labourlist--2020-01-10--Will Labour’s next leader finally break with first-past-the-post?

For decades , I ’ ve witnessed the tragic attachment of Labour leaders to the poisoned chalice of first-past-the-post .
Perhaps some history can help break the cycle as , for the first time , a candidate pitching to lead the Labour Party – Clive Lewis – says it must embrace proportional representation .
I first encountered its importance 30 years ago .
The then editor of the New Statesman , Stuart Weir , asked me to coordinate the nascent Charter 88 .
This was an appeal he launched in 1988 , with the tacit support of Peter Preston at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full range of constitutional reform to be combined in a written constitution .
My personal priorities were for human rights and a democratic constitution .
But PR was one of the Charter ’ s 12 demands and I immediately found myself working with the Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform ( LCER ) run by Mary Southcott and guided by Jeff Rooker MP .
Persuading the Labour Party was Charter 88 ’ s priority .
It took me to the 1989 party conference in Brighton .
I met Gordon Brown in a crowded bar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while manoeuvring through the crush , he just grunted that he opposed PR when I introduced myself .
Later he embraced the larger argument for a new constitutional settlement , while never relinquishing his attachment to one-party rule .
It was at a fringe meeting that I observed this old force in its full glory .
Hundreds of stalwarts came to hear Dennis Skinner .
The contempt for ‘ middle class reform ’ was palpable .
Skinner roared out his class-war justification for a winner-takes-all electoral system : “ To the victor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheered .
I was appalled .
Margaret Thatcher was at the zenith of her absolutism , despite ever-reducing minority popular support .
What Skinner acclaimed , she enjoyed .
Last month he ate the fruits of his rhetoric as his constituency became part of Boris Johnson ’ s spoils .
Labour ’ s leader Neil Kinnock realised that Skinner ’ s politics were a historic cul-de-sac .
He commissioned Lord Plant to consider the merits of change and report after the coming election .
First Plant then Kinnock himself were persuaded of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election came in 1992 , Kinnock felt he could not pre-empt his own process .
Challenged in a TV interview , he gave a fatally honest answer .
He said he knew what he thought about the voting system but wouldn ’ t say !
It fed into the crumbling of his credibility with voters and John Major ’ s surprise victory .
After he resigned as leader , Kinnock signed Charter 88 .
Later he told me he tried to persuade Tony Blair to back PR and cement an alliance with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of power .
Blair had no answer except that he was not minded to agree .
Between Kinnock ’ s 1992 defeat and Blair ’ s supremacy , John Smith led the party .
He swung Labour behind human rights and constitutional reform in his 1993 Charter 88 lecture .
But he personally opposed PR .
Rooker told me that New Zealand had just held a referendum to introduce it .
I ordered a batch of their ballot papers to prove the credibility of asking voters to decide and we launched a successful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea and thus preserve cooperation with the Lib Dems .
It went on to become part of Blair ’ s 1997 Labour manifesto : The formulation was neat ; there was no commitment to PR itself .
After Labour won in 1997 , Lib Dem bigwig Roy Jenkins headed the Commission .
In 1998 his report proposed a unique system of PR fit for the UK .
In those heady days , backed by popular Labour figures like Mo Mowlam and Robin Cook and the Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy , it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Had the 2001 election then been held under PR , Labour on 40 % would have needed a coalition with the Lib Dems who were on 18 % .
Britain would not have gone to war in Iraq .
Later , UKIP would have gained the seats it deserved and been exposed for what it was and there would have been no Brexit referendum .
It was the closest Britain came to becoming a modern European country .
Blair nixed it .
When Brown took over in June 2007 , his desire to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political reform .
He especially distrusted referendums .
When he led Labour to the polls in 2010 , the manifesto simply committed Labour to imposing AV , a voting system that would strengthen one-party rule .
Thus ended the Labour modernisers ’ dalliance with the key to Britain ’ s political modernisation .
As an admirer of Germany ’ s post-war development , Ed Miliband should have embraced PR .
Instead , his 2015 manifesto declared that his party ’ s aim was “ Reforming government to give more power to people ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system whatsoever .
Which brings us to Jeremy Corbyn .
Interviewed in his first leadership campaign , Corbyn was diplomatic .
He was not persuaded .
Like his predecessors he never said that he preferred it , but he consciously protected the continuation of the status quo .
He placed policy on the constitution in the hands of Jon Trickett , who asked Compass to convene a gathering of political reformers which he addressed .
Corbyn had empowered him , Trickett told us , to open the way to a new political order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all help ensure he was armed with the necessary ideas .
I went to see him in the Commons to suggest he make PR an immediate commitment .
He objected that electoral reform did not guarantee ending elite rule as he and I wished .
Only a complete program of system change would suffice .
It was a case of what Texans call ‘ All hat and no cattle ’ .
Today , if we assess the women and men seeking the leadership we can ask each of them in what way are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; or Smith , Blair , Brown , Miliband or Corbyn , when it comes to our democracy ?
How will they ensure that they are not going to join the roll-call of timidity , procrastination , and keeping the old UK electoral system on the road , that has accompanied Labour ’ s long decline ?
With a poll suggesting three-quarters of Labour members support PR , the welcome clarity of Clive Lewis should not be unpopular .
So can the others speak : should we , or should we not , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
This article was originally in ‘ A short history of PR ’ published by Compass .
The full version can be read here .

For decades, I’ve witnessed the tragic attachment of Labour leaders to the poisoned chalice of first-past-the-post. Perhaps some history can help break the cycle as, for the first time, a candidate pitching to lead the Labour Party – Clive Lewis – says it must embrace proportional representation.
I first encountered its importance 30 years ago. The then editor of the New Statesman, Stuart Weir, asked me to coordinate the nascent Charter 88. This was an appeal he launched in 1988, with the tacit support of Peter Preston at the Guardian. It called for a full range of constitutional reform to be combined in a written constitution. My personal priorities were for human rights and a democratic constitution. But PR was one of the Charter’s 12 demands and I immediately found myself working with the Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform (LCER) run by Mary Southcott and guided by Jeff Rooker MP.
Persuading the Labour Party was Charter 88’s priority. It took me to the 1989 party conference in Brighton. I met Gordon Brown in a crowded bar. Holding a pint in each hand, while manoeuvring through the crush, he just grunted that he opposed PR when I introduced myself. Later he embraced the larger argument for a new constitutional settlement, while never relinquishing his attachment to one-party rule.
It was at a fringe meeting that I observed this old force in its full glory. Hundreds of stalwarts came to hear Dennis Skinner. The contempt for ‘middle class reform’ was palpable. Skinner roared out his class-war justification for a winner-takes-all electoral system: “To the victor, the spoils!”
The crowd cheered. I was appalled. Margaret Thatcher was at the zenith of her absolutism, despite ever-reducing minority popular support. What Skinner acclaimed, she enjoyed. Last month he ate the fruits of his rhetoric as his constituency became part of Boris Johnson’s spoils.
Labour’s leader Neil Kinnock realised that Skinner’s politics were a historic cul-de-sac. He commissioned Lord Plant to consider the merits of change and report after the coming election. First Plant then Kinnock himself were persuaded of the need for PR. But when the election came in 1992, Kinnock felt he could not pre-empt his own process. Challenged in a TV interview, he gave a fatally honest answer. He said he knew what he thought about the voting system but wouldn’t say! It fed into the crumbling of his credibility with voters and John Major’s surprise victory.
After he resigned as leader, Kinnock signed Charter 88. Later he told me he tried to persuade Tony Blair to back PR and cement an alliance with the Lib Dems to lock the Tories out of power. Blair had no answer except that he was not minded to agree.
Between Kinnock’s 1992 defeat and Blair’s supremacy, John Smith led the party. He swung Labour behind human rights and constitutional reform in his 1993 Charter 88 lecture. But he personally opposed PR. Rooker told me that New Zealand had just held a referendum to introduce it. I ordered a batch of their ballot papers to prove the credibility of asking voters to decide and we launched a successful lobby to persuade Smith to back the idea and thus preserve cooperation with the Lib Dems. It went on to become part of Blair’s 1997 Labour manifesto:
“We are committed to a referendum on the voting system for the House of Commons. An independent commission on voting systems will be appointed early to recommend a proportional alternative to the first-past-the-post system.”
The formulation was neat; there was no commitment to PR itself.
After Labour won in 1997, Lib Dem bigwig Roy Jenkins headed the Commission. In 1998 his report proposed a unique system of PR fit for the UK. In those heady days, backed by popular Labour figures like Mo Mowlam and Robin Cook and the Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy, it would have been approved in a referendum. Had the 2001 election then been held under PR, Labour on 40% would have needed a coalition with the Lib Dems who were on 18%. Britain would not have gone to war in Iraq. Later, UKIP would have gained the seats it deserved and been exposed for what it was and there would have been no Brexit referendum. It was the closest Britain came to becoming a modern European country. Blair nixed it.
When Brown took over in June 2007, his desire to control the outcome undermined his approach to political reform. He especially distrusted referendums. When he led Labour to the polls in 2010, the manifesto simply committed Labour to imposing AV, a voting system that would strengthen one-party rule. Thus ended the Labour modernisers’ dalliance with the key to Britain’s political modernisation.
As an admirer of Germany’s post-war development, Ed Miliband should have embraced PR. Instead, his 2015 manifesto declared that his party’s aim was “Reforming government to give more power to people” and made no mention of the electoral system whatsoever.
Which brings us to Jeremy Corbyn. Interviewed in his first leadership campaign, Corbyn was diplomatic. He was not persuaded. Like his predecessors he never said that he preferred it, but he consciously protected the continuation of the status quo. He placed policy on the constitution in the hands of Jon Trickett, who asked Compass to convene a gathering of political reformers which he addressed. Corbyn had empowered him, Trickett told us, to open the way to a new political order to end elite rule and we should all help ensure he was armed with the necessary ideas.
I went to see him in the Commons to suggest he make PR an immediate commitment. He objected that electoral reform did not guarantee ending elite rule as he and I wished. Only a complete program of system change would suffice. It was a case of what Texans call ‘All hat and no cattle’.
Today, if we assess the women and men seeking the leadership we can ask each of them in what way are they not a Skinner or a Kinnock; or Smith, Blair, Brown, Miliband or Corbyn, when it comes to our democracy? How will they ensure that they are not going to join the roll-call of timidity, procrastination, and keeping the old UK electoral system on the road, that has accompanied Labour’s long decline? With a poll suggesting three-quarters of Labour members support PR, the welcome clarity of Clive Lewis should not be unpopular. So can the others speak: should we, or should we not, enjoy a fair and equal voting system?
This article was originally in ‘A short history of PR’ published by Compass. The full version can be read here.


labourlist--2020-01-10--Starmer vows to make radicalism relevant to everyday lives

Keir Starmer has vowed to keep Labour ’ s “ radical values ” and make them “ relevant to people ’ s everyday lives ” if he wins the leadership contest that kicked off this week .
The frontrunner in the race , who is not considered a Corbynite but has not been an outspoken critic of the current leader either , will launch his campaign in Manchester on Saturday .
Commenting ahead of the speech , Starmer argued that Labour should “ retain ” its “ radicalism ” , adding : “ People desperately need and want us to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be first visiting a food bank project in Oldham , which is represented in parliament by Jim McMahon who has nominated Starmer .
The leadership hopeful is then set to travel to the Mechanics Institute in Manchester for his first public members ’ event , where Doreen Lawrence will introduce him .
The Mechanics Institute is the birthplace of the British Trade Union Congress – and with parliamentary nominations threshold reached , Starmer is looking ahead to the next stage of the process and seeking trade union support .
Speaking ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have to rebuild people ’ s trust in Labour as a force for good and real change .
We have to take the fight to the Tories and make the case for how our values and ideas can deliver the change Britain so desperately needs.
” His leadership campaign has not put forward any proposal for a change in direction or policy platform so far , but instead highlighted the need to rebuild trust .
On this subject and with a reminder of the upcoming local elections , Starmer said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK whose support we need to win back .
England , Scotland and Wales , in towns and cities alike .
And in fighting this internal election we must not lose our focus on the elections this spring.
” Setting out in further detail his plans for beyond the Labour leadership election , the contender said : “ If elected leader , I will pursue Boris Johnson relentlessly in parliament .
“ We will connect our opposition in parliament to Labour ’ s mass movement and to the wider forces in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more years of Tory misrule .
And we will bind that together with an electoral strategy that focuses tirelessly on getting Labour back into government .
“ My campaign will be about defending Labour ’ s radical values and winning for the majority in 2024 – not either one without the other.
” Starmer has received 68 MP and MEP nominations – well over the necessary 22 needed to pass the first hurdle of the election process .
He has also won an early endorsement from large trade union UNISON , which suggests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paper via the affiliates route .
All leadership candidates who reach the second step will need nominations from 5 % of local parties or three affiliates , including two trade unions , making up 5 % of the affiliate membership .

Keir Starmer has vowed to keep Labour’s “radical values” and make them “relevant to people’s everyday lives” if he wins the leadership contest that kicked off this week.
The frontrunner in the race, who is not considered a Corbynite but has not been an outspoken critic of the current leader either, will launch his campaign in Manchester on Saturday.
Commenting ahead of the speech, Starmer argued that Labour should “retain” its “radicalism”, adding: “People desperately need and want us to win.”
Labour’s Brexit spokesperson will be first visiting a food bank project in Oldham, which is represented in parliament by Jim McMahon who has nominated Starmer.
The leadership hopeful is then set to travel to the Mechanics Institute in Manchester for his first public members’ event, where Doreen Lawrence will introduce him.
The Mechanics Institute is the birthplace of the British Trade Union Congress – and with parliamentary nominations threshold reached, Starmer is looking ahead to the next stage of the process and seeking trade union support.
Speaking ahead of the event, Starmer said: “We have to rebuild people’s trust in Labour as a force for good and real change. We have to take the fight to the Tories and make the case for how our values and ideas can deliver the change Britain so desperately needs.”
His leadership campaign has not put forward any proposal for a change in direction or policy platform so far, but instead highlighted the need to rebuild trust.
On this subject and with a reminder of the upcoming local elections, Starmer said: “Our sights will be on every person in the UK whose support we need to win back. England, Scotland and Wales, in towns and cities alike. And in fighting this internal election we must not lose our focus on the elections this spring.”
Setting out in further detail his plans for beyond the Labour leadership election, the contender said: “If elected leader, I will pursue Boris Johnson relentlessly in parliament.
“We will connect our opposition in parliament to Labour’s mass movement and to the wider forces in our country who do not want five more years of Tory misrule. And we will bind that together with an electoral strategy that focuses tirelessly on getting Labour back into government.
“My campaign will be about defending Labour’s radical values and winning for the majority in 2024 – not either one without the other.”
Starmer has received 68 MP and MEP nominations – well over the necessary 22 needed to pass the first hurdle of the election process.
He has also won an early endorsement from large trade union UNISON, which suggests he could make it onto the ballot paper via the affiliates route.
All leadership candidates who reach the second step will need nominations from 5% of local parties or three affiliates, including two trade unions, making up 5% of the affiliate membership.


labourlist--2020-01-10--Clive Lewis proposes referendum on British royal family

Clive Lewis has suggested that there should be a referendum on the British royal family and the future of the monarchy in the United Kingdom .
Following a speech in Brixton used to launch his leadership campaign , Lewis said : “ Why not have a referendum in this country in the future of the royal family ?
Let the British public decide the future of the monarchy and what shape it should be.
” The contender for the top job made the comment after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they would be “ stepping back ” from royal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America .
He suggested he had no problem with the decision from the couple and suggested that this might be “ a model ” for how the royals would operate in the future .
The Norwich South MP was also asked whether he thought Labour could win a general election without cooperating with the Lib Dems .
He replied : “ We are not going to compromise on our values , on our socialism , to get into be with them… My challenge to the Lib Dems would be : move to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The candidate has also suggested that Labour would engage in cross-party working with the Greens on a green new deal project , should he become leader .
On the question of Scottish independence , Lewis said that his party should not oppose “ legitimate ” calls for a second referendum .
He added : “ We can ’ t call ourselves democrats if we ignore what Scottish voters are telling us.
” Lewis was asked whether he had a realistic chance of staying in the leadership race , as he currently has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs and MEPs required to pass the first stage of the process .
The leadership hopeful replied : “ There are still around a hundred Labour MPs yet to nominate… I ’ m completely confident that come Monday we still have a fighting chance to get over the line.
” But there are in fact only 63 MPs and MEPs who have not yet cast their nomination papers , including 57 MPs , and it is typical for a number of parliamentarians to choose not to nominate any candidate .

Clive Lewis has suggested that there should be a referendum on the British royal family and the future of the monarchy in the United Kingdom.
Following a speech in Brixton used to launch his leadership campaign, Lewis said: “Why not have a referendum in this country in the future of the royal family? Let the British public decide the future of the monarchy and what shape it should be.”
The contender for the top job made the comment after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they would be “stepping back” from royal life and considering a move to North America.
He suggested he had no problem with the decision from the couple and suggested that this might be “a model” for how the royals would operate in the future.
The Norwich South MP was also asked whether he thought Labour could win a general election without cooperating with the Lib Dems. He replied: “We are not going to compromise on our values, on our socialism, to get into be with them… My challenge to the Lib Dems would be: move to the left, become a progressive party again.”
The candidate has also suggested that Labour would engage in cross-party working with the Greens on a green new deal project, should he become leader.
On the question of Scottish independence, Lewis said that his party should not oppose “legitimate” calls for a second referendum. He added: “We can’t call ourselves democrats if we ignore what Scottish voters are telling us.”
Lewis was asked whether he had a realistic chance of staying in the leadership race, as he currently has only four of the 22 nominations from MPs and MEPs required to pass the first stage of the process.
The leadership hopeful replied: “There are still around a hundred Labour MPs yet to nominate… I’m completely confident that come Monday we still have a fighting chance to get over the line.”
But there are in fact only 63 MPs and MEPs who have not yet cast their nomination papers, including 57 MPs, and it is typical for a number of parliamentarians to choose not to nominate any candidate.


labourlist--2020-01-11--Lewis urges Momentum to ballot members before backing a leadership candidate

Leadership hopeful Clive Lewis has urged Momentum to consult its members before backing a candidate in Labour ’ s leadership contests ahead of a crunch meeting this morning .
The national co-ordinating group ( NCG ) of the activist network , which grew out of Jeremy Corbyn ’ s 2015 leadership campaign , is gathering today and will decide whether and how to endorse one of the MPs running to be Labour ’ s next leader .
LabourList understands that preparations have been made for a ballot of all Momentum members to be held , but it is up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jon Lansman , who is also director of Rebecca Long-Bailey ’ s campaign – to decide whether a full consultation takes place .
Ahead of the meeting , Lewis has written to the NCG urging the ruling body not to endorse him – or any other person hoping to secure a place on the ballot paper – before having seen his manifesto that will be released on Sunday or seen any other detailed policy platform .
“ It would be an undemocratic move for Momentum to endorse a candidate at a meeting of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not call on you to simply endorse me at this meeting , without even having seen my initial manifesto or anyone else ’ s , ” Lewis wrote .
Encouraging the ruling body to take a different path , the leadership candidate concluded : “ If Momentum is to back a candidate , it must ballot its members , and the process must be fair and transparent .
That is my request of you today.
” Lewis is currently far short of the 22 MP and MEP nominations required to enter the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not make up the necessary numbers before the Monday deadline .
Rebecca Long-Bailey , Lisa Nandy , Jess Phillips and Keir Starmer have all reached the threshold .
Corbynite frontrunner Long-Bailey has also written to senior Momentum figures .
She urged the group to back Angela Rayner over Richard Burgon in Labour ’ s deputy leadership race , according to a Guardian report .
Below is the full text of Clive Lewis ’ letter to the Momentum NCG .
Our movement has suffered a serious defeat , but we must embrace this leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party , and to renew the left .
Doing this means celebrating our successes and defending our gains , but also being honest about the mistakes we have made .
2015 was the beginning of a new chapter in the history of our party .
The election of Jeremy Corbyn was a historic shift – it brought hope to millions and it opened up a space to transform Labour .
I am proud to have supported Jeremy from the start , and in both leadership elections .
I joined Momentum , and played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because I knew that unless Labour was willing to be bold about its ideas and harness the power of a mass movement , we never stood a chance of delivering the transformative change that our society needs .
Creating a mass movement that is worthy of the name means more than mobilising doorknockers and winning internal elections , essential though those things are .
It means creating a political project which is internally democracy , pluralistic and committed to listening to every part of its support base .
We don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can think critically , and who have a democratic say in our policies and campaigns .
The biggest issue facing us today is a crisis of democracy .
The 2019 election result , and the Brexit referendum , were the product of 40 years of neoliberalism , which wrecked livelihoods , ripped the soul out of communities and undermined social solidarity .
People lost control over their own lives , and the democratic system failed .
If we ever want to win again , we need to be serious about democratising every part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rigged voting system , to empowering trade unions and bringing democracy to the workplace .
But we will never be able to bring real democracy to the country if our own house is not in order .
In 2015 , we talked about a new kind of politics , but we must be honest in saying that members have not been given enough of a say – either in Labour or here in Momentum .
A culture of command and control has crippled our party and our collective creativity .
In this leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour membership that we are the true inheritors of the democratic promise of 2015 .
If we don ’ t , we will lose , and we will deserve to lose .
Tomorrow , I will be releasing an initial manifesto , and I look forward to developing my policies in dialogue with you and grassroots party members in the course of the campaign .
As well as laying out an economic programme that delivers for everyone and a Green New Deal to tackle the climate emergency , it will include support for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deep democratisation of our party .
Now is not the time to triangulate to the right on immigration or abandon our radical programme .
We must strive to lead a decentralised social movement , distributing resources and autonomy to our regions , and building alliances beyond the boundaries of the party on key issues .
It would be an undemocratic move for Momentum to endorse a candidate at a meeting of a small committee – so I can not call on you to simply endorse me at this meeting , without even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else ’ s .
If Momentum is to back a candidate , it must ballot its members , and the process must be fair and transparent .
That is my request of you today .

Leadership hopeful Clive Lewis has urged Momentum to consult its members before backing a candidate in Labour’s leadership contests ahead of a crunch meeting this morning.
The national co-ordinating group (NCG) of the activist network, which grew out of Jeremy Corbyn’s 2015 leadership campaign, is gathering today and will decide whether and how to endorse one of the MPs running to be Labour’s next leader.
LabourList understands that preparations have been made for a ballot of all Momentum members to be held, but it is up to the members of NCG – including chair Jon Lansman, who is also director of Rebecca Long-Bailey’s campaign – to decide whether a full consultation takes place.
Ahead of the meeting, Lewis has written to the NCG urging the ruling body not to endorse him – or any other person hoping to secure a place on the ballot paper – before having seen his manifesto that will be released on Sunday or seen any other detailed policy platform.
“It would be an undemocratic move for Momentum to endorse a candidate at a meeting of a small committee – so I cannot call on you to simply endorse me at this meeting, without even having seen my initial manifesto or anyone else’s,” Lewis wrote.
Encouraging the ruling body to take a different path, the leadership candidate concluded: “If Momentum is to back a candidate, it must ballot its members, and the process must be fair and transparent. That is my request of you today.”
Lewis is currently far short of the 22 MP and MEP nominations required to enter the next stage of the race, and may not make up the necessary numbers before the Monday deadline. Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy, Jess Phillips and Keir Starmer have all reached the threshold.
Corbynite frontrunner Long-Bailey has also written to senior Momentum figures. She urged the group to back Angela Rayner over Richard Burgon in Labour’s deputy leadership race, according to a Guardian report.
Below is the full text of Clive Lewis’ letter to the Momentum NCG.
Dear comrades,
Our movement has suffered a serious defeat, but we must embrace this leadership contest as an opportunity to renew the party, and to renew the left. Doing this means celebrating our successes and defending our gains, but also being honest about the mistakes we have made.
2015 was the beginning of a new chapter in the history of our party. The election of Jeremy Corbyn was a historic shift – it brought hope to millions and it opened up a space to transform Labour. I am proud to have supported Jeremy from the start, and in both leadership elections. I joined Momentum, and played a role in it from the beginning, because I knew that unless Labour was willing to be bold about its ideas and harness the power of a mass movement, we never stood a chance of delivering the transformative change that our society needs.
Creating a mass movement that is worthy of the name means more than mobilising doorknockers and winning internal elections, essential though those things are. It means creating a political project which is internally democracy, pluralistic and committed to listening to every part of its support base. We don’t need footsoldiers – we need activists who can think critically, and who have a democratic say in our policies and campaigns.
The biggest issue facing us today is a crisis of democracy. The 2019 election result, and the Brexit referendum, were the product of 40 years of neoliberalism, which wrecked livelihoods, ripped the soul out of communities and undermined social solidarity. People lost control over their own lives, and the democratic system failed. If we ever want to win again, we need to be serious about democratising every part of our country, from scrapping the rigged voting system, to empowering trade unions and bringing democracy to the workplace.
But we will never be able to bring real democracy to the country if our own house is not in order. In 2015, we talked about a new kind of politics, but we must be honest in saying that members have not been given enough of a say – either in Labour or here in Momentum. A culture of command and control has crippled our party and our collective creativity. In this leadership election, the left must convince the Labour membership that we are the true inheritors of the democratic promise of 2015. If we don’t, we will lose, and we will deserve to lose.
Tomorrow, I will be releasing an initial manifesto, and I look forward to developing my policies in dialogue with you and grassroots party members in the course of the campaign. As well as laying out an economic programme that delivers for everyone and a Green New Deal to tackle the climate emergency, it will include support for Open Selections and pave the way for a deep democratisation of our party. Now is not the time to triangulate to the right on immigration or abandon our radical programme. We must strive to lead a decentralised social movement, distributing resources and autonomy to our regions, and building alliances beyond the boundaries of the party on key issues.
It would be an undemocratic move for Momentum to endorse a candidate at a meeting of a small committee – so I cannot call on you to simply endorse me at this meeting, without even having seen my initial manifesto or anyone else’s.
If Momentum is to back a candidate, it must ballot its members, and the process must be fair and transparent. That is my request of you today.
In Solidarity,
Clive Lewis


labourlist--2020-01-11--Open letter: Nandy as leader can “end in-fighting” with “vision for real change”

Lisa Nandy as Labour ’ s next leader would “ end the in-fighting ” in the party and “ deliver a vision for real change ” , 60 supporters – including Jonathan Ashworth – have said in a new open letter , LabourList can reveal .
Writing after the leadership candidate and MP for Wigan secured more than the MP and MEP nominations required to enter the next stage of the election , figures from across the labour movement have set out their reasons for backing Nandy .
The group of MPs , cabinet members , peers , councillors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say their preferred candidate has “ the ideas to unite our party again ” and “ the insights needed to reconnect with the people that Labour must win back ” .
Highlighting her work on protecting the rights of child migrants and as chair of Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East , the signatories argue that Nandy has “ time and again demonstrated the kind of leadership that has too often been absent from our politics ” .
The advocates conclude their letter by saying : “ The future of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set aside factionalism and to empower every part of our movement .
It is time to end the in-fighting , and to deliver a vision for real change.
” Below is the full text of the open letter by Lisa Nandy supporters .
This election result was devastating for our party , our movement , and those lifelong Labour voters who felt that they had little choice but to vote for the Tories .
Our defeat was years in the making .
Too many people feel that Labour is unwilling or unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believed in our ability to deliver radical change or to protect the things that mattered to them .
In order to win back the trust of these communities Labour must be rooted in them , listen to them , and be prepared to work to regain their trust .
We are a group of MPs , peers , councillors , Assembly Members , activists and former ministers who believe we need a leader who can do this and who has the ideas to unite our party again as well as the insights needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must win back .
We believe that person is Lisa Nandy .
For a decade Lisa has given a voice in Westminster to those who have felt silenced in the national debate .
From protecting the rights of child migrants and fighting for the recognition of Palestine , to holding the government to account on its failed rail franchising , and championing the achievements of Labour councils in working to tackle the climate crisis , Lisa has time and again demonstrated the kind of leadership that has too often been absent from our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shoulder with our public sector staff and trade unions to demand better conditions at work , taken the fight to Tory Prime Ministers in parliament , and is the only leadership candidate to have served both as a local councillor and in the shadow cabinet .
That is the kind of leader we need .
The future of the Labour Party lies in our ability to set aside factionalism and to empower every part of our movement .
It is time to end the in-fighting , and to deliver a vision for real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sheffield Heeley Jon Ashworth , MP for Leicester South Vicky Foxcroft , MP for Lewisham & Deptford Stephanie Peacock , MP for Barnsley East Alex Norris , MP for Nottingham North Peter Hain , Labour peer and former MP for Neath Ian McCartney , Former MP and Former Chair of the Labour Party Baroness Morris of Yardley , Former MP and Secretary of State for Education and Skills Baroness Taylor of Bolton , Former Minister of International Defence and Security Sir Tony Cunningham , Former MP for Workington and Minister under Gordon Brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council Charlotte Galsworthy , Councillor , Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Georgia Power , Councillor , Nottingham City Council Jay Hayes , Councillor , Nottingham City Council Stephen Cunnah , Councillor , Cardiff Council Calvin Rodgerson , Councillor , Carlisle City Council Maggie McTernan , Councillor , Glasgow City Council Eva Murray , Councillor , Glasgow City Council Dave Thompson , Councillor , Halton Borough Council John Reynolds , Councillor , Lancaster City Council Andrew Achilleos , Councillor , Barking & Dagenham London Borough Council Mete Coban , Councillor , Hackney London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hackney London Borough Council Mark Francis , Councillor , Tower Hamlets London Borough Council Asma Islam , Councillor , Tower Hamlets London Borough Council Ros Flowers , Councillor , Waltham Forest London Borough Council Craig Wright , Councillor , Middlesbrough Borough Council Joe Ferreira , Councillor , Bexley London Borough Council Jon Taylor , Councillor , Plymouth City Council Micky Leng , Councillor , Reading Borough Council Laurie Burton , Councillor , Southend-On-Sea Borough Council James Pritchard , Councillor , Caerphilly County Borough Council George Davies , Councillor , Wigan Borough Council Stephen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tom Copley , London Assembly Member Abby Tomlinson , Labour Party Activist Jamie Ali , Labour Party Activist Luke Hurst , Labour Party Activist Ben McGowan , Labour Party Activist Adam Allnutt , Labour Party Activist James Potts , Labour Party Activist Zainab Asunramu , Labour Party Activist Gabe Milne , Labour Party Activist Alex Holmes , Labour Party Activist Steve Lapsley , Labour Party Activist Luke Heselwood , Labour Party Activist Luisa Attfield , Labour Party Activist Callum McNally , Activist and former PPC Seam Smyth , Labour Party Activist Milly Whibberley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Labour Party Activist Wrenna Robson , Labour Party Activist Jenny Symmons , Labour Party Activist Beth Desmond , Labour Party Activist Joshua Harris , Labour Party Activist Aidan Stitt , Labour Party Activist Sarisha Goodman , Labour Party Activist Pete Whitehead , Labour Party Activist Ross McArthur , Labour Party Activist Lisa Phillips , Labour Party Activist

Lisa Nandy as Labour’s next leader would “end the in-fighting” in the party and “deliver a vision for real change”, 60 supporters – including Jonathan Ashworth – have said in a new open letter, LabourList can reveal.
Writing after the leadership candidate and MP for Wigan secured more than the MP and MEP nominations required to enter the next stage of the election, figures from across the labour movement have set out their reasons for backing Nandy.
The group of MPs, cabinet members, peers, councillors, former ministers, Assembly Members and activists say their preferred candidate has “the ideas to unite our party again” and “the insights needed to reconnect with the people that Labour must win back”.
Highlighting her work on protecting the rights of child migrants and as chair of Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East, the signatories argue that Nandy has “time and again demonstrated the kind of leadership that has too often been absent from our politics”.
The advocates conclude their letter by saying: “The future of the Labour Party lies in our ability to set aside factionalism and to empower every part of our movement. It is time to end the in-fighting, and to deliver a vision for real change.”
Below is the full text of the open letter by Lisa Nandy supporters.
To the editor,
This election result was devastating for our party, our movement, and those lifelong Labour voters who felt that they had little choice but to vote for the Tories. Our defeat was years in the making.
Too many people feel that Labour is unwilling or unable to understand their lives. They no longer believed in our ability to deliver radical change or to protect the things that mattered to them. In order to win back the trust of these communities Labour must be rooted in them, listen to them, and be prepared to work to regain their trust.
We are a group of MPs, peers, councillors, Assembly Members, activists and former ministers who believe we need a leader who can do this and who has the ideas to unite our party again as well as the insights needed to reconnect with the people that Labour must win back. We believe that person is Lisa Nandy.
For a decade Lisa has given a voice in Westminster to those who have felt silenced in the national debate. From protecting the rights of child migrants and fighting for the recognition of Palestine, to holding the government to account on its failed rail franchising, and championing the achievements of Labour councils in working to tackle the climate crisis, Lisa has time and again demonstrated the kind of leadership that has too often been absent from our politics.
She has stood shoulder to shoulder with our public sector staff and trade unions to demand better conditions at work, taken the fight to Tory Prime Ministers in parliament, and is the only leadership candidate to have served both as a local councillor and in the shadow cabinet. That is the kind of leader we need.
The future of the Labour Party lies in our ability to set aside factionalism and to empower every part of our movement. It is time to end the in-fighting, and to deliver a vision for real change.
Yours,
Louise Haigh, MP for Sheffield Heeley
Jon Ashworth, MP for Leicester South
Vicky Foxcroft, MP for Lewisham & Deptford
Stephanie Peacock, MP for Barnsley East
Alex Norris, MP for Nottingham North
Peter Hain, Labour peer and former MP for Neath
Ian McCartney, Former MP and Former Chair of the Labour Party
Baroness Morris of Yardley, Former MP and Secretary of State for Education and Skills
Baroness Taylor of Bolton, Former Minister of International Defence and Security
Sir Tony Cunningham, Former MP for Workington and Minister under Gordon Brown
Chris Grocock, Councillor, Rushcliffe Borough Council
Charlotte Galsworthy, Councillor, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
Georgia Power, Councillor, Nottingham City Council
Jay Hayes, Councillor, Nottingham City Council
Stephen Cunnah, Councillor, Cardiff Council
Calvin Rodgerson, Councillor, Carlisle City Council
Maggie McTernan, Councillor, Glasgow City Council
Eva Murray, Councillor, Glasgow City Council
Dave Thompson, Councillor, Halton Borough Council
John Reynolds, Councillor, Lancaster City Council
Andrew Achilleos, Councillor, Barking & Dagenham London Borough Council
Polly Billington, Councillor, Hackney London Borough Council
Mark Francis, Councillor, Tower Hamlets London Borough Council
Asma Islam, Councillor, Tower Hamlets London Borough Council
Ros Flowers, Councillor, Waltham Forest London Borough Council
Craig Wright, Councillor, Middlesbrough Borough Council
Joe Ferreira, Councillor, Bexley London Borough Council
Jon Taylor, Councillor, Plymouth City Council
Micky Leng, Councillor, Reading Borough Council
Laurie Burton, Councillor, Southend-On-Sea Borough Council
James Pritchard, Councillor, Caerphilly County Borough Council
George Davies, Councillor, Wigan Borough Council
Stephen Dawber, Councillor, Wigan Borough Council
Tom Copley, London Assembly Member
Abby Tomlinson, Labour Party Activist
Abdi Duale, Labour Party Activist
Jamie Ali, Labour Party Activist
Luke Hurst, Labour Party Activist
Ben McGowan, Labour Party Activist
Adam Allnutt, Labour Party Activist
James Potts, Labour Party Activist
Zainab Asunramu, Labour Party Activist
Gabe Milne, Labour Party Activist
Alex Holmes, Labour Party Activist
Steve Lapsley, Labour Party Activist
Luke Heselwood, Labour Party Activist
Luisa Attfield, Labour Party Activist
Callum McNally, Activist and former PPC
Seam Smyth, Labour Party Activist
Milly Whibberley, Labour Party Activist
George William Fairhurst, Labour Party Activist
Wrenna Robson, Labour Party Activist
Jenny Symmons, Labour Party Activist
Beth Desmond, Labour Party Activist
Joshua Harris, Labour Party Activist
Aidan Stitt, Labour Party Activist
Sarisha Goodman, Labour Party Activist
Pete Whitehead, Labour Party Activist
Ross McArthur, Labour Party Activist
Lisa Phillips, Labour Party Activist


labourlist--2020-01-11--Momentum set to ballot members – but recommend Long-Bailey and Rayner

Corbynite organisation Momentum has decided to ballot its members while recommending Rebecca Long-Bailey as Labour ’ s next leader and Angela Rayner as deputy leader at a key meeting today .
Members of Momentum ’ s national coordinating group met to decide whether and how to endorse leadership candidates – and chose to back the unofficial ‘ joint ticket ’ agreed between shadow cabinet members Long-Bailey and Rayner .
Although Rayner is seen as ‘ soft left ’ in the party , 13 NCG members voted in favour of endorsing her , while just six chose Richard Burgon – who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – and one picked Dawn Butler , according to LabourList sources .
But there had been strong calls for Momentum to ballot its whole membership before directly endorsing any candidates – as leadership contender Clive Lewis urged in a letter to NCG members on Saturday morning .
The ruling body ultimately chose to hold a vote in the meeting and then go ahead with endorsing their preferred candidates , though they also developed a plan to ballot Momentum members .
The online ballot consisting of two questions will be sent to members on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be open for 48 hours .
The wording has not been confirmed , but LabourList understands that the questions will be ‘ yes/no ’ on the NCG recommendations .
NCG member Jon Lansman , who is chair and co-founder of Momentum , has also been appointed as director of Long-Bailey ’ s leadership campaign .
Commenting on the decisions made today , a Momentum spokesperson said : “ We need a new generation of left wing MPs to lead our party and build on Labour ’ s popular policy agenda .
“ Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only viable candidate who will build on Labour ’ s vision for the future , deepen democracy in the party and unite all of our heartlands at the next election .
“ We also need a leadership team who trust each other , work well together and will lead a united front against the Tories , and that ’ s why we ’ ve our coordinating group have recommended support for Angela Rayner .
“ While it ’ s important left candidates get the support they need , this is a huge decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re balloting our members .
“ This leadership election will decide the future of our party , and we are planning a huge , people-powered campaign to make sure Labour is led by a new generation of left wing MPs.
” A source present at the meeting added : “ Today ’ s vote demonstrated an overwhelming appetite for a team of Rebecca Long-Bailey and Angela Rayner .
“ In addition to unanimously endorsing Becky to be the next Leader of the Labour Party , almost 70 % of those present backed Angela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voted today recognised that Becky and Angela are both socialists who can help us win again where Labour has lost , and that a unifying ticket is the most powerful way to do that .
“ Momentum ’ s national coordinating group sent a clear message that it ’ s time for the next generation to assert themselves with a serious plan to win power in the country.
” The move comes after Long-Bailey wrote to senior Momentum figures asking them to back Rayner over Burgon in Labour ’ s deputy leadership race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Friday evening , Long-Bailey tweeted : “ Just catching up on another bizarre news theme of the day ( there ’ s too many to keep track of these days ) .
Is @ AngelaRayner left , right , centre of the party ?
She ’ s a socialist superstar is what she is and that ’ s why I want her to be my deputy leader ” .

Corbynite organisation Momentum has decided to ballot its members while recommending Rebecca Long-Bailey as Labour’s next leader and Angela Rayner as deputy leader at a key meeting today.
Members of Momentum’s national coordinating group met to decide whether and how to endorse leadership candidates – and chose to back the unofficial ‘joint ticket’ agreed between shadow cabinet members Long-Bailey and Rayner.
Although Rayner is seen as ‘soft left’ in the party, 13 NCG members voted in favour of endorsing her, while just six chose Richard Burgon – who is often considered to be further left – and one picked Dawn Butler, according to LabourList sources.
But there had been strong calls for Momentum to ballot its whole membership before directly endorsing any candidates – as leadership contender Clive Lewis urged in a letter to NCG members on Saturday morning.
The ruling body ultimately chose to hold a vote in the meeting and then go ahead with endorsing their preferred candidates, though they also developed a plan to ballot Momentum members.
The online ballot consisting of two questions will be sent to members on Monday or Tuesday. The poll will be open for 48 hours. The wording has not been confirmed, but LabourList understands that the questions will be ‘yes/no’ on the NCG recommendations.
NCG member Jon Lansman, who is chair and co-founder of Momentum, has also been appointed as director of Long-Bailey’s leadership campaign.
Commenting on the decisions made today, a Momentum spokesperson said: “We need a new generation of left wing MPs to lead our party and build on Labour’s popular policy agenda.
“Our coordinating group believe Rebecca Long-Bailey is the only viable candidate who will build on Labour’s vision for the future, deepen democracy in the party and unite all of our heartlands at the next election.
“We also need a leadership team who trust each other, work well together and will lead a united front against the Tories, and that’s why we’ve our coordinating group have recommended support for Angela Rayner.
“While it’s important left candidates get the support they need, this is a huge decision and that’s why we’re balloting our members.
“This leadership election will decide the future of our party, and we are planning a huge, people-powered campaign to make sure Labour is led by a new generation of left wing MPs.”
A source present at the meeting added: “Today’s vote demonstrated an overwhelming appetite for a team of Rebecca Long-Bailey and Angela Rayner.
“In addition to unanimously endorsing Becky to be the next Leader of the Labour Party, almost 70% of those present backed Angela as Deputy Leader.
“Those that voted today recognised that Becky and Angela are both socialists who can help us win again where Labour has lost, and that a unifying ticket is the most powerful way to do that.
“Momentum’s national coordinating group sent a clear message that it’s time for the next generation to assert themselves with a serious plan to win power in the country.”
The move comes after Long-Bailey wrote to senior Momentum figures asking them to back Rayner over Burgon in Labour’s deputy leadership race, according to a Guardian report.
On Friday evening, Long-Bailey tweeted: “Just catching up on another bizarre news theme of the day (there’s too many to keep track of these days). Is @AngelaRayner left, right, centre of the party? She’s a socialist superstar is what she is and that’s why I want her to be my deputy leader”.


labourlist--2020-01-12--Sunday shows: Long-Bailey, Thornberry, Lewis set out priorities in leadership race

Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey covered Labour ’ s defeat , Corbynism , the House of Lords , antisemitism , running with Angela Rayner , Harry and Meghan , and whether there is a hyphen in her name .
• On whether Labour ‘ won the argument ’ : “ Not at all , we didn ’ t win the argument – if we ’ d won the argument we would have won the general election unfortunately and we didn ’ t… We didn ’ t bring together all the positive aspects of our manifesto , we weren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t trusted to deal with antisemitism within our own party.
” • On Labour ’ s broadband policy : “ T here was a clear argument that could have been made for broadband – about how bringing broadband into public ownership would speed up the roll out of broadband , which would improve productivity because more businesses would be connected to that high speed broadband .
However we weren ’ t given the opportunity or the time to make that argument in such a small space of time within the general election.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuity Corbyn ’ candidate : “ Not at all , not at all .
It annoys me when people say that and unfortunately as a woman , it annoys me even more .
I ’ m a person in my own right.
” • On whether she would describe herself as a Corbynite : “ I would describe myself as a socialist and I supported Jeremy from the start because he believed in many of the same things that I did… What we need to do now is stop labelling ourselves as Corbynites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in the Labour Party , we are all socialists.
” • On Scottish independence : “ I ’ m fully committed to the union and I don ’ t think that should be shaken in any way , but ultimately the people of Scotland need to make the case and they ’ ve got their own parliament to determine whether they want to push that.
” • On the House of Lords : “ I do want to abolish the House of Lords and we ’ ll be rolling out as my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really shake up that constitutional package… There would need to be checks and balances in place but to have a set of completely unelected people doing that I don ’ t think is right.
” • None What did you do ?
Did you speak up ?
Did you have a go at Jeremy Corbyn ?
What did you do ?
“ I did , I did , I mean I spoke to Jeremy about it , I spoke to the various members of the team , I spoke to various members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I came across that didn ’ t want to tackle this problem but what we didn ’ t do was help ourselves to tackle it.
” • None Do you really want it ?
“ Of course I do !
I want to lead this party and not only lead the party , I want to be Prime Minister because I got involved in politics to change the world.
” • None On her pact with Angela Rayner : “ We ’ re close but slightly different in terms of the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a really positive unifying force for the parliamentary Labour Party , for our membership and also send a positive message out to the country… that politics does not have to be nasty.
” • On whether there is a hyphen in Long-Bailey : “ There actually is a hyphen !
But I ’ m not bothered , I mean , I was Rebecca Long before I got married and I thought it was a really good idea to keep the ‘ Long ’ because I was quite proud .
We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was no one to kind of carry on the name , so I wanted to add the Bailey on , not to upset the husband – to make him feel like he was part of it all .
So I ’ m not bothered if people put a hyphen in or not .
”

Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey covered Labour’s defeat, Corbynism, the House of Lords, antisemitism, running with Angela Rayner, Harry and Meghan, and whether there is a hyphen in her name.
On why Labour lost: “ Brexit was a huge factor.” Added: “Our manifesto was not being sold on the doorstep… We had reports of members being sent to seats that we had no hope of winning.”
On the policies: “ They were the right answers to the right questions – but perhaps for a manifesto, they should have been left for a longer-term goal.”
On whether Labour ‘won the argument’: “ Not at all, we didn’t win the argument – if we’d won the argument we would have won the general election unfortunately and we didn’t… We didn’t bring together all the positive aspects of our manifesto, we weren’t trusted on Brexit, we weren’t trusted to deal with antisemitism within our own party.”
On Labour’s broadband policy: “T here was a clear argument that could have been made for broadband – about how bringing broadband into public ownership would speed up the roll out of broadband, which would improve productivity because more businesses would be connected to that high speed broadband. However we weren’t given the opportunity or the time to make that argument in such a small space of time within the general election.”
On whether she is the ‘continuity Corbyn’ candidate: “ Not at all, not at all. It annoys me when people say that and unfortunately as a woman, it annoys me even more. I’m a person in my own right.”
On whether she would describe herself as a Corbynite: “ I would describe myself as a socialist and I supported Jeremy from the start because he believed in many of the same things that I did… What we need to do now is stop labelling ourselves as Corbynites, as socialists or whatever. We are in the Labour Party, we are all socialists.”
On Scottish independence: “ I’m fully committed to the union and I don’t think that should be shaken in any way, but ultimately the people of Scotland need to make the case and they’ve got their own parliament to determine whether they want to push that.”
On granting indyref2: “ I wouldn’t be in favour of it, I’m honest and it’s not something that I’ll be pushing for arguing for, I’ll be arguing to keep the union.”
On the House of Lords: “ I do want to abolish the House of Lords and we’ll be rolling out as my campaign progresses how we intend to to really shake up that constitutional package… There would need to be checks and balances in place but to have a set of completely unelected people doing that I don’t think is right.”
On Labour antisemitism and signing up to the Board of Deputies’ ten pledges: “ I will indeed, straight away. And I think we need to work very hard and very robustly, whoever the leader becomes to repair our relationship with the Jewish community.”
What did you do? Did you speak up? Did you have a go at Jeremy Corbyn? What did you do? “I did, I did, I mean I spoke to Jeremy about it, I spoke to the various members of the team, I spoke to various members of the NEC about that… There was nobody that I came across that didn’t want to tackle this problem but what we didn’t do was help ourselves to tackle it.”
Does Jeremy Corbyn bear personal responsibility for it? “He does, and he’s apologised, and I think any Labour politician that leads the Labour Party should apologise again for what has happened.”
On her slow start: “ I didn’t have a campaign ready to go because I was trying to win the general election… And I’ve never been personally ambitious – I got involved in politics because of my principles.”
Do you really want it? “Of course I do! I want to lead this party and not only lead the party, I want to be Prime Minister because I got involved in politics to change the world.”
On her pact with Angela Rayner: “We’re close but slightly different in terms of the way we operate, we thought we would be a really positive unifying force for the parliamentary Labour Party, for our membership and also send a positive message out to the country… that politics does not have to be nasty.”
On Harry and Meghan: “I don’t want them to leave the UK” but added that Meghan had received hostility from the press and sexism was involved.


labourlist--2020-01-12--Interview with Keir Starmer: Fatboy Slim, open selections, Trotskyism and more

“ Everybody knows I ’ m an Arsenal fan .
Everybody knows I play football every week .
Not everybody knows that I used to have violin lessons with Fatboy Slim when I was in first year of secondary school , ” Keir Starmer tells me .
We ’ re sitting in a conference room at the Mechanics Institute in Manchester , just after the launch of his leadership campaign .
“ I was humming some tunes , which I ’ m sure I later heard him singing , ” he jokes .
‘ Jeremy Corbyn , I have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps ?
Welcoming the path that the outgoing leader took in turning Labour into a firmly anti-austerity party , he emphasised to me : “ It ’ s very important that we don ’ t trash the last four years .
We shouldn ’ t throw the baby out with the bath water.
” Unity was the order of the day .
The key message from his launch was that he is the person to end the factional in-fighting in the party .
His speech was carefully crafted to appeal to those both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to trash the last Labour government .
But nor are we going to trash the last four years .
Jeremy Corbyn made us the party of anti-austerity and he was right to do so… We build on that , we don ’ t trash it as we go forward.
” Talking afterwards in the side room , we discuss his political reputation among members and that of his opponents .
I suggest that many won ’ t see Keir as the left-wing candidate in the race .
But he replies : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at my track record of the issues and campaigns I ’ ve been involved in during my life .
The only thing that matters in this is whether we elect someone who is both a ) capable of winning the next election , and b ) capable of bringing about the fundamental change we need to if we ’ re to deal with inequality in this country .
Badging people doesn ’ t help.
” I ask about his time as a young Labour activist .
In particular , his days as co-editor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has been described as Trotskyist .
Perhaps people are not giving him credit for how left-wing he is ?
Keir explains that the publication took “ very much a pluralist approach ” .
So young Keir wasn ’ t a Trotskyist ?
“ No , ” he laughs .
Moving onto a tricky question that some of the other leadership hopefuls have been tackling , I ask for his thoughts on Scottish independence .
“ We should put power much closer to people… I would like that to happen across all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do believe in the union and I do not think we have made the Labour case for the union strongly enough.
” So , should Labour offer a second referendum ?
Does the party need to do so in order to win again in Scotland ?
“ No .
We should fight the 2021 elections in Scotland ; we should make the case for the United Kingdom .
Obviously , we will then have to see what the outcome of that election is .
If after that there ’ s a mandate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to consider it.
” Basically , he is sticking to the policy that Labour had going into the general election last month .
What is his strategy to reach out to those who voted Leave , and who associate him with the second referendum policy as Labour ’ s Brexit spokesperson for the past few years ?
“ Well , the reality is that we ’ re leaving the EU in the next few weeks , and therefore the divide between Leave and Remain goes .
It is redundant by February 1st @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Equally , the case for a second referendum was blown away by the general election .
We need to focus intensely on the deal that Johnson is going to get for our country – or even no deal.
” We turn to discussing a future Labour manifesto .
Would the rail , mail and water nationalisation still be there under his leadership ?
Avoiding the specifics of the question , he replies : “ The case for nationalisation in most areas is powerfully made .
We ’ re here in Manchester – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long on the trains in Manchester to find out that most people would like there to be public ownership and a change .
Same , actually , across much of the country .
In my old world of criminal justice , privatisation has been a disaster : look at the probation service .
But I ’ m very focused on the fact that the next manifesto is likely to be in four or five years time and we need to build towards that manifesto.
” On party democracy , I ask if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandatory reselection ’ , which would require sitting MPs to seek approval as a candidate before each election .
“ I do think there has to be a process by which it ’ s possible to challenge sitting MPs and we need to find out what that process is and to work on it .
So I ’ m not against the principle.
” But he adds that he thinks the process the party went through shortly before the election – whereby executive bodies drew up shortlists , and eventually there were wholesale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ didn ’ t work for anybody , wherever they were in the party ” .
Perhaps he has in mind the Bassetlaw palaver involving Sally Gimson , an ex-Camden councillor understood to be working on his campaign .
LabourList has heard that the Camden representative once advocated ten-year term limits for MPs at a local meeting .
Does he still agree with that idea ?
He thinks about this for a moment before responding that he ’ s always talked about this in a broader sense , not just in politics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow fresh people to come through as much as possible ” .
He adds : “ I would want to see that in politics – I don ’ t have a defined limit or anything like that .
But I do know fresh ideas , fresh people coming through – that ’ s always a good thing.
” The MP for Holborn and St Pancras launched his campaign at the Mechanics Institute , the birthplace of the TUC , in Manchester on Saturday afternoon .
He was keen to emphasise that he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said Labour must be “ united as a party and a movement… factionalism has to go ” .
The Labour leadership hopeful also stressed the importance of the upcoming local elections .
The candidate was asked about antisemitism in the party .
“ If you ’ re antisemitic , ” he said , “ you should not be in the Labour Party .
This is not complicated .
If our members support another political party in an election , we throw them out .
And we should do the same for antisemitism.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only feel satisfied when people who left our party because of antisemitism feel comfortable enough to come back.
” He was also questioned about a member of his team , Ben Nunn , who once worked as a healthcare lobbyist according to the audience member .
The Holborn MP replied that he wouldn ’ t “ tolerate ” comments about his staff .
“ When they make mistakes , I carry the tab .
I never turn on my staff and you should never turn on your staff… That is how I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will lead our movement.
” As the deadline for nominations from MPs and MEPs approaches , Keir Starmer has gained more than the required nominations to get through the first phase of the process , with 68 Labour colleagues backing him .
He has also secured the support of UNISON , which goes a long way to getting him through the second part of the leadership election .
Keir Starmer is the certain frontrunner at this early stage – though another future is possible .

“Everybody knows I’m an Arsenal fan. Everybody knows I play football every week. Not everybody knows that I used to have violin lessons with Fatboy Slim when I was in first year of secondary school,” Keir Starmer tells me. We’re sitting in a conference room at the Mechanics Institute in Manchester, just after the launch of his leadership campaign.
“I was humming some tunes, which I’m sure I later heard him singing,” he jokes. ‘Jeremy Corbyn, I have to praise you like I should‘, perhaps? Welcoming the path that the outgoing leader took in turning Labour into a firmly anti-austerity party, he emphasised to me: “It’s very important that we don’t trash the last four years. We shouldn’t throw the baby out with the bath water.”
Unity was the order of the day. The key message from his launch was that he is the person to end the factional in-fighting in the party. His speech was carefully crafted to appeal to those both pro- and anti-Corbyn: “We are not going to trash the last Labour government. But nor are we going to trash the last four years. Jeremy Corbyn made us the party of anti-austerity and he was right to do so… We build on that, we don’t trash it as we go forward.”
Talking afterwards in the side room, we discuss his political reputation among members and that of his opponents. I suggest that many won’t see Keir as the left-wing candidate in the race. But he replies: “Anybody who wants to can look at my track record of the issues and campaigns I’ve been involved in during my life. The only thing that matters in this is whether we elect someone who is both a) capable of winning the next election, and b) capable of bringing about the fundamental change we need to if we’re to deal with inequality in this country. Badging people doesn’t help.”
I ask about his time as a young Labour activist. In particular, his days as co-editor of Socialist Alternative, a small-circulation magazine that has been described as Trotskyist. Perhaps people are not giving him credit for how left-wing he is? Keir explains that the publication took “very much a pluralist approach”. So young Keir wasn’t a Trotskyist? “No,” he laughs.
Moving onto a tricky question that some of the other leadership hopefuls have been tackling, I ask for his thoughts on Scottish independence. “We should put power much closer to people… I would like that to happen across all the regions of England and Wales. But I do believe in the union and I do not think we have made the Labour case for the union strongly enough.”
So, should Labour offer a second referendum? Does the party need to do so in order to win again in Scotland? “No. We should fight the 2021 elections in Scotland; we should make the case for the United Kingdom. Obviously, we will then have to see what the outcome of that election is. If after that there’s a mandate for a referendum, any government will have to consider it.” Basically, he is sticking to the policy that Labour had going into the general election last month.
What is his strategy to reach out to those who voted Leave, and who associate him with the second referendum policy as Labour’s Brexit spokesperson for the past few years? “Well, the reality is that we’re leaving the EU in the next few weeks, and therefore the divide between Leave and Remain goes. It is redundant by February 1st and we all have to accept that. Equally, the case for a second referendum was blown away by the general election. We need to focus intensely on the deal that Johnson is going to get for our country – or even no deal.”
We turn to discussing a future Labour manifesto. Would the rail, mail and water nationalisation still be there under his leadership? Avoiding the specifics of the question, he replies: “The case for nationalisation in most areas is powerfully made. We’re here in Manchester – you don’t have to spend long on the trains in Manchester to find out that most people would like there to be public ownership and a change. Same, actually, across much of the country. In my old world of criminal justice, privatisation has been a disaster: look at the probation service. But I’m very focused on the fact that the next manifesto is likely to be in four or five years time and we need to build towards that manifesto.”
On party democracy, I ask if he supports open selections, sometimes called ‘mandatory reselection’, which would require sitting MPs to seek approval as a candidate before each election. “I do think there has to be a process by which it’s possible to challenge sitting MPs and we need to find out what that process is and to work on it. So I’m not against the principle.” But he adds that he thinks the process the party went through shortly before the election – whereby executive bodies drew up shortlists, and eventually there were wholesale impositions of candidates by selection panels – “didn’t work for anybody, wherever they were in the party”. Perhaps he has in mind the Bassetlaw palaver involving Sally Gimson, an ex-Camden councillor understood to be working on his campaign.
LabourList has heard that Starmer once advocated ten-year term limits for MPs at a local meeting. Does he still agree with that idea? He thinks about this for a moment before responding that he’s always talked about this in a broader sense, not just in politics. And he emphasises a need to “allow fresh people to come through as much as possible”. He adds: “I would want to see that in politics – I don’t have a defined limit or anything like that. But I do know fresh ideas, fresh people coming through – that’s always a good thing.”
The MP for Holborn and St Pancras launched his campaign at the Mechanics Institute, the birthplace of the TUC, in Manchester on Saturday afternoon. He was keen to emphasise that he is the unity candidate in the contest. He said Labour must be “united as a party and a movement… factionalism has to go”. The Labour leadership hopeful also stressed the importance of the upcoming local elections.
The candidate was asked about antisemitism in the party. “If you’re antisemitic,” he said, “you should not be in the Labour Party. This is not complicated. If our members support another political party in an election, we throw them out. And we should do the same for antisemitism.” He added: “I will only feel satisfied when people who left our party because of antisemitism feel comfortable enough to come back.”
He was also questioned about a member of his team, Ben Nunn, who once worked as a healthcare lobbyist according to the audience member. The Holborn MP replied that he would not “tolerate” comments about his staff. “When they make mistakes, I carry the tab. I never turn on my staff and you should never turn on your staff… That is how I will lead our party and that is how I will lead our movement.”
As the deadline for nominations from MPs and MEPs approaches, Keir Starmer has gained more than the required nominations to get through the first phase of the process, with 68 Labour colleagues backing him. He has also secured the support of UNISON, which goes a long way to getting him through the second part of the leadership election. Keir Starmer is the certain frontrunner at this early stage – though another future is possible.