been suspended from the Labour Party by the NEC. As Momentum chair Jon Lansman sits on the ruling body as a CLP rep, this has given rise to claims of a “stitch up” from those on the left who have defended Bird – a Jewish member, supported by Jewish Voice for Labour – from accusations of antisemitism and consistently oppose Lansman from the Momentum grassroots, which is often at odds with the organisation’s leadership.
The Labour Party will not comment on the specifics of disciplinary cases and there is no certainty over the subject of the complaints against Azam and Bird. A Labour Party spokesperson said: “The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.”
The two suspended members are now ineligible as NEC candidates. Does this increase the chances of a unity Labour left slate? It doesn’t look like it so far. The Labour Left Alliance has tweeted to encourage Labour members to continue nominating Azam and Bird at their CLP meetings, saying: “The more nominations, the more pressure to allow a fully democratic election!”
The Labour left is in turmoil. The NEC chaos will be particularly frustrating for members who were disappointed by the result of the West Midlands mayoral selection race and are now worried about losing the left majority on the NEC – as well as, of course, the actual roles of Labour leader and deputy leader.
NEC slates so far…
Labour First – Johanna Baxter and Gurinder Singh Josan for CLP, Carol Sewell for BAME
CLPD – Lauren Townsend and Cecile Wright for CLP
Momentum – Lauren Townsend and Leigh Drennan for CLP, none for BAME yet
Labour Left Alliance – Jo Bird and Mohammed Azam for CLP, Mehmood Mirza for BAME
Labour Representation Committee – Jo Bird and Deborah Hobson for CLP, Hassan Ahmed for BAME


labourlist--2020-02-07--Labour left and soft left councillors join forces to back Rayner for deputy

Angela Rayner is bringing together councillors from the left and soft-left wings of the party today to help with her campaign ahead of the Labour Local Government Conference taking place in Nottingham this weekend .
Emails have gone out to councillors from Momentum-backed Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett and national executive committee member Alice Perry , who are calling on colleagues to back Rayner for deputy leader and sign a statement of support .
With council and mayoral elections coming up in May , both councillors have stressed the importance of electing a deputy leader who can promote unity within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the front foot electorally .
Their joint letter describes Rayner , MP for Ashton-under-Lyne , as a “ natural organiser ” and – though she is supporting Rebecca Long-Bailey ’ s bid – someone who “ would be loyal to any of the leader candidates ” .
Commenting on the letter , Paul Dennett said : “ Who we choose for deputy leader really matters , and on the left of our party there are big debates about which candidate is best placed to take on the role .
“ I am pledging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I believe is the best choice for local government and our party .
“ Angela ’ s strength in this race is her ability to bring together the leadership team – with strong left credentials and widespread appeal to members .
“ We can ’ t go into another election with a divided leadership team – and Angela Rayner has consistently stood by Jeremy as our leader.
” Alice Perry , considered to be on the ‘ soft left ’ , added : “ Angela Rayner is a strong champion of local government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ councillors through her shadow cabinet role and understands the real difference Labour councillors make in very challenging circumstances .
“ As an experienced campaigner , she is very aware of the importance of local government elections and councillors ’ vital role in standing up for our communities and winning for Labour.
” Below is the full text of the letter by Paul Dennett and Alice Perry .
The general election result was a hammer blow to everyone in the Labour Party .
After ten years of cuts , we went backwards with voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have a mountain to climb .
With elections in May this year , we have no time to waste .
That ’ s why we are supporting Angela Rayner to be deputy leader .
We need a deputy leader who will bring the whole party together .
Angela has shown she has broad support across the labour movement – backed by hundreds of CLPs and by trade unions representing millions of working people .
After years of damaging divisions , it ’ s time to unite .
Angela would be loyal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputy leader should be the party ’ s lead organiser , not someone with a policy platform or separate agenda from the leader .
Angela is a natural organiser .
She came into politics as a care worker organising and representing her colleagues through her trade union and she ’ s never forgotten her roots .
She understands the value that councillors bring to our party .
We are thousands of community organisers all over the country , we knock on the doors and deliver the leaflets that are essential in any election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on-the-ground understanding of the real challenges that people face .
Angela will connect with and win back the voters we have been losing election after election .
For too many people , politics is a thing that is done to them , not by them .
In electing Angela , we have the chance to send a powerful message to voters that someone who was written off early in life can make it to the top of the party .
We believe Angela is the best candidate for deputy leader and will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you should too .

Angela Rayner is bringing together councillors from the left and soft-left wings of the party today to help with her campaign ahead of the Labour Local Government Conference taking place in Nottingham this weekend.
Emails have gone out to councillors from Momentum-backed Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett and national executive committee member Alice Perry, who are calling on colleagues to back Rayner for deputy leader and sign a statement of support.
With council and mayoral elections coming up in May, both councillors have stressed the importance of electing a deputy leader who can promote unity within Labour and quickly get the party on the front foot electorally.
Their joint letter describes Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, as a “natural organiser” and – though she is supporting Rebecca Long-Bailey’s bid – someone who “would be loyal to any of the leader candidates”.
Commenting on the letter, Paul Dennett said: “Who we choose for deputy leader really matters, and on the left of our party there are big debates about which candidate is best placed to take on the role.
“I am pledging my support for Angela Rayner, who I believe is the best choice for local government and our party.
“Angela’s strength in this race is her ability to bring together the leadership team – with strong left credentials and widespread appeal to members.
“We can’t go into another election with a divided leadership team – and Angela Rayner has consistently stood by Jeremy as our leader.”
Alice Perry, considered to be on the ‘soft left’, added: “Angela Rayner is a strong champion of local government.
“She has worked closely with councillors through her shadow cabinet role and understands the real difference Labour councillors make in very challenging circumstances.
“As an experienced campaigner, she is very aware of the importance of local government elections and councillors’ vital role in standing up for our communities and winning for Labour.”
Below is the full text of the letter by Paul Dennett and Alice Perry.
The general election result was a hammer blow to everyone in the Labour Party. After ten years of cuts, we went backwards with voters and to win power next time, we have a mountain to climb. With elections in May this year, we have no time to waste. That’s why we are supporting Angela Rayner to be deputy leader.
We need a deputy leader who will bring the whole party together. Angela has shown she has broad support across the labour movement – backed by hundreds of CLPs and by trade unions representing millions of working people. After years of damaging divisions, it’s time to unite. Angela would be loyal to any of the leader candidates. The deputy leader should be the party’s lead organiser, not someone with a policy platform or separate agenda from the leader.
Angela is a natural organiser. She came into politics as a care worker organising and representing her colleagues through her trade union and she’s never forgotten her roots. She understands the value that councillors bring to our party. We are thousands of community organisers all over the country, we knock on the doors and deliver the leaflets that are essential in any election campaign and we bring to Labour an on-the-ground understanding of the real challenges that people face.
Angela will connect with and win back the voters we have been losing election after election. For too many people, politics is a thing that is done to them, not by them. In electing Angela, we have the chance to send a powerful message to voters that someone who was written off early in life can make it to the top of the party.
We believe Angela is the best candidate for deputy leader and will be giving her our vote. We believe you should too.


labourlist--2020-02-07--Labour councillors are right to ask: “What exactly do we get for our money?”

As an Association of Labour Councillors executive member , the most common question I am asked is : “ What exactly do we get for our money ?
” .
It refers to the £2m handed over every year via the councillor levy .
One of the reasons the ALC was reinvigorated back in 2013 was so that it could take the national party to task over this very question .
At that time , councillors received very little other than a telephone number for the party solicitor and the odd local government day put on by regional offices .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the rest of the money went – the answer to which was always “ support in local elections and training ” .
But we knew this varied wildly across the country , and was largely dependent on the interest or otherwise of regional office or party staff .
We spent the first few months having visits from our front bench who loved to talk about their work but listened very little to what we had to say .
I am pleased to say there has been progress in the last few years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is still much further to go .
Councillors are today entitled to the following as a result of ALC membership : • Two members of staff in the party ’ s local government unit ; • Two national executive committee places for the whole of local government .
Each region/nation has an elected – unpaid – ALC representative that councillors can get in touch with for advice and support .
Executive members can claim some travel expenses to visit Labour groups in their region , though this often relies on executive members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive holds meetings throughout the year that are still attended by key party figures such as the Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government .
Andrew Gwynne MP has been a huge support to local government , genuinely listening to the points we raise around local government , especially on party policy development in manifestos .
As we move forward , and we have the opportunity to influence whomever is the next leader of the Labour Party – this should be the time we speak out , and say that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost 7,000 Labour councillors are the backbone of our party – campaigning , recruiting , running elections and delivering services right across the UK .
We are the only members of the party who have been in power in our communities since 2010 .
Whether opposition councillors or in controlling administrations , we are often the only Labour representatives our communities see and engage with .
The ALC recently surveyed all Labour councillors , and an overwhelming 85 % of councillors demanded more transparency over the councillor levy .
We also asked how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , asking councillors to name their two top priorities .
Over two thirds of councillors ( 69 % ) wanted to see much more resource devoted to local election campaigns , which all leadership candidates have helpfully suggested will be a priority for them too .
There was also strong support ( 59 % ) for the party to do more to help councillors and groups develop local policy .
Interestingly almost half of councillors want to see the levy used to educate more party members about the role and importance of local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference this weekend will allow councillors from across the country to hear what the leadership candidates have to say .
Our survey results have been fed into the local government pledges developed by LGA Labour .
A set of simple asks , we think , which will help councillors feel their contribution is respected and recognised .
I hope all leader and deputy leadership candidates will support us in this aim .

As an Association of Labour Councillors executive member, the most common question I am asked is: “What exactly do we get for our money?”. It refers to the £2m handed over every year via the councillor levy. One of the reasons the ALC was reinvigorated back in 2013 was so that it could take the national party to task over this very question.
At that time, councillors received very little other than a telephone number for the party solicitor and the odd local government day put on by regional offices. The newly formed ALC started to ask where the rest of the money went – the answer to which was always “support in local elections and training”. But we knew this varied wildly across the country, and was largely dependent on the interest or otherwise of regional office or party staff.
We spent the first few months having visits from our front bench who loved to talk about their work but listened very little to what we had to say. I am pleased to say there has been progress in the last few years, but it is fair to say there is still much further to go. Councillors are today entitled to the following as a result of ALC membership:
Local government legal advice from a retained solicitor;
Standalone annual local government conference, organised jointly with LGA Labour group;
Bespoke councillor focused training;
Newsletters and policy briefings;
Two members of staff in the party’s local government unit;
Local government officer in Scotland and Wales;
Consultation on manifesto pledges;
ALC section in the annual report;
Six ALC delegates to national conference;
Two national executive committee places for the whole of local government.
Each region/nation has an elected – unpaid – ALC representative that councillors can get in touch with for advice and support. Executive members can claim some travel expenses to visit Labour groups in their region, though this often relies on executive members pursuing or initiating training sessions.
The executive holds meetings throughout the year that are still attended by key party figures such as the Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. Andrew Gwynne MP has been a huge support to local government, genuinely listening to the points we raise around local government, especially on party policy development in manifestos.
As we move forward, and we have the opportunity to influence whomever is the next leader of the Labour Party – this should be the time we speak out, and say that we should be entitled to more. Our almost 7,000 Labour councillors are the backbone of our party – campaigning, recruiting, running elections and delivering services right across the UK.
We are the only members of the party who have been in power in our communities since 2010. Whether opposition councillors or in controlling administrations, we are often the only Labour representatives our communities see and engage with.
The ALC recently surveyed all Labour councillors, and an overwhelming 85% of councillors demanded more transparency over the councillor levy. We also asked how the levy should be used more effectively, asking councillors to name their two top priorities. Over two thirds of councillors (69%) wanted to see much more resource devoted to local election campaigns, which all leadership candidates have helpfully suggested will be a priority for them too.
There was also strong support (59%) for the party to do more to help councillors and groups develop local policy. Interestingly almost half of councillors want to see the levy used to educate more party members about the role and importance of local government too.
The Labour local government conference this weekend will allow councillors from across the country to hear what the leadership candidates have to say. Our survey results have been fed into the local government pledges developed by LGA Labour. A set of simple asks, we think, which will help councillors feel their contribution is respected and recognised. I hope all leader and deputy leadership candidates will support us in this aim.


labourlist--2020-02-07--Labour councils and trade unions must work together to fight Tory cuts

In February 2018 , it was announced that all five of Salford ’ s ‘ outstanding ’ rated nurseries were set to close .
Two years later , the nurseries are open and thriving .
This is the result of determined joint work and campaigning by Labour councillors , UNISON members and the local community .
Salford City Council had taken the difficult decision to close the nurseries due to the government changing the funding formula .
Staff and parents were shocked , as these were high-performing essential services .
But they understood the harsh reality being imposed on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a joint campaign by the UNISON branch and local councillors – with parents at its heart – emphasising the importance of those nurseries and the impact they have .
Consequently , a consultation on the closures was halted , a ‘ save our nurseries ’ campaign launched with support from the mayor and councillors , and ultimately the council announced it had found £1.5m to keep the nurseries open for 18 months .
Based on the council ’ s budget proposals for 2020-21 , the nurseries are now as safe as any council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate .
These vital nurseries were saved because of the desire of Labour councillors and UNISON to work together , recognising their shared aims and looking for solutions .
This is just one example of many .
Across the country , council Labour groups and UNISON branches are working together in the interests of local services , the people who use them , and the people who make them a success .
This is nothing new , of course .
UNISON branches have long had good relationships with councils , whichever party is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect to agree all the time , but where there are clear processes and mutual respect in place .
We can resolve issues that arise and work together well to improve things .
But UNISON branches and Labour groups , whether they run the council or not , have much , much more in common .
We share the same values and principles – a basic understanding of the public service ethos and what we ’ re trying to achieve .
These are enshrined in a set of ‘ Labour local government trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour councillors .
The principles make clear our joint commitment to better local government funding , exemplary employment practice , good industrial relations , the local government pension scheme , equality and promoting in-house services – and our opposition to the forced academisation of schools and the Trade Union Act .
The principles don ’ t give us all the answers , but they do provide a common basis on which to build our local relationships – making clear what we believe in , as members of the broader labour movement .
Perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach in recent years has been UNISON ’ s ethical care charter .
We launched this campaign as a way to work jointly with councils to address the problems of delivering high quality homecare services .
We asked them to sign up to a set of commitments , including ending 15-minute visits and zero-hours contracts , and ensuring all workers receive the real living wage .
So far , 45 local authorities have signed the charter .
It is predominantly Labour councils that have done so – all but three were Labour-run .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ branches have highlighted the crisis in homecare and come to clear agreements about how to tackle it at a local level .
Even where Labour isn ’ t in control , we can still work together to make a difference .
In Bath and North East Somerset Council , Labour is the third largest party .
But thanks to constructive political campaigning led by the local Labour group and UNISON , the council recently announced that eight social care facilities are to be brought back in-house .
Clearly , things can occasionally go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When that happens , we have ways of dealing with it , so we can overcome difficulties and get our relationship back on track .
The over-arching message is clear .
When we work together as one labour movement family , establishing our shared values and coming together to resolve difficulties , we are successful .
As the local government sector assesses the likely implications of several years of a Boris Johnson-led Conservative government , it ’ s vital that we stick together , in principle and in practice .

In February 2018, it was announced that all five of Salford’s ‘outstanding’ rated nurseries were set to close. Two years later, the nurseries are open and thriving. This is the result of determined joint work and campaigning by Labour councillors, UNISON members and the local community.
Salford City Council had taken the difficult decision to close the nurseries due to the government changing the funding formula. Staff and parents were shocked, as these were high-performing essential services. But they understood the harsh reality being imposed on the council from Westminster. What followed was a joint campaign by the UNISON branch and local councillors – with parents at its heart – emphasising the importance of those nurseries and the impact they have.
Consequently, a consultation on the closures was halted, a ‘save our nurseries’ campaign launched with support from the mayor and councillors, and ultimately the council announced it had found £1.5m to keep the nurseries open for 18 months. Based on the council’s budget proposals for 2020-21, the nurseries are now as safe as any council service can be in the current financial climate.
These vital nurseries were saved because of the desire of Labour councillors and UNISON to work together, recognising their shared aims and looking for solutions. This is just one example of many. Across the country, council Labour groups and UNISON branches are working together in the interests of local services, the people who use them, and the people who make them a success.
This is nothing new, of course. UNISON branches have long had good relationships with councils, whichever party is in control. We don’t expect to agree all the time, but where there are clear processes and mutual respect in place. We can resolve issues that arise and work together well to improve things.
But UNISON branches and Labour groups, whether they run the council or not, have much, much more in common. We share the same values and principles – a basic understanding of the public service ethos and what we’re trying to achieve.
These are enshrined in a set of ‘Labour local government trade union principles’ agreed by unions and Labour councillors. The principles make clear our joint commitment to better local government funding, exemplary employment practice, good industrial relations, the local government pension scheme, equality and promoting in-house services – and our opposition to the forced academisation of schools and the Trade Union Act.
The principles don’t give us all the answers, but they do provide a common basis on which to build our local relationships – making clear what we believe in, as members of the broader labour movement. Perhaps the most prominent manifestation of this joint approach in recent years has been UNISON’s ethical care charter. We launched this campaign as a way to work jointly with councils to address the problems of delivering high quality homecare services. We asked them to sign up to a set of commitments, including ending 15-minute visits and zero-hours contracts, and ensuring all workers receive the real living wage.
So far, 45 local authorities have signed the charter. It is predominantly Labour councils that have done so – all but three were Labour-run. Working together, Labour councillors and UNISON branches have highlighted the crisis in homecare and come to clear agreements about how to tackle it at a local level.
Even where Labour isn’t in control, we can still work together to make a difference. In Bath and North East Somerset Council, Labour is the third largest party. But thanks to constructive political campaigning led by the local Labour group and UNISON, the council recently announced that eight social care facilities are to be brought back in-house. Clearly, things can occasionally go wrong and local relationships break down. When that happens, we have ways of dealing with it, so we can overcome difficulties and get our relationship back on track.
The over-arching message is clear. When we work together as one labour movement family, establishing our shared values and coming together to resolve difficulties, we are successful. As the local government sector assesses the likely implications of several years of a Boris Johnson-led Conservative government, it’s vital that we stick together, in principle and in practice.


labourlist--2020-02-09--Sunday shows: Dawn Butler, Rosena Allin-Khan and Andy Burnham

Labour deputy leadership candidate Dawn Butler hit headlines for appearing to suggest that the decision by the Conservatives not to nominate John Bercow – the former Speaker accused of bullying – for a peerage constitutes “ a form of bullying too ” .
• • On why Labour lost : “ We have to campaign all year round , we have to have community campaigning on the ground .
We weren ’ t doing that , we were putting organisers in very late in areas… T here was a lot of technology that didn ’ t work.
” • On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ I agree that we need to have an independent disciplinary process but part of what the Board of Deputies is out for is to see some of the disciplinary cases .
Well , if we have got an independent process , we then can ’ t give your disciplinary cases to an outside body that is not affiliated to the Labour party.
” • On black female MPs being ‘ mixed up ’ : “ I ’ ve been in politics for a number of years now , I first came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are still getting me confused with other MPs is actually a disgrace.
” • On John Bercow being nominated for a peerage by Labour : “ I think it is the norm that the Speaker of the House is always given a peerage , so I think the question is , why hasn ’ t he been given a peerage ?
[ … ] We really do need to ask why is it that you haven ’ t , like everybody else , ensured that the Speaker of the House is given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a form of bullying too.
” “ I am the most experienced candidate.
” @ DawnButlerBrent MP explains her strategy to become deputy Labour leader , claiming that she is the “ unity candidate ” .
# Ridge Follow live politics here : https : //t.co/BE3hGR36Ua pic.twitter.com/HEsJuE69te Andy Burnham , Labour mayor of Greater Manchester , advocated prioritising the Northern Powerhouse Rail over HS2 , and criticised the Labour Party and the leadership candidates for not talking about English devolution enough .
• On reviewing HS2 : “ London to Birmingham gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second-class option or maybe nothing at all , so for a government that ’ s claiming to be standing for the north , I think that takes us into quite dangerous territory.
” • On the way forward for HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail : “ If we can all agree that we now prioritise east-west on the western half of the country , get the design right at Piccadilly , get High Speed Rail to Liverpool more quickly , then I think that ’ s something we could get behind.
” • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with its defeat : “ No , I don ’ t .
I ’ m afraid it wasn ’ t just the message .
We have got a top-down London-centric Labour party , it has been like that under Tony Blair , Gordon Brown , Ed Miliband and also under Jeremy Corbyn and it was the message that lost my former constituency… Changing that position on Brexit .
I ’ m afraid to what the London wall were saying to the leader , that ignored Labour voters here and they felt disrespected.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ran two Labour leadership bids myself , two failed bids I might say , saying Labour needed to try and break out of the Westminster bubble , but I think it ’ s still in there.
” • On whether Labour leadership candidates are talking to members rather than voters : “ I definitely think that is the problem .
It is probably one of the reasons why I lost to Jeremy Corbyn in 2015 because I was thinking that we ’ d just lost another election , Labour people would want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the former Foreign Secretary , talked about the US choosing not to extradite Ann Sacoolas , accused of killing Harry Dunn .
Hunt described the US decision as “ totally and utterly unacceptable ” .
Robert Jenrick , Housing Secretary , said : “ Parliament is a better place without John Bercow.
” Labour deputy leadership candidate Rosena Allin-Khan talked about the results of a Survation poll that showed she was the highest ranked candidate described as normal ( 77 % ) , in-touch with ordinary people ( 70 % ) , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • On running last in CLP nominations : “ I am the least well-known of all the candidates on the slate .
But you may have seen a poll that came out this week that said according to voters I would be their first choice for deputy leader.
” • On Labour ’ s defeat : “ People liked what was in our manifesto… But people didn ’ t trust us to deliver on that .
That was the problem.
” • On protecting vulnerable older people : “ We should have mandatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have older people ’ s advocates , and we should have a truly independent reporting system.
” • On working with the Conservatives on social care : “ Of course .
We have to do what is in the best interests of the most vulnerable in our society .
But the Tories , they promised a lot… there is still no sign of the social care green paper.
” • On whether she agrees with Richard Burgon that Labour members should be balloted on military action : “ No , I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unforgivable mistakes , and I personally marched against going to war in Iraq .
But having been on the frontline… there are people whose lives depend on split-second decisions , taken as a result of access to highly intelligent information that is not for public dissemination.
” Labour deputy leadership candidate Rosena Allin-Khan says Labour should be prepared to work with the Conservative party on the social care crisis # Marr https : //t.co/pyXmzsz49Y pic.twitter.com/kU4o3klQCe Jenny Chapman , former Labour MP and chair of Keir Starmer ’ s leadership campaign , talked about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commissioner .
She described claims that members of Starmer ’ s team breached data as “ utter , utter nonsense ” .
Lord Falconer suggested the move was intended to damage Starmer , saying : “ It tells us much more about the sense of the left in Labour losing its grip on the party .
”

Ridge on Sunday
Labour deputy leadership candidate Dawn Butler hit headlines for appearing to suggest that the decision by the Conservatives not to nominate John Bercow – the former Speaker accused of bullying – for a peerage constitutes “a form of bullying too”.
On why Labour lost: “We have to campaign all year round, we have to have community campaigning on the ground. We weren’t doing that, we were putting organisers in very late in areas… T here was a lot of technology that didn’t work.” On the Board of Deputies’ ten pledges: “I agree that we need to have an independent disciplinary process but part of what the Board of Deputies is out for is to see some of the disciplinary cases. Well, if we have got an independent process, we then can’t give your disciplinary cases to an outside body that is not affiliated to the Labour party.” On black female MPs being ‘mixed up’: “I’ve been in politics for a number of years now, I first came in in 2015 and the fact that people are still getting me confused with other MPs is actually a disgrace.” On John Bercow being nominated for a peerage by Labour: “I think it is the norm that the Speaker of the House is always given a peerage, so I think the question is, why hasn’t he been given a peerage? […] We really do need to ask why is it that you haven’t, like everybody else, ensured that the Speaker of the House is given a peerage. I think that’s a form of bullying too.” “I am the most experienced candidate.”@DawnButlerBrent MP explains her strategy to become deputy Labour leader, claiming that she is the “unity candidate”.#Ridge
Follow live politics here: https://t.co/BE3hGR36Ua pic.twitter.com/HEsJuE69te — Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) February 9, 2020 Andy Burnham , Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, advocated prioritising the Northern Powerhouse Rail over HS2, and criticised the Labour Party and the leadership candidates for not talking about English devolution enough.
On reviewing HS2: “London to Birmingham gets a gold-plated railway and we get a second-class option or maybe nothing at all, so for a government that’s claiming to be standing for the north, I think that takes us into quite dangerous territory.”
On the way forward for HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail: “If we can all agree that we now prioritise east-west on the western half of the country, get the design right at Piccadilly, get High Speed Rail to Liverpool more quickly, then I think that’s something we could get behind.”
On whether Labour is coming to terms with its defeat: “No, I don’t. I’m afraid it wasn’t just the message. We have got a top-down London-centric Labour party, it has been like that under Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Ed Miliband and also under Jeremy Corbyn and it was the message that lost my former constituency… Changing that position on Brexit. I’m afraid to what the London wall were saying to the leader, that ignored Labour voters here and they felt disrespected.”
On English devolution: “I ran two Labour leadership bids myself, two failed bids I might say, saying Labour needed to try and break out of the Westminster bubble, but I think it’s still in there.”
On whether Labour leadership candidates are talking to members rather than voters: “I definitely think that is the problem. It is probably one of the reasons why I lost to Jeremy Corbyn in 2015 because I was thinking that we’d just lost another election, Labour people would want to win going forward.”
“It’s about taking power out of Parliament, out of Westminster.” Former health secretary, @AndyBurnhamGM tells Sky News that Labour have not come to terms with the reasons the party lost the general election.#Ridge
Follow live: https://t.co/BE3hGR36Ua pic.twitter.com/KI4x3eUgO5 — Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) February 9, 2020
Jeremy Hunt, the former Foreign Secretary, talked about the US choosing not to extradite Ann Sacoolas, accused of killing Harry Dunn. Hunt described the US decision as “totally and utterly unacceptable”.
Robert Jenrick, Housing Secretary, said: “Parliament is a better place without John Bercow.”
The Andrew Marr Show
Labour deputy leadership candidate Rosena Allin-Khan talked about the results of a Survation poll that showed she was the highest ranked candidate described as normal (77%), in-touch with ordinary people (70%), and intelligent (69%).
On running last in CLP nominations: “I am the least well-known of all the candidates on the slate. But you may have seen a poll that came out this week that said according to voters I would be their first choice for deputy leader.” On Labour’s defeat: “People liked what was in our manifesto… But people didn’t trust us to deliver on that. That was the problem.” On protecting vulnerable older people: “We should have mandatory CCTV with an opt-out clause, we should have older people’s advocates, and we should have a truly independent reporting system.” On working with the Conservatives on social care: “Of course. We have to do what is in the best interests of the most vulnerable in our society. But the Tories, they promised a lot… there is still no sign of the social care green paper.” On whether she agrees with Richard Burgon that Labour members should be balloted on military action: “No, I don’t agree. We made some unforgivable mistakes, and I personally marched against going to war in Iraq. But having been on the frontline… there are people whose lives depend on split-second decisions, taken as a result of access to highly intelligent information that is not for public dissemination.” Labour deputy leadership candidate Rosena Allin-Khan says Labour should be prepared to work with the Conservative party on the social care crisis#Marr https://t.co/pyXmzsz49Y pic.twitter.com/kU4o3klQCe — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) February 9, 2020
Pienaar’s Politics
Jenny Chapman, former Labour MP and chair of Keir Starmer’s leadership campaign, talked about Labour reporting their campaign to the Information Commissioner. She described claims that members of Starmer’s team breached data as “utter, utter nonsense”. Lord Falconer suggested the move was intended to damage Starmer, saying: “It tells us much more about the sense of the left in Labour losing its grip on the party.”


labourlist--2020-02-09--Nic Dakin: Why I’m backing Keir Starmer for Labour leader

We are only a few weeks on from the overwhelming Conservative victory in the general election , and we can already see what their priorities are .
But the awful truth is that after ten years of Tory austerity and cuts , people in areas like Scunthorpe just didn ’ t trust us to make things better .
Even after nine years with a Tory council and a decade of Tory government , a local Scunthorpe man interviewed on Newsnight pointed to our struggling High Street and said he was voting Conservative to change things !
The 2019 election was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worse .
But I was blessed with a brilliant local party that rolled its sleeves up , buckled down and got on with the job of taking Labour ’ s message out in all weathers at the worst possible time .
We had thousands of conversations designed to secure and identify Labour ’ s vote .
Unfortunately , the message we got back on the doorstep was that people no longer believed Labour was on their side .
That was heartbreaking feedback .
But we ignore it at our peril .
More than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Labour voters , and even Labour voters sticking with us , told me they wanted a Labour leader they could believe in and a party that was united , caring , patriotic and took them seriously .
I ’ m supporting Keir Starmer to be Labour leader because I know he is someone local people can believe in , who will do the right thing and make their lives better .
Keir has a proven track record standing up for ordinary people against the powerful – on the side of trade unionists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bullies .
As Director of Public Prosecutions , he was successful in a high-profile job outside politics .
And as a loyal , hard-working member of the shadow cabinet team , people have seen him on their television screens as someone they can trust .
I believe Keir Starmer is the person who can get Labour back to winning ways .
There are no longer any Labour MPs in Lincolnshire .
Keir responded impressively to the ‘ Lincolnshire Challenge ’ that we – as former MPs for Scunthorpe , Grimsby and Lincoln – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to show how they would help rebuild Labour in Lincolnshire , and Keir recognised that areas like ours , that feel peripheral and ignored , need to be properly focused on if we are to win back power .
I know Keir will give places like Lincolnshire the attention and resources necessary for Labour to win again , working with our brilliant activists and councillors and pushing for radical new devolution of power down to our communities .
He knows that politicians need to do more than talk about giving power back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with making it happen .
Getting the right leader will show people we are listening to their concerns and get us moving forwards again .
It will unify our party and show that there is a better future to believe in .
A future worth fighting for .
With Keir as Labour leader , as a Labour Prime Minister , another future really is possible .
Labour can win again in Lincolnshire , win in the country and get back to our historic job of changing the world for the better .

We are only a few weeks on from the overwhelming Conservative victory in the general election, and we can already see what their priorities are. But the awful truth is that after ten years of Tory austerity and cuts, people in areas like Scunthorpe just didn’t trust us to make things better. Even after nine years with a Tory council and a decade of Tory government, a local Scunthorpe man interviewed on Newsnight pointed to our struggling High Street and said he was voting Conservative to change things!
The 2019 election was not easy, and the aftermath is worse. But I was blessed with a brilliant local party that rolled its sleeves up, buckled down and got on with the job of taking Labour’s message out in all weathers at the worst possible time. We had thousands of conversations designed to secure and identify Labour’s vote.
Unfortunately, the message we got back on the doorstep was that people no longer believed Labour was on their side. That was heartbreaking feedback. But we ignore it at our peril. More than anything else, those floating voters, former Labour voters, and even Labour voters sticking with us, told me they wanted a Labour leader they could believe in and a party that was united, caring, patriotic and took them seriously.
I’m supporting Keir Starmer to be Labour leader because I know he is someone local people can believe in, who will do the right thing and make their lives better. Keir has a proven track record standing up for ordinary people against the powerful – on the side of trade unionists, environmental activists or whistle-blowers against corporate bullies. As Director of Public Prosecutions, he was successful in a high-profile job outside politics. And as a loyal, hard-working member of the shadow cabinet team, people have seen him on their television screens as someone they can trust. I believe Keir Starmer is the person who can get Labour back to winning ways.
There are no longer any Labour MPs in Lincolnshire. Keir responded impressively to the ‘Lincolnshire Challenge’ that we – as former MPs for Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Lincoln – set the candidates. We called on them to show how they would help rebuild Labour in Lincolnshire, and Keir recognised that areas like ours, that feel peripheral and ignored, need to be properly focused on if we are to win back power.
I know Keir will give places like Lincolnshire the attention and resources necessary for Labour to win again, working with our brilliant activists and councillors and pushing for radical new devolution of power down to our communities. He knows that politicians need to do more than talk about giving power back to areas like ours and get on with making it happen.
Getting the right leader will show people we are listening to their concerns and get us moving forwards again. It will unify our party and show that there is a better future to believe in. A future worth fighting for. With Keir as Labour leader, as a Labour Prime Minister, another future really is possible. Labour can win again in Lincolnshire, win in the country and get back to our historic job of changing the world for the better.