labourlist--2020-01-23--How many leadership candidates can make it to the ballot?

We had interviews all over the shop yesterday .
Leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey spoke with both the BBC and The Guardian .
She cited Labour ’ s “ compromise position ” on Brexit and a failure to tackle antisemitism when asked by Laura Kuenssberg what went wrong in the election last month .
In both , she maintained she is not just a ‘ continuity Corbyn ’ candidate and reaffirmed her message of “ aspiration ” .
With these pieces , her campaign launch , a policy event on open selections and another interview in The Mirror on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now picking up steam after its slow start .
Fellow leadership hopeful Lisa Nandy has also had a busy 24 hours .
She popped up on ITV ’ s Peston last night to say that she disagreed with Long-Bailey on open selections , stating that we already have a system for members to hold MPs to account .
This could become our first real dividing line in the leadership election .
Nandy talked about the need to build a “ broad team ” and get away from Jeremy Corbyn vs Tony Blair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a shake up of the welfare system in a speech yesterday , in which she said she would give claimants a role in designing an “ empowering ” system .
Keir Starmer has , in contrast , had a relatively quiet week – probably because YouGov has suggested that he could win on first preferences alone .
Nandy became the second leadership contender to secure a place on the ballot .
Chinese for Labour declared its nomination of the Wigan MP for leader and Dawn Butler for deputy .
Nandy joins Starmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the backing of UNISON , SERA and Usdaw .
Unite will make its decision on Friday , and is expected to support Rebecca Long-Bailey – she ’ s also well-placed to win CWU next week which , combined with the nomination she already has from the BFAWU , would push her over the threshold .
Emily Thornberry will need to go down the local party route to make it onto the ballot , and therefore needs a further 30 to support her before February 14th .
Thornberry made it through her interview with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrap HS2 ?
“ No.
” Would you scrap Trident ?
“ No.
” Would you use it ?
“ I would do anything to protect our country.
” At one point she shouted down the TV host when explaining why she sent her son to a selective school after backing comprehensive schooling .
She told him : “ I will never apologise for doing the best for my kids.
” She also had to fend off accusations of sneering at voters , again , when shown a clip in which she laughed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t hate Brexit , “ there is something wrong ” with them .
Thornberry said last night that “ they forget who I am and where you come from ” , and reminded everyone that her brother is a builder .
The Islington MP remained confident about her chances in the race .
27 constituency Labour parties have decided who they are backing so far .
18 have declared for Starmer , Long-Bailey has received the support of five and Nandy is on just one .
Over in the deputy contest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 15 nominations , Butler has four , Rosena Allin-Khan and Richard Burgon have three each and Ian Murray is on two .
There are literally hundreds more constituency parties that still need to hold their all-member meetings , so it ’ s possible that everyone could end up on the ballot .
But it remains to be seen whether many local parties will look to give the selectorate a wider choice or simply go for their first preferences .
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We had interviews all over the shop yesterday. Leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey spoke with both the BBC and The Guardian. She cited Labour’s “compromise position” on Brexit and a failure to tackle antisemitism when asked by Laura Kuenssberg what went wrong in the election last month. In both, she maintained she is not just a ‘continuity Corbyn’ candidate and reaffirmed her message of “aspiration”. With these pieces, her campaign launch, a policy event on open selections and another interview in The Mirror on Tuesday, it’s clear that her campaign is now picking up steam after its slow start.
Fellow leadership hopeful Lisa Nandy has also had a busy 24 hours. She popped up on ITV’s Peston last night to say that she disagreed with Long-Bailey on open selections, stating that we already have a system for members to hold MPs to account. This could become our first real dividing line in the leadership election. Nandy talked about the need to build a “broad team” and get away from Jeremy Corbyn vs Tony Blair rhetoric. She also laid out plans for a shake up of the welfare system in a speech yesterday, in which she said she would give claimants a role in designing an “empowering” system. Keir Starmer has, in contrast, had a relatively quiet week – probably because YouGov has suggested that he could win on first preferences alone.
Nandy became the second leadership contender to secure a place on the ballot. Chinese for Labour declared its nomination of the Wigan MP for leader and Dawn Butler for deputy. Nandy joins Starmer on the ballot, after he got the backing of UNISON, SERA and Usdaw. Unite will make its decision on Friday, and is expected to support Rebecca Long-Bailey – she’s also well-placed to win CWU next week which, combined with the nomination she already has from the BFAWU, would push her over the threshold. Emily Thornberry will need to go down the local party route to make it onto the ballot, and therefore needs a further 30 to support her before February 14th.
Thornberry made it through her interview with Andrew Neil last night. Would you scrap HS2? “No.” Would you scrap Trident? “No.” Would you use it? “I would do anything to protect our country.” At one point she shouted down the TV host when explaining why she sent her son to a selective school after backing comprehensive schooling. She told him: “I will never apologise for doing the best for my kids.” She also had to fend off accusations of sneering at voters, again, when shown a clip in which she laughed as Butler said that if a person doesn’t hate Brexit, “there is something wrong” with them. Thornberry said last night that “they forget who I am and where you come from”, and reminded everyone that her brother is a builder. The Islington MP remained confident about her chances in the race.
27 constituency Labour parties have decided who they are backing so far. 18 have declared for Starmer, Long-Bailey has received the support of five and Nandy is on just one. Over in the deputy contest, Angela Rayner is out in front with 15 nominations, Butler has four, Rosena Allin-Khan and Richard Burgon have three each and Ian Murray is on two. There are literally hundreds more constituency parties that still need to hold their all-member meetings, so it’s possible that everyone could end up on the ballot. But it remains to be seen whether many local parties will look to give the selectorate a wider choice or simply go for their first preferences. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-01-23--WATCH: Nandy rejects selections reform backed by Long-Bailey

Labour leadership candidate Lisa Nandy rejected the idea of open selections , otherwise known as mandatory reselection , when she @ @ @ @ @ Peston on Wednesday evening .
Rebecca Long-Bailey held an event earlier this week announcing her @ @ @ @ @ , which would see sitting MPs face full selection processes before every election rather than @ @ @ @ @ yes/no ‘ trigger ballot ’ .
Asked about the idea , which was central to @ @ @ @ @ party democratisation in the 1970s , Nandy said : “ I think we should definitely @ @ @ @ @ give members the right to get rid of their MP .
“ But we do @ @ @ @ @ them to do that .
To be honest , I ’ d rather that we @ @ @ @ @ MPs than Labour ones.
” Nandy also confirmed that she would “ engage ” with @ @ @ @ @ : “ You should go to the palace , and you should have the argument @ @ @ @ @

Labour leadership candidate Lisa Nandy rejected the idea of open selections, otherwise known as mandatory reselection, when she appeared on ITV’s Peston on Wednesday evening.
Rebecca Long-Bailey held an event earlier this week announcing her support for the party reform, which would see sitting MPs face full selection processes before every election rather than be subject only to a yes/no ‘trigger ballot’.
Asked about the idea, which was central to the Bennite left agenda for party democratisation in the 1970s, Nandy said: “I think we should definitely hold MPs to account and give members the right to get rid of their MP.
“But we do have a system that allows them to do that. To be honest, I’d rather that we were getting rid of Tory MPs than Labour ones.”
Nandy also confirmed that she would “engage” with the US President, saying: “You should go to the palace, and you should have the argument with Donald Trump.”


labourlist--2020-01-23--WATCH: Emily Thornberry grilled by Andrew Neil

Labour leadership candidate Emily Thornberry volunteered for a grilling by Andrew Neil on his BBC programme on Wednesday evening .
They covered a wide range of issues , from Brexit to education policy .
Asked what wrong with the 2019 general election , the leadership hopeful reiterated her view that the key problem was holding it at all and that Labour should have pushed to hold another EU referendum first .
On what her top policy priority would be as Labour leader , she answered that it would be social care – as Jess Phillips said before pulling out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this would not be “ distinctive ” to her leadership as all candidates agree with Labour ’ s current plan .
Thornberry declared that voters did not believe Labour ’ s green industrial revolution offer , explaining : “ If they don ’ t believe that we can even deal with antisemitism in our midst , they will not believe that we can lead a green industrial revolution.
” Asked about her flaws , she replied : “ I get impatient with people ” , and then added : “ I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this was not a flaw of hers , but Thornberry insisted that it was linked to her impatience “ with people who leak things ” .
Accused of being “ the epitome of Remain ” , Thornberry replied : “ Unfortunately we ’ re going to be leaving the EU.
” She added that “ no right thinking person ” thinks the government will get a Brexit deal by the end of the year .
She confirmed again that she is pursuing legal action against Caroline Flint over her claim that Thornberry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying : “ Yeah , I ’ m taking her to court… You know , people can have a go at me , but they don ’ t make up lies.
” The contender was shown a clip of her laughing when Dawn Butler told an event that there was “ something wrong with you ” if you backed Brexit .
Thornberry said : “ I was quite shocked… that ’ s why I laughed.
” Thornberry repeatedly denied that she was “ sneering ” at Brexit voters , adding : “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when they say that I sneer at people , they forget who I am and where I come from .
“ You know , it is the Prime Minister who has said that blue collar workers like my brother who ’ s a builder are largely unemployed , have low self-esteem and are drunk .
He ’ s talking about my brother .
No one says that Boris Johnson sneers at people.
” She raised the Channel 4 focus group in which participants who voted Tory in 2019 and Labour in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ When I talk to people from outside the Westminster bubble , they know that I listen and they know that I learn from people , ” Thornberry said .
But Neil presented YouGov polling that showed Thornberry her favourability rating with voters as -15 .
The candidate said : “ I haven ’ t seen it before so I don ’ t know what it is.
” In the quickfire round of questions , Thornberry : • Wouldn ’ t commit to continued freedom of movement ( “ it has to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep an open mind on it ” ) • Wouldn ’ t scrap Trident ( “ it would cost more to scrap it now than to continue with it ” ) ; • Said she “ would do anything to protect our country ” when asked if she would use Trident ; • Does not support open selections or mandatory reselection ; • Confirmed she would renationalise rail and mail , but did not agree on water , energy or broadband .
She replied “ I believe in a comprehensive system ” when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state school system , but Neil pointed out that she sends her son to a partially selective school .
After arguing with Neil about whether it was a partially selective school or a comprehensive , Thornberry concluded : “ As a mother , I will never apologise for doing the best for my kids.
” Asked about the view expressed by the Board of Deputies that “ Shami Chakrabarti ’ s report was a whitewash ” , Thornberry said she did not agree , saying : “ They were wrong about Shami @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she would gain enough local party nominations to get through to the final round of the leadership contest , telling Neil : “ I ’ m up and down the country talking to members at the moment and it ’ ll be up to the members in the end .
”

Labour leadership candidate Emily Thornberry volunteered for a grilling by Andrew Neil on his BBC programme on Wednesday evening. They covered a wide range of issues, from Brexit to education policy.
Asked what wrong with the 2019 general election, the leadership hopeful reiterated her view that the key problem was holding it at all and that Labour should have pushed to hold another EU referendum first.
On what her top policy priority would be as Labour leader, she answered that it would be social care – as Jess Phillips said before pulling out of the race – and Neil argued that this would not be “distinctive” to her leadership as all candidates agree with Labour’s current plan.
Thornberry declared that voters did not believe Labour’s green industrial revolution offer, explaining: “If they don’t believe that we can even deal with antisemitism in our midst, they will not believe that we can lead a green industrial revolution.”
Asked about her flaws, she replied: “I get impatient with people”, and then added: “I don’t like disloyalty.” Neil repeatedly said that this was not a flaw of hers, but Thornberry insisted that it was linked to her impatience “with people who leak things”.
Accused of being “the epitome of Remain”, Thornberry replied: “Unfortunately we’re going to be leaving the EU.” She added that “no right thinking person” thinks the government will get a Brexit deal by the end of the year.
She confirmed again that she is pursuing legal action against Caroline Flint over her claim that Thornberry called Leave voters “stupid”, saying: “Yeah, I’m taking her to court… You know, people can have a go at me, but they don’t make up lies.”
The contender was shown a clip of her laughing when Dawn Butler told an event that there was “something wrong with you” if you backed Brexit. Thornberry said: “I was quite shocked… that’s why I laughed.”
Why did Emily Thornberry laugh when colleague Dawn Butler said: “If you don’t hate Brexit… there is something wrong with you”?#andrewneilshow https://t.co/2VkZSquO7g pic.twitter.com/74bqz3Ja6p — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) January 22, 2020
Thornberry repeatedly denied that she was “sneering” at Brexit voters, adding: “I really object to this. You know, when they say that I sneer at people, they forget who I am and where I come from.
“You know, it is the Prime Minister who has said that blue collar workers like my brother who’s a builder are largely unemployed, have low self-esteem and are drunk. He’s talking about my brother. No one says that Boris Johnson sneers at people.”
She raised the Channel 4 focus group in which participants who voted Tory in 2019 and Labour in the past appeared to favour her candidacy. “When I talk to people from outside the Westminster bubble, they know that I listen and they know that I learn from people,” Thornberry said.
But Neil presented YouGov polling that showed Thornberry her favourability rating with voters as -15. The candidate said: “I haven’t seen it before so I don’t know what it is.”
In the quickfire round of questions, Thornberry:
Wouldn’t commit to continued freedom of movement (“it has to be subject to negotiation and we have to keep an open mind on it”)
Wouldn’t scrap HS2;
Wouldn’t scrap Trident (“it would cost more to scrap it now than to continue with it”);
Said she “would do anything to protect our country” when asked if she would use Trident;
Does not support open selections or mandatory reselection;
Confirmed she would renationalise rail and mail, but did not agree on water, energy or broadband.
She replied “I believe in a comprehensive system” when asked about the role of selection in the state school system, but Neil pointed out that she sends her son to a partially selective school.
After arguing with Neil about whether it was a partially selective school or a comprehensive, Thornberry concluded: “As a mother, I will never apologise for doing the best for my kids.”
Asked about the view expressed by the Board of Deputies that “Shami Chakrabarti’s report was a whitewash”, Thornberry said she did not agree, saying: “They were wrong about Shami’s report.”
She insisted that she would gain enough local party nominations to get through to the final round of the leadership contest, telling Neil: “I’m up and down the country talking to members at the moment and it’ll be up to the members in the end.”


labourlist--2020-01-22--PMQs: Greggs vegan rolls, welfare and Corbynism

This latest session of Prime Minister ’ s Questions today followed a spate of defeats for Boris Johnson ’ s government in the House of Lords .
The Tory leader has seen no less than five votes go the wrong way for him this week on his Brexit deal .
You might have expected it to be an easy on for the Labour leader , then .
But the Brexit deal didn ’ t get a look in as Jeremy Corbyn challenged the Prime Minister on universal credit .
How much of a £300 bonus should low-paid workers be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some see only £75 of it ?
That ’ s the reality of universal credit , Corbyn explained .
He quipped : “ If the Prime Minister can show me that ’ s just and fair , I ’ ll buy him a vegan roll from Greggs myself.
” He attacked the benefit for its “ punitive and vicious ” five-week wait for the first payment , cited the spiralling use of food banks in the UK , and challenged the Prime Minister to admit that there is a link between poverty and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ characteristic bluster , bowling through the questions without really answering .
Instead , he argued that all ’ s well – wages are up , poverty is down , and the economy is growing , according to the government – before moving on to discuss the Labour leadership race .
“ Labour is supposed to have had a period of reflection since the election , ” he said , before he declared : “ What they want is even more Corbynism.
” Pointing to a survey of Labour members that suggested Corbyn was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I want him to know that those sentiments are warmly shared by many on this side of the House ” .
The accusation is in line with the framing of the leadership race so far .
To what extent is each candidate like , or not like , Corbyn ?
Frontrunners Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long-Bailey have been playing this game carefully .
The Camden MP is busily reassuring the left by pushing the line that he doesn ’ t want to “ trash ” the last four years .
On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeal beyond the Corbynite left , denying that she is the ‘ continuity ’ candidate and vowing to take the party in “ completely different directions ” .
But she has also been nurturing enthusiasm among her core supporters who backed the outgoing leader .
The Prime Minister ’ s claim that members want more Corbynism is not altogether wrong .
“ Labour will never abandon the poor of this country , ” Corbyn replied .
And Labour has consistently argued for the government to scrap UC .
The party said it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the last election .
But what that alternative looks like is yet to be set out in detail , and anyone looking to lead the party will have to tackle that question .
Leadership candidate Lisa Nandy made a speech this morning to say that she would give claimants a role in designing an “ empowering ” welfare system .
More detail is needed , and we can hope that we get to see what all the candidates envisage for the future of welfare as the leadership contest starts to explore policy @ @ @ @ @ @

This latest session of Prime Minister’s Questions today followed a spate of defeats for Boris Johnson’s government in the House of Lords. The Tory leader has seen no less than five votes go the wrong way for him this week on his Brexit deal. You might have expected it to be an easy on for the Labour leader, then. But the Brexit deal didn’t get a look in as Jeremy Corbyn challenged the Prime Minister on universal credit.
How much of a £300 bonus should low-paid workers be able to keep? Is it right that some see only £75 of it? That’s the reality of universal credit, Corbyn explained. He quipped: “If the Prime Minister can show me that’s just and fair, I’ll buy him a vegan roll from Greggs myself.” He attacked the benefit for its “punitive and vicious” five-week wait for the first payment, cited the spiralling use of food banks in the UK, and challenged the Prime Minister to admit that there is a link between poverty and the two-child limit.
Johnson employed his characteristic bluster, bowling through the questions without really answering. Instead, he argued that all’s well – wages are up, poverty is down, and the economy is growing, according to the government – before moving on to discuss the Labour leadership race. “Labour is supposed to have had a period of reflection since the election,” he said, before he declared: “What they want is even more Corbynism.” Pointing to a survey of Labour members that suggested Corbyn was their favourite Labour leader, Johnson said “I want him to know that those sentiments are warmly shared by many on this side of the House”.
The accusation is in line with the framing of the leadership race so far. To what extent is each candidate like, or not like, Corbyn? Frontrunners Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long-Bailey have been playing this game carefully. The Camden MP is busily reassuring the left by pushing the line that he doesn’t want to “trash” the last four years. On the other hand, Long-Bailey has made an appeal beyond the Corbynite left, denying that she is the ‘continuity’ candidate and vowing to take the party in “completely different directions”. But she has also been nurturing enthusiasm among her core supporters who backed the outgoing leader. The Prime Minister’s claim that members want more Corbynism is not altogether wrong.
“Labour will never abandon the poor of this country,” Corbyn replied. And Labour has consistently argued for the government to scrap UC. The party said it would replace the system with an alternative one at the last election. But what that alternative looks like is yet to be set out in detail, and anyone looking to lead the party will have to tackle that question. Leadership candidate Lisa Nandy made a speech this morning to say that she would give claimants a role in designing an “empowering” welfare system. More detail is needed, and we can hope that we get to see what all the candidates envisage for the future of welfare as the leadership contest starts to explore policy detail over the weeks ahead.


labourlist--2020-01-22--Nandy secures place on ballot paper with Chinese for Labour backing

Lisa Nandy has become the second Labour leadership candidate to secure a place on the ballot paper with a nomination from party-affiliated organisation Chinese for Labour .
The leadership hopeful had already won the backing of GMB , one of Labour ’ s largest affiliated unions , and the NUM , and therefore needed the endorsement of just one more affiliate group .
She will join Keir Starmer , who won nominations from trade unions UNISON and Usdaw as well as affiliate group SERA to reach the final stage of the contest on Monday .
Reacting to the news , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of mixed heritage , I ’ m incredibly proud that it is Chinese for Labour who have secured my place on the ballot paper .
“ They do incredibly important work to ensure we are a representative and inclusive party that can truly speak for modern Britain .
“ I ’ m now looking forward to getting out intro the country and laying out my vision for reuniting the party , rebuilding trust , and returning Labour to power at the next election.
” The chair of Chinese for Labour , Sarah Owen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time last month after working as a GMB officer .
She represented the union on Labour ’ s national executive committee until her entry into parliament .
To reach the ballot paper , each leadership candidate must attain nominations either from 5 % of local parties or from three affiliate organisations , including two trade unions , amounting to 5 % of Labour ’ s affiliated membership .
In practice , this means that to pass via the affiliates path they must be backed by a large union – Unite , UNISON @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plus another of any size and one more affiliated group of any size .
Unite will make its nomination decision on Friday , and it is thought likely to back Rebecca Long-Bailey , who has been nominated by the bakers ’ union BFAWU .
She is also well-placed to win the support of CWU next week .

Lisa Nandy has become the second Labour leadership candidate to secure a place on the ballot paper with a nomination from party-affiliated organisation Chinese for Labour.
The leadership hopeful had already won the backing of GMB, one of Labour’s largest affiliated unions, and the NUM, and therefore needed the endorsement of just one more affiliate group.
She will join Keir Starmer, who won nominations from trade unions UNISON and Usdaw as well as affiliate group SERA to reach the final stage of the contest on Monday.
Reacting to the news, Lisa Nandy said: “As someone of mixed heritage, I’m incredibly proud that it is Chinese for Labour who have secured my place on the ballot paper.
“They do incredibly important work to ensure we are a representative and inclusive party that can truly speak for modern Britain.
“I’m now looking forward to getting out intro the country and laying out my vision for reuniting the party, rebuilding trust, and returning Labour to power at the next election.”
The chair of Chinese for Labour, Sarah Owen, became a Labour MP for the first time last month after working as a GMB officer. She represented the union on Labour’s national executive committee until her entry into parliament.
To reach the ballot paper, each leadership candidate must attain nominations either from 5% of local parties or from three affiliate organisations, including two trade unions, amounting to 5% of Labour’s affiliated membership.
In practice, this means that to pass via the affiliates path they must be backed by a large union – Unite, UNISON, GMB, Usdaw or CWU – plus another of any size and one more affiliated group of any size.
Unite will make its nomination decision on Friday, and it is thought likely to back Rebecca Long-Bailey, who has been nominated by the bakers’ union BFAWU. She is also well-placed to win the support of CWU next week.


labourlist--2020-01-24--Labour for a Green New Deal set to rank leadership candidates

Activist group Labour for a Green New Deal is set to produce “ scorecards ” for each of the Labour leadership candidates to test “ their commitment to delivering a green new deal ” .
The grassroots campaign has asked each of the contenders to answer five policy questions , which will allow them to be marked across ten key areas of the GND plan – from economic reforms to organisational methods .
The group , which was crucial in pressuring Labour to adopt an ambitious decarbonisation deadline at conference , plans to produce scorecards .
These will be released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responses – after a climate hustings .
The five questions are as follows : • What does “ just transition ” mean to you , and how will you plan for a rapid energy transition that works for all ?
• How will you build on Labour ’ s commitment to a green industrial revolution creating a million new green jobs in new green industries ?
• How will you extend democratic public ownership and universal basic services across the economy to address economic injustice and rapidly decarbonise ?
• What proposals do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people across the world , including those displaced by climate impacts and countries and peoples most affected by climate breakdown ?
• How will you work with grassroots campaigners , trade unions and local activists to develop Labour ’ s green new deal ?
Commenting on the initiative , Labour for a Green New Deal spokesperson Lauren Townsend said : “ We ’ re challenging every candidate to prove their commitment to tackling the twin crises of climate and inequality and subject themselves to real scrutiny on the biggest challenges we face.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a climate hustings , where candidates would be questioned on the substance of their climate and environmental policies and how they will help working people .
The last election saw five of the party leaders take part in a similar hustings event , hosted by Channel 4 , which Boris Johnson declined to attend .
The Prime Minister was replaced with a melting block of ice .
The co-founder of the group , Angus Satow , added that while it was “ great to see leadership candidates emphasise their climate credentials ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words ” .
There are ten areas across which the scorecards will evaluate the candidates : At the last election , Labour set out plans to transition the UK to a green economy with a £250bn green transformation fund dedicated to renewable and low-carbon energy and transport , biodiversity and environmental restoration .
Friends of the Earth , an international network of grassroots environmental organisations , ranked Labour above all other political parties for its proposals for tackling the climate crisis .
Polling by BMG last week indicated that a policy to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is popular with 70 % of the British public .
Labour mayor Sadiq Khan has pledged to introduce a green new deal in London and make the capital net carbon neutral by 2030 if re-elected in May .

Activist group Labour for a Green New Deal is set to produce “scorecards” for each of the Labour leadership candidates to test “their commitment to delivering a green new deal”.
The grassroots campaign has asked each of the contenders to answer five policy questions, which will allow them to be marked across ten key areas of the GND plan – from economic reforms to organisational methods.
The group, which was crucial in pressuring Labour to adopt an ambitious decarbonisation deadline at conference, plans to produce scorecards. These will be released – along with the candidates’ full responses – after a climate hustings.
The five questions are as follows:
What does “just transition” mean to you, and how will you plan for a rapid energy transition that works for all?
How will you build on Labour’s commitment to a green industrial revolution creating a million new green jobs in new green industries?
How will you extend democratic public ownership and universal basic services across the economy to address economic injustice and rapidly decarbonise?
What proposals do you support to ensure climate justice for people across the world, including those displaced by climate impacts and countries and peoples most affected by climate breakdown?
How will you work with grassroots campaigners, trade unions and local activists to develop Labour’s green new deal?
Commenting on the initiative, Labour for a Green New Deal spokesperson Lauren Townsend said: “We’re challenging every candidate to prove their commitment to tackling the twin crises of climate and inequality and subject themselves to real scrutiny on the biggest challenges we face.”
The left-wing lobby group is pushing for a climate hustings, where candidates would be questioned on the substance of their climate and environmental policies and how they will help working people.
The last election saw five of the party leaders take part in a similar hustings event, hosted by Channel 4, which Boris Johnson declined to attend. The Prime Minister was replaced with a melting block of ice.
The co-founder of the group, Angus Satow, added that while it was “great to see leadership candidates emphasise their climate credentials”, Labour members expect “more than warm words”.
There are ten areas across which the scorecards will evaluate the candidates:
Working with grassroots movements; Local government; Green jobs and trade unions; Democratic ownership; Decarbonisation; Internationalism; Migration; Universal services; Ecological restoration; Communicating the green new deal.
At the last election, Labour set out plans to transition the UK to a green economy with a £250bn green transformation fund dedicated to renewable and low-carbon energy and transport, biodiversity and environmental restoration.
Friends of the Earth, an international network of grassroots environmental organisations, ranked Labour above all other political parties for its proposals for tackling the climate crisis.
Polling by BMG last week indicated that a policy to reduce net carbon emissions to zero by 2030 is popular with 70% of the British public.
Labour mayor Sadiq Khan has pledged to introduce a green new deal in London and make the capital net carbon neutral by 2030 if re-elected in May.


labourlist--2020-01-23--WATCH: Thornberry defends Bercow peerage nomination by Labour

Emily Thornberry has defended Labour ’ s decision to nominate John Bercow for a peerage despite a fresh accusation of bullying from a former staffer .
Asked about the ex-Speaker being nominated by her party , the leadership candidate said : “ I think the allegations are one thing , and I don ’ t know if there ’ s any substance to them or not .
This is always the problem , isn ’ t it ?
” Explaining that a committee will make a decision on the nomination , Thornberry stressed the existence of a tradition whereby the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Lords .
“ It is pretty extraordinary that the government didn ’ t nominate him for that , ” she argued .
“ I think that it as right for Labour to… I think we ’ re doing the right thing.
” To the suggestion that the nomination is “ not a good look ” , Thornberry replied : “ I ’ m an old fashioned lawyer , I don ’ t think allegations by themselves are ever going to be enough .
I do think there has to be some substance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct , the leadership hopeful said : “ He certainly gets impatient… Whether that went into bullying , I never saw any evidence of that .
I just don ’ t know .
”

Emily Thornberry has defended Labour’s decision to nominate John Bercow for a peerage despite a fresh accusation of bullying from a former staffer.
Asked about the ex-Speaker being nominated by her party, the leadership candidate said: “I think the allegations are one thing, and I don’t know if there’s any substance to them or not. This is always the problem, isn’t it?”
Explaining that a committee will make a decision on the nomination, Thornberry stressed the existence of a tradition whereby the retiring Commons Speaker goes into the House of Lords.
“It is pretty extraordinary that the government didn’t nominate him for that,” she argued. “I think that it as right for Labour to… I think we’re doing the right thing.”
To the suggestion that the nomination is “not a good look”, Thornberry replied: “I’m an old fashioned lawyer, I don’t think allegations by themselves are ever going to be enough. I do think there has to be some substance in it.”
On Bercow’s conduct, the leadership hopeful said: “He certainly gets impatient… Whether that went into bullying, I never saw any evidence of that. I just don’t know.”


labourlist--2020-01-24--Targeting lawful protesters undermines our fight against terrorism

We face a real and genuine terrorist threat .
It is the first duty of any government to try to ensure the safety and security of its citizens .
It has long been a commonplace , although not always upheld , that undermining our fundamental values and rights is to do the terrorists ’ work for them .
Unfortunately , in the name of anti-terrorism , governments can come dangerously close to infringing civil liberties in a way that actually undermines fighting terrorism .
We have seen this in the recent past with the Prevent anti-terrorism programme .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe that it has become a toxic brand .
It has become even more toxic following the revelation this week that a number of peaceful protest organisations were named in guidance produced by counter-terrorist police as part of the Prevent programme .
These groups include : Greenpeace ; the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament ; Campaign Against the Arms Trade , Stop the War ; and Extinction Rebellion .
This follows the prior disclosure that the Home Office maintains a secret database of persons , including children , who have come into the contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contrary to repeated assertions that contact with Prevent by itself would not lead to permanent suspicions against individuals concerned .
It seems that an already failing programme has been abused to target legitimate campaigns and protest organisations .
The government is in danger of crossing a line in drawing a parallel between terrorism and people who hold views it disagrees with .
In parliament , I have raised the inclusion of non-violent organisations like Extinction Rebellion in counter-terrorism police guidance .
Ministers were careful to row back and say that the guidance had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisations was “ an error of judgement ” .
But there have been too many errors of judgement in the context of the Prevent programme .
And they all tend in the same direction : undermining the liberty of the subject .
Ministers need to understand and accept that in a democracy there is a fundamental right to disagreement and non-violent campaigning and protest .
Interfering or denying that right is a fundamental breach of the democratic contract between government and the governed .
It also undermines that actual , needed struggle against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government promised a review of Prevent .
When I raised this with ministers last week they insisted that the review was still on track .
But the original leader of the review – Lord Carlisle – has resigned , and ministers were unable to tell me last week who will replace him .
Precisely because terrorism is so horrific a threat , the government has a responsibility to examine properly the Prevent programme and assure the public that anti-terrorism programmes are fit for purpose .

We face a real and genuine terrorist threat. It is the first duty of any government to try to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. It has long been a commonplace, although not always upheld, that undermining our fundamental values and rights is to do the terrorists’ work for them.
Unfortunately, in the name of anti-terrorism, governments can come dangerously close to infringing civil liberties in a way that actually undermines fighting terrorism. We have seen this in the recent past with the Prevent anti-terrorism programme. It has long been widely mistrusted. Many people believe that it has become a toxic brand.
It has become even more toxic following the revelation this week that a number of peaceful protest organisations were named in guidance produced by counter-terrorist police as part of the Prevent programme. These groups include: Greenpeace; the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament; Campaign Against the Arms Trade, Stop the War; and Extinction Rebellion.
This follows the prior disclosure that the Home Office maintains a secret database of persons, including children, who have come into the contact with the Prevent programme. This is contrary to repeated assertions that contact with Prevent by itself would not lead to permanent suspicions against individuals concerned.
It seems that an already failing programme has been abused to target legitimate campaigns and protest organisations. The government is in danger of crossing a line in drawing a parallel between terrorism and people who hold views it disagrees with.
In parliament, I have raised the inclusion of non-violent organisations like Extinction Rebellion in counter-terrorism police guidance. Ministers were careful to row back and say that the guidance had been withdrawn and the inclusion of non-violent organisations was “an error of judgement”. But there have been too many errors of judgement in the context of the Prevent programme. And they all tend in the same direction: undermining the liberty of the subject.
Ministers need to understand and accept that in a democracy there is a fundamental right to disagreement and non-violent campaigning and protest. Interfering or denying that right is a fundamental breach of the democratic contract between government and the governed. It also undermines that actual, needed struggle against terrorist organisations.
Last year, the government promised a review of Prevent. When I raised this with ministers last week they insisted that the review was still on track. But the original leader of the review – Lord Carlisle – has resigned, and ministers were unable to tell me last week who will replace him.
Precisely because terrorism is so horrific a threat, the government has a responsibility to examine properly the Prevent programme and assure the public that anti-terrorism programmes are fit for purpose.


labourlist--2020-01-24--Nandslide, “machine politicians” and CLP nominations

Lisa Nandy had a good evening for CLP nominations , picking up six and bringing her total to seven .
She already secured her place on the ballot earlier this week , with endorsements from the NUM , GMB and Chinese for Labour .
And while Twitter erupted overnight with cries of the “ Nandwagon ” and the “ Nandslide ” , Keir Starmer remains out in front by quite a margin on 32 nominations .
But the support shown for the Wigan MP last night is an indication of the growing momentum in her campaign , and her seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey and ahead of Emily Thornberry – who is behind on three .
In the deputy contest Angela Rayner is the clear frontrunner at the moment with 32 , Dawn Butler has six , Rosena Allin-Khan and Ian Murray have four , and Richard Burgon brings up the rear on three .
Thornberry threw shade at Starmer and Long-Bailey on ITV ’ s Calling Peston podcast , calling them “ machine politicans ” .
She commented that she had a “ standing start ” in the race because she threw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before adding that “ I don ’ t think that ’ s necessarily the case with everybody else ” .
The Islington MP is the only candidate who won ’ t make it onto the ballot through affiliate backing , and that leaves her relying on local parties .
She needs a further 30 at this point , and there are still 599 CLPs yet to nominate .
The 49 that have already done so make up just under 8 % of the total .
They don ’ t all have to back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chose a leadership candidate and 309 indicated their preference for deputy – but after the rule change in 2018 , giving more weight to local party nominations , we can expect to see more do so in this contest .
Starmer ’ s campaign can be happy with how the nominations panned out last night .
The Camden MP is now just one away from achieving the coveted 5 % , or 33 .
Of course , he ’ s also already guaranteed his place on the ballot since he got the backing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nevertheless , a big showing of CLP support would be a display of strength for his campaign and the more he can pick up , the more likely it is that he can squeeze out one of the other candidates .
With Nandy through already and Long-Bailey likely to be backed by Unite and/or the CWU , this really only presents a threat to Thornberry .
A meeting of Unite ’ s executive is taking place in London today to decide who the union will back in the contest .
Candidates will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 63-strong body will take a vote and we can expect the result around 6pm .
With the Labour-affiliate led by Jeremy Corbyn ally Len McCluskey – and the fact that United Left , a faction with a majority on the executive , has already announced its support for her – Long-Bailey is likely to be the beneficiary of its decision .
Meanwhile it could be close for deputy ; the Shadow Justice Secretary was also endorsed by United Left , but only by one vote .
However , after securing the support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burgon are expected to make it onto the ballot as they now only require two of the smaller left-wing affiliates to back them .
It has also been reported that Unite officials are “ seriously considering ” recommending Nandy for second preference votes , apparently as a bit of a thank you on Brexit .
It is worth noting that GMB recommended Starmer for second preferences .
Starmer suspended campaigning yesterday following an accident that left his mother-in-law in intensive care , and the LabourList team sends him and his family our best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said that the candidate will not be attending any events this weekend and , in light of this , the procedures committee has cancelled Labour ’ s hustings event on Saturday to “ ensure fairness to all candidates ” .
The deputy leadership debate will still go ahead as planned and Open Labour has decided to continue with its leadership hustings on Sunday .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

Lisa Nandy had a good evening for CLP nominations, picking up six and bringing her total to seven. She already secured her place on the ballot earlier this week, with endorsements from the NUM, GMB and Chinese for Labour. And while Twitter erupted overnight with cries of the “Nandwagon” and the “Nandslide”, Keir Starmer remains out in front by quite a margin on 32 nominations. But the support shown for the Wigan MP last night is an indication of the growing momentum in her campaign, and her seven nominations now bring her level with fellow leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey and ahead of Emily Thornberry – who is behind on three. In the deputy contest Angela Rayner is the clear frontrunner at the moment with 32, Dawn Butler has six, Rosena Allin-Khan and Ian Murray have four, and Richard Burgon brings up the rear on three.
Thornberry threw shade at Starmer and Long-Bailey on ITV’s Calling Peston podcast, calling them “machine politicans”. She commented that she had a “standing start” in the race because she threw “everything into the election”, before adding that “I don’t think that’s necessarily the case with everybody else”. The Islington MP is the only candidate who won’t make it onto the ballot through affiliate backing, and that leaves her relying on local parties. She needs a further 30 at this point, and there are still 599 CLPs yet to nominate. The 49 that have already done so make up just under 8% of the total. They don’t all have to back a candidate – in 2015, 390 chose a leadership candidate and 309 indicated their preference for deputy – but after the rule change in 2018, giving more weight to local party nominations, we can expect to see more do so in this contest.
Starmer’s campaign can be happy with how the nominations panned out last night. The Camden MP is now just one away from achieving the coveted 5%, or 33. Of course, he’s also already guaranteed his place on the ballot since he got the backing of UNISON, Usdaw and SERA. Nevertheless, a big showing of CLP support would be a display of strength for his campaign and the more he can pick up, the more likely it is that he can squeeze out one of the other candidates. With Nandy through already and Long-Bailey likely to be backed by Unite and/or the CWU, this really only presents a threat to Thornberry.
A meeting of Unite’s executive is taking place in London today to decide who the union will back in the contest. Candidates will be interviewed throughout the day, after which the 63-strong body will take a vote and we can expect the result around 6pm. With the Labour-affiliate led by Jeremy Corbyn ally Len McCluskey – and the fact that United Left, a faction with a majority on the executive, has already announced its support for her – Long-Bailey is likely to be the beneficiary of its decision. Meanwhile it could be close for deputy; the Shadow Justice Secretary was also endorsed by United Left, but only by one vote. However, after securing the support of the BFAWU, both Long-Bailey and Burgon are expected to make it onto the ballot as they now only require two of the smaller left-wing affiliates to back them. It has also been reported that Unite officials are “seriously considering” recommending Nandy for second preference votes, apparently as a bit of a thank you on Brexit. It is worth noting that GMB recommended Starmer for second preferences.
Starmer suspended campaigning yesterday following an accident that left his mother-in-law in intensive care, and the LabourList team sends him and his family our best wishes. A spokesperson for the campaign has said that the candidate will not be attending any events this weekend and, in light of this, the procedures committee has cancelled Labour’s hustings event on Saturday to “ensure fairness to all candidates”. The deputy leadership debate will still go ahead as planned and Open Labour has decided to continue with its leadership hustings on Sunday. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-01-24--Leadership hustings cancelled as Starmer suspends campaign

The official Labour Party hustings scheduled to take place on Saturday has been cancelled after candidate Keir Starmer suspended campaigning to support a critically ill family member .
The frontrunner revealed on Thursday that he would call off campaign events , as a spokesperson for Keir Starmer said : “ Following an accident , Keir Starmer ’ s mother-in-law is critically ill and has been admitted to hospital in intensive care .
“ In order to support his family at this difficult time , Keir will be cancelling all campaign events today and tomorrow .
We ask that his family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time.
” Following the news , a spokesperson for Keir Starmer today said : “ Further to yesterday ’ s statement , Keir will be cancelling all campaign events this weekend .
We ask that his family ’ s privacy is respected at this time.
” It has now been “ unanimously ” agreed by the procedures committee , according to an email from general secretary Jennie Formby , that the hustings will be cancelled “ to ensure fairness to all candidates ” .
The email read : “ I am sure you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we look forward to seeing you all at the remaining 11 hustings .
“ We have sent our very best wishes and solidarity to Keir and his family , and our hope that his mother-in-law recovers very soon.
” Labour ’ s deputy leadership hustings will still go ahead as planned on Saturday in Leeds , as will the unofficial hustings organised by soft left group Open Labour in Nottingham on Sunday .
Open Labour said : “ We have been in contact with Keir ’ s team and they are ok for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however going to supply us with a video and a statement and we will make sure that this is impressed upon delegates .
”

The official Labour Party hustings scheduled to take place on Saturday has been cancelled after candidate Keir Starmer suspended campaigning to support a critically ill family member.
The frontrunner revealed on Thursday that he would call off campaign events, as a spokesperson for Keir Starmer said: “Following an accident, Keir Starmer’s mother-in-law is critically ill and has been admitted to hospital in intensive care.
“In order to support his family at this difficult time, Keir will be cancelling all campaign events today and tomorrow. We ask that his family’s privacy is respected at this time.”
Following the news, a spokesperson for Keir Starmer today said: “Further to yesterday’s statement, Keir will be cancelling all campaign events this weekend. We ask that his family’s privacy is respected at this time.”
It has now been “unanimously” agreed by the procedures committee, according to an email from general secretary Jennie Formby, that the hustings will be cancelled “to ensure fairness to all candidates”.
The email read: “I am sure you will understand and support this decision and we look forward to seeing you all at the remaining 11 hustings.
“We have sent our very best wishes and solidarity to Keir and his family, and our hope that his mother-in-law recovers very soon.”
Labour’s deputy leadership hustings will still go ahead as planned on Saturday in Leeds, as will the unofficial hustings organised by soft left group Open Labour in Nottingham on Sunday.
Open Labour said: “We have been in contact with Keir’s team and they are ok for us to press ahead. They are however going to supply us with a video and a statement and we will make sure that this is impressed upon delegates.”


labourlist--2020-01-24--Unite nominates Rebecca Long-Bailey and Richard Burgon for leader posts

Unite the Union has decided to nominate Rebecca Long-Bailey in Labour ’ s leadership election and Richard Burgon to be the next deputy leader .
Announcing the decision , Len McCluskey said : “ The Unite executive have overwhelmingly endorsed Rebecca Long-Bailey as their candidate for leader .
And also Richard Burgon as the candidate for deputy leader .
“ It was the view of the executive that Becky has both the brains and the brilliance to take on Boris Johnson .
She ’ s incredibly committed , very strong in her beliefs of a vision for uniting the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest of the country.
” The Unite general secretary added : “ We look forward to seeing what happens… Whoever the members vote for , we will of course support strongly , as we try to defend our jobs , our members and our communities over the next five years.
” Long-Bailey already has the backing of the left-wing bakers ’ union , BFAWU , and she is well-placed to win the support of communications union CWU next week , which would secure her place on the ballot .
She has gathered seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) so far , which places her behind Keir Starmer , on the same level of support as Lisa Nandy , and ahead of Emily Thornberry .
Starmer and Nandy have already passed the affiliates threshold to enter the final stage of the leadership contest , with the help particularly of UNISON and GMB respectively .
Starmer has also been nominated by 5 % of local parties .
Each leadership candidate – including the contenders for the deputy post – must gain the nominations of either 33 local parties or three affiliated organisations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 % of Labour ’ s affiliated membership .
Like Long-Bailey , Richard Burgon has already won the support of BFAWU , which means he just needs one more affiliate organisation of any size to reach the ballot paper .
Angela Rayner has already secured her place in the final stage .
In a statement , McCluskey described Unite as “ confident that Richard will make a superb deputy to Becky , displaying the qualities that have long been absent from that post – pride in our values , a passion for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , loyalty to their leader ” .

Unite the Union has decided to nominate Rebecca Long-Bailey in Labour’s leadership election and Richard Burgon to be the next deputy leader.
Announcing the decision, Len McCluskey said: “The Unite executive have overwhelmingly endorsed Rebecca Long-Bailey as their candidate for leader. And also Richard Burgon as the candidate for deputy leader.
“It was the view of the executive that Becky has both the brains and the brilliance to take on Boris Johnson. She’s incredibly committed, very strong in her beliefs of a vision for uniting the party and indeed taking that vision to the rest of the country.”
The Unite general secretary added: “We look forward to seeing what happens… Whoever the members vote for, we will of course support strongly, as we try to defend our jobs, our members and our communities over the next five years.”
Long-Bailey already has the backing of the left-wing bakers’ union, BFAWU, and she is well-placed to win the support of communications union CWU next week, which would secure her place on the ballot.
She has gathered seven nominations from Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs) so far, which places her behind Keir Starmer, on the same level of support as Lisa Nandy, and ahead of Emily Thornberry.
Starmer and Nandy have already passed the affiliates threshold to enter the final stage of the leadership contest, with the help particularly of UNISON and GMB respectively. Starmer has also been nominated by 5% of local parties.
Each leadership candidate – including the contenders for the deputy post – must gain the nominations of either 33 local parties or three affiliated organisations, including two unions, amounting to 5% of Labour’s affiliated membership.
Like Long-Bailey, Richard Burgon has already won the support of BFAWU, which means he just needs one more affiliate organisation of any size to reach the ballot paper. Angela Rayner has already secured her place in the final stage.
In a statement, McCluskey described Unite as “confident that Richard will make a superb deputy to Becky, displaying the qualities that have long been absent from that post – pride in our values, a passion for our party to succeed and, above all, loyalty to their leader”.


labourlist--2020-01-24--Vernon Coaker: Why I’m backing Keir Starmer to be Labour’s next leader

The reality of Labour ’ s election defeat , and the Tories in charge with an 80-seat majority , is already hitting home .
In Westminster , we ’ ve seen Boris Johnson whipping his MPs to use child refugees as a bartering chip with the EU .
And the newly elected Conservative MP for Gedling – my former constituency – is one of them .
Meanwhile in Nottinghamshire , the Tory-run county council has announced huge cuts to pregnant mothers ’ mental health support and children ’ s speech therapy .
This is the reality of the Conservatives in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the eight seats within the boundary of Nottinghamshire County Council , there is not one Labour MP .
In too many communities up and down the country , our voters – lifelong Labour voters – turned away from us .
Despite grinding Tory austerity , their failure to tackle violent crime , homelessness skyrocketing and an NHS at crisis point , Labour fell a long way short .
Communities that are already suffering from the consequences of a decade of Tory failure did not see Labour as an alternative .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters back .
The stakes are high in this leadership election : we know that the Labour Party has a lot of work to do if we are to form a future government .
I fought nine general elections in Gedling , taking it from the Tories in 1997 and proudly standing up for my constituents for over 20 years .
I am backing Keir Starmer to be Labour ’ s next leader because I believe he has got what it takes to win back seats like Gedling .
Keir has spent his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defending trade unions .
He has proven that he can take on Boris Johnson and expose his lies and hypocrisy .
I served as Minister for Policing , Crime and Security while Keir was Director of Public Prosecutions .
I saw first-hand his forensic attention to detail , his commitment to public service and his ability to lead a large , complex organisation .
He was never afraid to stand up for what was right , whether it was prosecuting phone-hacking Murdoch journalists or tackling domestic and sexual violence against women .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to rebuild trust with communities across the country .
From my conversations on the doorstep , it ’ s clear that people have trust in Keir .
He has shown he can deliver in parliament and I know he will be a Prime Minister in waiting from his first day as Labour leader .
Like Keir , I believe that another future for our country is possible – one of unity , not division .
The Labour Party has delivered some of our nation ’ s proudest achievements , from the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a profound difference to the lives of millions .
I know that we can do that again .
We need to be positive and forward-looking and proud of our country .
Whether it is the housing crisis or the climate crisis , the next Labour government has to take on these big challenges and build a better tomorrow .
We must reconnect with communities across the country , in seats like Gedling , Mansfield and Bassetlaw , seats in the Midlands and the North .
The Tories have shown they will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society .
Under Keir ’ s leadership , we can build a strong , effective opposition to expose that .
We can rebuild the public ’ s confidence in our party and put a Labour Prime Minister into Downing Street .

The reality of Labour’s election defeat, and the Tories in charge with an 80-seat majority, is already hitting home. In Westminster, we’ve seen Boris Johnson whipping his MPs to use child refugees as a bartering chip with the EU. And the newly elected Conservative MP for Gedling – my former constituency – is one of them.
Meanwhile in Nottinghamshire, the Tory-run county council has announced huge cuts to pregnant mothers’ mental health support and children’s speech therapy. This is the reality of the Conservatives in power. The election loss means that out of the eight seats within the boundary of Nottinghamshire County Council, there is not one Labour MP.
In too many communities up and down the country, our voters – lifelong Labour voters – turned away from us. Despite grinding Tory austerity, their failure to tackle violent crime, homelessness skyrocketing and an NHS at crisis point, Labour fell a long way short. Communities that are already suffering from the consequences of a decade of Tory failure did not see Labour as an alternative.
We need a leader who can bring these voters back. The stakes are high in this leadership election: we know that the Labour Party has a lot of work to do if we are to form a future government. I fought nine general elections in Gedling, taking it from the Tories in 1997 and proudly standing up for my constituents for over 20 years.
I am backing Keir Starmer to be Labour’s next leader because I believe he has got what it takes to win back seats like Gedling. Keir has spent his life fighting for a fairer country and defending trade unions. He has proven that he can take on Boris Johnson and expose his lies and hypocrisy.
I served as Minister for Policing, Crime and Security while Keir was Director of Public Prosecutions. I saw first-hand his forensic attention to detail, his commitment to public service and his ability to lead a large, complex organisation. He was never afraid to stand up for what was right, whether it was prosecuting phone-hacking Murdoch journalists or tackling domestic and sexual violence against women.
There is no doubt that the Labour Party needs to rebuild trust with communities across the country. From my conversations on the doorstep, it’s clear that people have trust in Keir. He has shown he can deliver in parliament and I know he will be a Prime Minister in waiting from his first day as Labour leader.
Like Keir, I believe that another future for our country is possible – one of unity, not division. The Labour Party has delivered some of our nation’s proudest achievements, from the NHS to the welfare state. We have made a profound difference to the lives of millions. I know that we can do that again. We need to be positive and forward-looking and proud of our country.
Whether it is the housing crisis or the climate crisis, the next Labour government has to take on these big challenges and build a better tomorrow. We must reconnect with communities across the country, in seats like Gedling, Mansfield and Bassetlaw, seats in the Midlands and the North.
The Tories have shown they will not confront the big barriers to a fairer society. Under Keir’s leadership, we can build a strong, effective opposition to expose that. We can rebuild the public’s confidence in our party and put a Labour Prime Minister into Downing Street.


labourlist--2020-01-24--Leadership candidates challenged to back electoral reform

The four remaining Labour leadership candidates have been challenged by the Electoral Reform Society and soft left group Open Labour to back a change to the UK ’ s voting system .
In a letter written jointly by the two organisations , which LabourList can exclusively reveal today , the contenders for Labour ’ s top job are asked to overhaul the “ broken ” and “ bankrupt ” electoral system in the UK .
They have been urged to “ end zero-sum politics and build a fairer political system ” by declaring their support for “ proportional representation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
None of the candidates have so far endorsed a switch from first-past-the-post to proportional representation in the House of Commons , but Rebecca Long-Bailey has highlighted the current Labour policy of replacing the Lords with an elected body .
A poll of Labour members conducted for Make Votes Matter recently found that three-quarters of Labour members believe the party should back PR , while only 12 % said it should not .
The demands for democratic reform have been issued ahead of a leadership hustings that is set to take place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Starmer will not be in attendance , but will supply a video and statement .
Below is the full text of the Electoral Reform Society/Open Labour letter .
December ’ s warped election saw a government once again handed a majority on a minority of the vote .
Millions of votes went to waste , while the public were cheated out of choice by pacts and tactical voting on both the left and right .
In short , it was another sign that Westminster ’ s electoral system isn ’ t just broken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK remains the only country in Europe to use first-past-the-post .
A Labour leader serious about redistributing power must make tackling the democratic crisis a priority .
Candidates have a chance to garner support from the majority of Labour voters and members who want to end zero-sum politics and build a fairer political system – through proportional representation in the Commons and a fairly-elected second chamber .
They must be bold in working towards a new settlement : one which recognises we have more in common than that which divides us .
Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is working well in the UK – and only 2 % feel they have a significant influence over decision-making , according to BMG polling for the Electoral Reform Society .
It ’ s no wonder why .
We challenge Labour leadership candidates to seize the chance for a new Chartism – a democratic movement for the 21st century .
Overhauling our crumbling constitution must be at the core of any progressive platform .
This Sunday sees Open Labour and the Electoral Reform Society ’ s hustings in Nottingham .
We call on all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out their plans for real democracy .
It ’ s time for political equality .

The four remaining Labour leadership candidates have been challenged by the Electoral Reform Society and soft left group Open Labour to back a change to the UK’s voting system.
In a letter written jointly by the two organisations, which LabourList can exclusively reveal today, the contenders for Labour’s top job are asked to overhaul the “broken” and “bankrupt” electoral system in the UK.
They have been urged to “end zero-sum politics and build a fairer political system” by declaring their support for “proportional representation in the Commons and a fairly-elected second chamber”.
None of the candidates have so far endorsed a switch from first-past-the-post to proportional representation in the House of Commons, but Rebecca Long-Bailey has highlighted the current Labour policy of replacing the Lords with an elected body.
A poll of Labour members conducted for Make Votes Matter recently found that three-quarters of Labour members believe the party should back PR, while only 12% said it should not.
The demands for democratic reform have been issued ahead of a leadership hustings that is set to take place on Sunday in Nottingham. Frontrunner Keir Starmer will not be in attendance, but will supply a video and statement.
Below is the full text of the Electoral Reform Society/Open Labour letter.
December’s warped election saw a government once again handed a majority on a minority of the vote. Millions of votes went to waste, while the public were cheated out of choice by pacts and tactical voting on both the left and right. In short, it was another sign that Westminster’s electoral system isn’t just broken: it’s bankrupt.
The UK remains the only country in Europe to use first-past-the-post. A Labour leader serious about redistributing power must make tackling the democratic crisis a priority.
Candidates have a chance to garner support from the majority of Labour voters and members who want to end zero-sum politics and build a fairer political system – through proportional representation in the Commons and a fairly-elected second chamber. They must be bold in working towards a new settlement: one which recognises we have more in common than that which divides us.
Just 16% of the public believe politics is working well in the UK – and only 2% feel they have a significant influence over decision-making, according to BMG polling for the Electoral Reform Society. It’s no wonder why.
We challenge Labour leadership candidates to seize the chance for a new Chartism – a democratic movement for the 21st century. Overhauling our crumbling constitution must be at the core of any progressive platform.
This Sunday sees Open Labour and the Electoral Reform Society’s hustings in Nottingham. We call on all candidates to use the opportunity to set out their plans for real democracy. It’s time for political equality.
Signed:
Jess Garland, Electoral Reform Society
Tom Miller, Open Labour


labourlist--2020-01-24--Who is running to be Labour’s West Midlands mayoral candidate?

Labour is set to name its West Midlands candidate for mayor on February 6th , just three months before the election takes place on May 7th .
There has been criticism over the length of the selection contest – last time , Labour chose its candidate in the preceding August .
The process began last year , with a shortlist drawn up in October , but was then postponed due to the snap election and the ongoing Labour leadership and deputy elections .
Voting began on January 15th and members are currently casting their votes online and by post to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the metro-mayor role .
Members will be able to have their say until 12pm on February 5th , after which the votes will be counted and results announced the next day .
Three candidates made it onto the shortlist before the general election interrupted the process , and members are currently choosing between Salma Yaqoob , Pete Lowe and Liam Byrne .
The anti-war activist and former leader of the Respect Party joined the shortlist for the metro-mayor role in October , after being backed by high-profile figures on the left of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has received criticism from some Labour MPs , but she has also been described by shadow cabinet member Richard Burgon as “ a courageous opponent of racism and war , who inspires people to fight for a better society based on justice , equality and socialism ” .
Yaqoob has the support of Unite the Union , which is hugely important , as well as the CWU and Momentum .
She has also won the backing of Ken Loach , after the influential film director had previously endorsed rival candidate Pete Lowe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a LabourList comment piece .
She has also written on the importance of the mayoral election for the broader fightback required after the election defeat last month .
A councillor in Dudley since 2006 , Lowe served as the leader of the local authority twice and has been the Labour candidate for Stourbridge parliamentary constituency three times .
He has been endorsed by UNISON , BFAWU , FBU , NUM , the Musician ’ s Union and the Labour Homelessness Campaign as well as a number of local Momentum groups .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is standing , and on how on the policies passed at the last Labour conference could transform the region .
He has advocated a trial of the four-day week .
The MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill has the backing of Tom Watson in the contest , as well as the support of Labour-affiliated unions Usdaw , Community and GMB .
He has been endorsed by Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell , which might come as a bit of a surprise as he is not generally considered a Corbynite .
He also received the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-founded the Blairite group Progress .
He also famously left the note “ I ’ m afraid there is no money ” as the outgoing Chief Secretary to the Treasury , which was later used against Labour by the coalition government .
The Birmingham MP set out his pitch to be mayor of the region for LabourList last year , highlighting homelessness and inequality in particular .
He has also proposed to introduce a “ region of sanctuary ” for refugees , and to deliver municipal socialism in the area .
The incumbent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the contest , and the Liberal Democrats have not yet announced their candidate .
The role of a directly-elected mayor was created following a devolution settlement between central government and the West Midlands combined authority .
A supplementary vote system is employed in the contest , with members of the public expressing their first and second preference .
If no candidate receives over 50 % of the vote , all but the top two are eliminated and the votes for the candidates removed from the process are redistributed according to their second preferences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 2017 – the Conservatives beat Labour ’ s Sion Simon in the second round by 3,766 votes , with an overall turnout of 26.8 % on the day .

Labour is set to name its West Midlands candidate for mayor on February 6th, just three months before the election takes place on May 7th.
There has been criticism over the length of the selection contest – last time, Labour chose its candidate in the preceding August.
The process began last year, with a shortlist drawn up in October, but was then postponed due to the snap election and the ongoing Labour leadership and deputy elections.
Voting began on January 15th and members are currently casting their votes online and by post to decide who they want as their candidate for the metro-mayor role.
Members will be able to have their say until 12pm on February 5th, after which the votes will be counted and results announced the next day.
Three candidates made it onto the shortlist before the general election interrupted the process, and members are currently choosing between Salma Yaqoob, Pete Lowe and Liam Byrne.
Salma Yaqoob
The anti-war activist and former leader of the Respect Party joined the shortlist for the metro-mayor role in October, after being backed by high-profile figures on the left of the party.
Yaqoob’s bid has received criticism from some Labour MPs, but she has also been described by shadow cabinet member Richard Burgon as “a courageous opponent of racism and war, who inspires people to fight for a better society based on justice, equality and socialism”.
Yaqoob has the support of Unite the Union, which is hugely important, as well as the CWU and Momentum. She has also won the backing of Ken Loach, after the influential film director had previously endorsed rival candidate Pete Lowe.
The candidate shared her reasons for standing in a LabourList comment piece. She has also written on the importance of the mayoral election for the broader fightback required after the election defeat last month.
Pete Lowe
A councillor in Dudley since 2006, Lowe served as the leader of the local authority twice and has been the Labour candidate for Stourbridge parliamentary constituency three times.
He has been endorsed by UNISON, BFAWU, FBU, NUM, the Musician’s Union and the Labour Homelessness Campaign as well as a number of local Momentum groups.
The contender wrote for LabourList to explain why he is standing, and on how on the policies passed at the last Labour conference could transform the region. He has advocated a trial of the four-day week.
Liam Byrne
The MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill has the backing of Tom Watson in the contest, as well as the support of Labour-affiliated unions Usdaw, Community and GMB.
He has been endorsed by Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, which might come as a bit of a surprise as he is not generally considered a Corbynite. He also received the support of left-winger Clive Lewis.
Byrne co-founded the Blairite group Progress. He also famously left the note “I’m afraid there is no money” as the outgoing Chief Secretary to the Treasury, which was later used against Labour by the coalition government.
The Birmingham MP set out his pitch to be mayor of the region for LabourList last year, highlighting homelessness and inequality in particular. He has also proposed to introduce a “region of sanctuary” for refugees, and to deliver municipal socialism in the area.
The incumbent Tory Andy Street is standing again in the contest, and the Liberal Democrats have not yet announced their candidate.
The role of a directly-elected mayor was created following a devolution settlement between central government and the West Midlands combined authority.
A supplementary vote system is employed in the contest, with members of the public expressing their first and second preference. If no candidate receives over 50% of the vote, all but the top two are eliminated and the votes for the candidates removed from the process are redistributed according to their second preferences.
The inaugural election took place in May 2017 – the Conservatives beat Labour’s Sion Simon in the second round by 3,766 votes, with an overall turnout of 26.8% on the day.


labourlist--2020-01-25--Grassroots Revival – my campaigning action plan for Labour

As a doctor , I know that before a patient can be diagnosed , it is vital to first take a detailed history and examine them thoroughly .
That ’ s the challenge we now face in revitalising the Labour Party and taking it off life-support .
This is also why , when I decided to run for deputy leader , the first thing I did was contact every single Labour councillor I could find an email address for , as well as every single prospective parliamentary candidate who stood for Labour in the last general election and lost .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ll be a campaigner-in-chief , and you can be too .
I ’ ve been travelling across the country , to seats where we won , seats where we lost , and even seats we ’ ve never held , to talk to activists and members on the ground – because I want to hear from the grassroots directly to truly understand what went wrong , what went right , and what we must do better .
Using that detailed feedback , I am now publishing a manifesto called Grassroots Revival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will immediately start implementing if I ’ m elected as the next Labour deputy leader .
It starts with changes we must make to our internal organisation .
We must overhaul the complaints process .
I ’ ll remove the team from HQ and make it independent , put a time limit on reviewing complaints , and ensure those involved with each case are kept informed of its progress .
I also want to start unlocking Labour ’ s membership talent .
It ’ s not all about delivering leaflets and knocking on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , journalists , policy gurus , videographers and many other talents in our ranks .
Let ’ s start making the most of that !
For new members , attending meetings can feel daunting – we need to make them more enjoyable and accessible for all .
We can ensure party democracy and due process are followed , while making meetings a more enjoyable experience .
For example , some CLPs still spend up to an hour arguing about the minutes of the last meeting , which turns off new members .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get more political debate into our local meetings .
We can be sociable too !
I want to help local groups organise regional social events that break even , instead of looking to make a profit .
Quiz nights , continuing the great work of Stand Up For Labour , pub nights , coffee mornings – let ’ s bring our movement together and celebrate all that we have to offer .
Let ’ s look at how to grow and diversify our movement even further .
I ’ ll offer reduced membership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encourage them to join the party and have their say over how we fight to save our NHS .
I would support BAME members to hold elected office .
I will produce literature to be made available to BAME officers to distribute to new members , “ how to be a councillor ” meetings will be offered in each borough – not as an afterthought – and I will work with BAME officers to listen to what resources they need .
We must start upgrading our technology and infrastructure .
We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ printers from the ’ 80s and ’ 90s .
I ’ d ensure every CLP has access to a full colour RISO printer ( or similar ) .
We can also boost data driven testing of our methods .
Comparisons of leaflets , direct mails , e-newsletters , social media and canvassing will allow us to be so much more targeted and effective .
A significant amount of dedicated time went into creating software and apps to revolutionise our digital campaigning in recent years but the party didn ’ t have the resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ door-knocking app , dialogue and chatter could have really helped us but members didn ’ t know how to use them or didn ’ t know they existed .
Contact Creator regularly broke down during the general election and the user interface hasn ’ t changed for over a decade .
This must all change .
Let ’ s also have a digital team at HQ who goes to every target seat , showing them how to make the most of Facebook ads , emails , Twitter , creating graphics and videos .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to produce more personalised and localised content .
The party produces some great literature and supplies it to key seats , but the vast majority of it is national with no localisation .
Some leaflets and letters just didn ’ t arrive in 2019 for some seats , which left them in the dark , and adequate support was not available to deal with it , because staff were already overstretched .
We must be better prepared .
The manifesto came out weeks after the print deadlines for seats to order their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the necessary information is available to candidates in good time .
The Labour Party must do better at supporting our candidates – I ’ ll make sure they all get adequate briefings and lines for use in their own leaflets , letters , emails and press releases .
Candidates and their teams are superheroes , but they aren ’ t invincible , and campaigns can take their toll both financially , physically and mentally .
This is why I ’ ll set up a dedicated team to offer mental health support and advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local organisers and staff have contracts that end at 10pm on polling day – this culture needs to change .
Organisers put in endless hours to help our campaigns succeed and to dump them when polls close is just simply wrong .
I ’ ll ensure no staff contracts end on Election Day , giving them vital time to find new employment .
I also want to establish a system of sharing best practice amongst CLPs and boroughs .
Campaigns shouldn ’ t have borders : we don ’ t have to operate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We need proper twinning with key seats .
There ’ s no sugar-coating it – the Labour Party is in a critical condition right now .
But with the right treatment , the right approach and the right support from the leadership team , we can get it back to fighting fitness .
With the local elections coming up in May , there ’ s no time to waste .

As a doctor, I know that before a patient can be diagnosed, it is vital to first take a detailed history and examine them thoroughly. That’s the challenge we now face in revitalising the Labour Party and taking it off life-support. This is also why, when I decided to run for deputy leader, the first thing I did was contact every single Labour councillor I could find an email address for, as well as every single prospective parliamentary candidate who stood for Labour in the last general election and lost.
I’m not a leader-in-waiting, I’ll be a campaigner-in-chief, and you can be too. I’ve been travelling across the country, to seats where we won, seats where we lost, and even seats we’ve never held, to talk to activists and members on the ground – because I want to hear from the grassroots directly to truly understand what went wrong, what went right, and what we must do better.
Using that detailed feedback, I am now publishing a manifesto called Grassroots Revival – a campaigning action plan that I will immediately start implementing if I’m elected as the next Labour deputy leader.
It starts with changes we must make to our internal organisation. We must overhaul the complaints process. I’ll remove the team from HQ and make it independent, put a time limit on reviewing complaints, and ensure those involved with each case are kept informed of its progress.
I also want to start unlocking Labour’s membership talent. It’s not all about delivering leaflets and knocking on doors – we have social media experts, journalists, policy gurus, videographers and many other talents in our ranks. Let’s start making the most of that!
For new members, attending meetings can feel daunting – we need to make them more enjoyable and accessible for all. We can ensure party democracy and due process are followed, while making meetings a more enjoyable experience. For example, some CLPs still spend up to an hour arguing about the minutes of the last meeting, which turns off new members. We need to streamline the procedural matters and get more political debate into our local meetings.
We can be sociable too! I want to help local groups organise regional social events that break even, instead of looking to make a profit. Quiz nights, continuing the great work of Stand Up For Labour, pub nights, coffee mornings – let’s bring our movement together and celebrate all that we have to offer.
Let’s look at how to grow and diversify our movement even further. I’ll offer reduced membership rates to emergency service workers, to encourage them to join the party and have their say over how we fight to save our NHS. I would support BAME members to hold elected office. I will produce literature to be made available to BAME officers to distribute to new members, “how to be a councillor” meetings will be offered in each borough – not as an afterthought – and I will work with BAME officers to listen to what resources they need.
We must start upgrading our technology and infrastructure. We’re running campaigns in 2020 with two colour printers from the ’80s and ’90s. I’d ensure every CLP has access to a full colour RISO printer (or similar). We can also boost data driven testing of our methods. Comparisons of leaflets, direct mails, e-newsletters, social media and canvassing will allow us to be so much more targeted and effective.
A significant amount of dedicated time went into creating software and apps to revolutionise our digital campaigning in recent years but the party didn’t have the resources to fully roll them out – the door-knocking app, dialogue and chatter could have really helped us but members didn’t know how to use them or didn’t know they existed. Contact Creator regularly broke down during the general election and the user interface hasn’t changed for over a decade. This must all change. Let’s also have a digital team at HQ who goes to every target seat, showing them how to make the most of Facebook ads, emails, Twitter, creating graphics and videos.
Let’s also start looking at how to produce more personalised and localised content. The party produces some great literature and supplies it to key seats, but the vast majority of it is national with no localisation. Some leaflets and letters just didn’t arrive in 2019 for some seats, which left them in the dark, and adequate support was not available to deal with it, because staff were already overstretched. We must be better prepared. The manifesto came out weeks after the print deadlines for seats to order their leaflets and letters. I will ensure the necessary information is available to candidates in good time.
The Labour Party must do better at supporting our candidates – I’ll make sure they all get adequate briefings and lines for use in their own leaflets, letters, emails and press releases. Candidates and their teams are superheroes, but they aren’t invincible, and campaigns can take their toll both financially, physically and mentally. This is why I’ll set up a dedicated team to offer mental health support and advice during difficult times.
Too often, local organisers and staff have contracts that end at 10pm on polling day – this culture needs to change. Organisers put in endless hours to help our campaigns succeed and to dump them when polls close is just simply wrong. I’ll ensure no staff contracts end on Election Day, giving them vital time to find new employment.
I also want to establish a system of sharing best practice amongst CLPs and boroughs. Campaigns shouldn’t have borders: we don’t have to operate solely within our constituency or ward boundaries. We need proper twinning with key seats.
There’s no sugar-coating it – the Labour Party is in a critical condition right now. But with the right treatment, the right approach and the right support from the leadership team, we can get it back to fighting fitness. With the local elections coming up in May, there’s no time to waste.