labourlist--2020-01-29--Rebecca Long-Bailey and Richard Burgon make ballot with FBU nominations

The Labour-affiliated Fire Brigades Union ( FBU ) has decided to nominate left-wing candidates Rebecca Long-Bailey and Richard Burgon for the leadership and deputy leadership posts .
The move means both leadership hopefuls have now made it to the final ballot paper , as the FBU nominations follow the formal endorsements of Unite the Union and the bakers ’ union BFAWU .
Each leadership candidate must gain the nominations of either 33 local parties or three affiliated organisations , including two unions , amounting to 5 % of Labour ’ s affiliated membership .
The FBU wrote to all contenders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each being asked for their views on the fire and rescue service , the Grenfell inquiry , repealing anti-trade union laws , ending the blockade of Gaza , and internal party democracy .
Announcing the decision , general secretary Matt Wrack said : “ Our executive council has resoundingly voted to endorse Rebecca Long-Bailey as the leader Labour needs to take on this viciously right-wing , anti-worker Tory government .
“ The fire and rescue service has been decimated by a decade of austerity , but restrictive anti-union laws have seriously impeded our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Labour leader that will rebuild our fire service and put empowering workers at the heart of their agenda .
“ I was locked in Labour ’ s longest-ever composite meeting with Rebecca – and her vision for a green industrial revolution was clear .
Climate change is an industrial issue for firefighters – and we ’ re proud to have worked with Rebecca to secure Labour ’ s 2030 target for net-zero carbon emissions .
“ There can be no going back to the so-called centrism of New Labour – we never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its back on workers , public ownership , and its own members .
“ We will be actively campaigning for Rebecca .
Only she has what it takes to transform the country , win back Labour ’ s heartlands , and put power back in the hands of working-class people.
” The FBU had been expected to back either Angela Rayner , who spoke at their annual conference , or Richard Burgon .
The union opted for Burgon partly on the basis that Rayner has already exceeded the threshold for this stage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back Burgon , Wrack added : “ After much discussion and deliberation , the FBU ’ s executive council has decided to nominate Richard Burgon to be the next deputy leader of the Labour Party .
“ Richard is a socialist and a longstanding ally of the FBU .
We recognise that he is not the only candidate on the ballot that fits these criteria ; Angela Rayner has also been a long-time ally and friend of our union .
“ We carefully considered the policy positions of each candidate and their alignment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as a range of factors including , crucially , which candidates have already qualified for the ballot of Labour members .
“ Labour members and supporters should have a choice from the widest possible range of candidates – and we ’ re glad that Richard will join Angela on the ballot .
”

The Labour-affiliated Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has decided to nominate left-wing candidates Rebecca Long-Bailey and Richard Burgon for the leadership and deputy leadership posts.
The move means both leadership hopefuls have now made it to the final ballot paper, as the FBU nominations follow the formal endorsements of Unite the Union and the bakers’ union BFAWU.
Each leadership candidate must gain the nominations of either 33 local parties or three affiliated organisations, including two unions, amounting to 5% of Labour’s affiliated membership.
The FBU wrote to all contenders before its executive council meeting, with each being asked for their views on the fire and rescue service, the Grenfell inquiry, repealing anti-trade union laws, ending the blockade of Gaza, and internal party democracy.
Announcing the decision, general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Our executive council has resoundingly voted to endorse Rebecca Long-Bailey as the leader Labour needs to take on this viciously right-wing, anti-worker Tory government.
“The fire and rescue service has been decimated by a decade of austerity, but restrictive anti-union laws have seriously impeded our ability to fight back. We need a Labour leader that will rebuild our fire service and put empowering workers at the heart of their agenda.
“I was locked in Labour’s longest-ever composite meeting with Rebecca – and her vision for a green industrial revolution was clear. Climate change is an industrial issue for firefighters – and we’re proud to have worked with Rebecca to secure Labour’s 2030 target for net-zero carbon emissions.
“There can be no going back to the so-called centrism of New Labour – we never again want to see our party turn its back on workers, public ownership, and its own members.
“We will be actively campaigning for Rebecca. Only she has what it takes to transform the country, win back Labour’s heartlands, and put power back in the hands of working-class people.”
The FBU had been expected to back either Angela Rayner, who spoke at their annual conference, or Richard Burgon. The union opted for Burgon partly on the basis that Rayner has already exceeded the threshold for this stage of the contest.
On the decision to back Burgon, Wrack added: “After much discussion and deliberation, the FBU’s executive council has decided to nominate Richard Burgon to be the next deputy leader of the Labour Party.
“Richard is a socialist and a longstanding ally of the FBU. We recognise that he is not the only candidate on the ballot that fits these criteria; Angela Rayner has also been a long-time ally and friend of our union.
“We carefully considered the policy positions of each candidate and their alignment with the FBU’s interests, as well as a range of factors including, crucially, which candidates have already qualified for the ballot of Labour members.
“Labour members and supporters should have a choice from the widest possible range of candidates – and we’re glad that Richard will join Angela on the ballot.”


labourlist--2020-01-29--Don’t despair – the left has come a long way since Labour’s 2015 leadership race

Every conversation in the Labour Party with someone you haven ’ t seen since December 12th begins with “ how are you doing ?
” .
This is met by a heavy sigh and a deflated : “ Yeah , I ’ m ok thanks .
Gutted about the result .
Got to keep going , I guess.
” The result of the election was devastating .
A project that provided hope for so many , and the promise of a different , fairer way of doing things , has been inspirational .
It was crushing to see it swept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a cynical campaign by the Tories , the fact that some of our own policies were perceived as irrelevant or unrealistic , and of course the media ’ s continued battering of Jeremy Corbyn .
Any politician would struggle in the face of that onslaught .
Five more years of Tory rule loom .
It is terrifying to think what they will do to the NHS , schools , housing , trade unions , and those unable to work .
Not to mention the impact of the inevitable excuses they will make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing their role in tackling the climate emergency .
But we must remember : all is not lost .
As we dust ourselves off , and begin to look to the future , the left of this country has every reason to hope .
Jeremy Corbyn ’ s leadership has undoubtedly changed the political debate .
It ’ s no longer credible to talk about the need for more austerity .
Theresa May tried to convince us that ‘ austerity is over ’ , and Boris Johnson ran a campaign promising to invest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer talk about ‘ scroungers ’ ; we no longer produce mugs boasting about controls on immigration .
‘ Nationalisation ’ is no longer a dirty word .
The 2017 manifesto , which won us over 40 % of the vote , must be the starting point of the policy platform for the next leader .
Corbyn ’ s leadership has also changed the party for the better , into one that is more democratic .
Of course there are always improvements to be made , and I look forward to the leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build on the changes already made .
But since Corbyn came in , members now have more of a say – not only on who is leader but who gets on the ballot paper , who their candidate for parliament is , and to express their dissatisfaction with that candidate in a meaningful way through the new and improved trigger ballot process .
Some MPs themselves , while they were unhappy with the changes to the trigger process , admitted their relationship with their members was closer than ever .
Labour Party conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the membership in policy-making .
Members fought hard to push their policy priorities .
There were compositing meetings , where the members in conjunction with the relevant shadow cabinet members agree on the wording of the motion to put to the floor of conference to be voted through .
To avoid a public argument , party leaderships will always want just one motion , their motion , to go to the floor .
But the membership had other ideas .
The composite motions on Brexit , the green new deal and the abolition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the leadership position versus another position , set out by members who wanted to shift our policy .
This is a nightmare for our political management : we tried to avoid public rows on all of the above issues by brokering agreements in back rooms , in the hope of getting a single motion .
But members stuck to their guns and insisted on their policy positions going to the floor to be voted on .
Their voices really counted in the formation of our policy .
This is something that should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it out , the atmosphere in the conference hall was electric .
The trade unions – the industrial might behind our party and its founders – are no longer treated as the ‘ embarrassing auntie in the attic ’ , wheeled out when we need a bit of cash .
Ed Miliband ’ s leadership was plagued by accusations of being in the pocket of the ‘ union bosses ’ .
Indeed , the Falkirk fiasco was partly due to his desperation to be seen to face down Len McCluskey .
Under Jeremy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the ‘ pockets of the unions ’ have disappeared .
A leader who was unashamed to be a trade unionist , and to work closely with trade unions , has strengthened the links between the party and the unions , and put workers ’ rights at the centre of the debate .
Instead of being seen as a cash cow , unions are now central to party democracy and policy development , where they are welcomed to the table .
Their expertise and contributions are essential to the project .
Corbyn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shadow ministry of employment rights – led by the formidable Laura Pidcock – which promised to create a ministry in government dedicated to the strengthening and protection of people in work .
The next leader must commit to this policy promise and build on this constructive relationship .
As we go forward into five more years of opposition , our great strength will be the newly established left .
Our activist base was unparalleled in the election .
Members were out in the freezing cold and rain , night after night , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and car to marginal seats miles from their homes to fight for a Labour government .
Those members aren ’ t going to disappear .
With the right leader , that base will only get stronger , more experienced , and more confident .
We also now have highly experienced professionals who have vast networks in politics , the media , and beyond .
New left MPs are being supported and guided by those who already understand the madness of parliament , so they can hit the ground running and make an impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paralysed by archaic and confusing institution .
There is a new and growing left media in Tribune , Novara and smaller but highly effective left-wing sites , who present a different narrative and challenge the mainstream media on a daily basis .
These pioneers must be celebrated and supported .
Westminster is no longer the centre of the debate .
The left has come a long way since the 2015 leadership election , and we must use our skills , experience and networks to go back out into the country and win back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only be done by organising in our communities , our workplaces , our unions and within the party , and ensuring the Tories are held to account over every tiny step they take .
By building on this activism and experience , we can put up a resistance to the attacks the Tories will bring in , and challenge the establishment from the grassroots up .
If we remember how far we ’ ve come , and use what we have built , we will grow into a much more powerful force to @ @ @

Every conversation in the Labour Party with someone you haven’t seen since December 12th begins with “how are you doing?”. This is met by a heavy sigh and a deflated: “Yeah, I’m ok thanks. Gutted about the result. Got to keep going, I guess.”
The result of the election was devastating. A project that provided hope for so many, and the promise of a different, fairer way of doing things, has been inspirational. It was crushing to see it swept away by a toxic mix of Brexit, a cynical campaign by the Tories, the fact that some of our own policies were perceived as irrelevant or unrealistic, and of course the media’s continued battering of Jeremy Corbyn. Any politician would struggle in the face of that onslaught.
Five more years of Tory rule loom. It is terrifying to think what they will do to the NHS, schools, housing, trade unions, and those unable to work. Not to mention the impact of the inevitable excuses they will make for big business so they can avoid playing their role in tackling the climate emergency. But we must remember: all is not lost. As we dust ourselves off, and begin to look to the future, the left of this country has every reason to hope.
Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership has undoubtedly changed the political debate. It’s no longer credible to talk about the need for more austerity. Theresa May tried to convince us that ‘austerity is over’, and Boris Johnson ran a campaign promising to invest more in public services. We no longer talk about ‘scroungers’; we no longer produce mugs boasting about controls on immigration. ‘Nationalisation’ is no longer a dirty word. The 2017 manifesto, which won us over 40% of the vote, must be the starting point of the policy platform for the next leader.
Corbyn’s leadership has also changed the party for the better, into one that is more democratic. Of course there are always improvements to be made, and I look forward to the leadership candidates setting out exactly how they will build on the changes already made. But since Corbyn came in, members now have more of a say – not only on who is leader but who gets on the ballot paper, who their candidate for parliament is, and to express their dissatisfaction with that candidate in a meaningful way through the new and improved trigger ballot process. Some MPs themselves, while they were unhappy with the changes to the trigger process, admitted their relationship with their members was closer than ever.
Labour Party conference in 2019 demonstrated this increasing power of the membership in policy-making. Members fought hard to push their policy priorities. There were compositing meetings, where the members in conjunction with the relevant shadow cabinet members agree on the wording of the motion to put to the floor of conference to be voted through. To avoid a public argument, party leaderships will always want just one motion, their motion, to go to the floor. But the membership had other ideas.
The composite motions on Brexit, the green new deal and the abolition private schools were split. It was the leadership position versus another position, set out by members who wanted to shift our policy. This is a nightmare for our political management: we tried to avoid public rows on all of the above issues by brokering agreements in back rooms, in the hope of getting a single motion. But members stuck to their guns and insisted on their policy positions going to the floor to be voted on. Their voices really counted in the formation of our policy. This is something that should be welcomed. As the competing motions battled it out, the atmosphere in the conference hall was electric.
The trade unions – the industrial might behind our party and its founders – are no longer treated as the ‘embarrassing auntie in the attic’, wheeled out when we need a bit of cash. Ed Miliband’s leadership was plagued by accusations of being in the pocket of the ‘union bosses’. Indeed, the Falkirk fiasco was partly due to his desperation to be seen to face down Len McCluskey.
Under Jeremy Corbyn, the attack lines on being in the ‘pockets of the unions’ have disappeared. A leader who was unashamed to be a trade unionist, and to work closely with trade unions, has strengthened the links between the party and the unions, and put workers’ rights at the centre of the debate. Instead of being seen as a cash cow, unions are now central to party democracy and policy development, where they are welcomed to the table. Their expertise and contributions are essential to the project. Corbyn’s leadership brought in the formation of the shadow ministry of employment rights – led by the formidable Laura Pidcock – which promised to create a ministry in government dedicated to the strengthening and protection of people in work. The next leader must commit to this policy promise and build on this constructive relationship.
As we go forward into five more years of opposition, our great strength will be the newly established left. Our activist base was unparalleled in the election. Members were out in the freezing cold and rain, night after night, and regularly travelled by coach, train and car to marginal seats miles from their homes to fight for a Labour government. Those members aren’t going to disappear. With the right leader, that base will only get stronger, more experienced, and more confident.
We also now have highly experienced professionals who have vast networks in politics, the media, and beyond. New left MPs are being supported and guided by those who already understand the madness of parliament, so they can hit the ground running and make an impact from the beginning, rather than be paralysed by archaic and confusing institution. There is a new and growing left media in Tribune, Novara and smaller but highly effective left-wing sites, who present a different narrative and challenge the mainstream media on a daily basis. These pioneers must be celebrated and supported.
Westminster is no longer the centre of the debate. The left has come a long way since the 2015 leadership election, and we must use our skills, experience and networks to go back out into the country and win back trust from Labour voters. This can only be done by organising in our communities, our workplaces, our unions and within the party, and ensuring the Tories are held to account over every tiny step they take. By building on this activism and experience, we can put up a resistance to the attacks the Tories will bring in, and challenge the establishment from the grassroots up. If we remember how far we’ve come, and use what we have built, we will grow into a much more powerful force to change society.


labourlist--2020-01-29--PMQs: Corbyn highlights UK failings on host of international issues

A lot has happened in the run-up to this session of Prime Minister ’ s Questions , which is the last that the UK will hold as a member of the EU .
But after the unveiling of a 181-page plan by the US President for the Middle East yesterday , you might be forgiven for having expected this week ’ s exchange to have been dominated by that issue .
Pursuing peace in Israel-Palestine has been a key focus of Jeremy Corbyn ’ s throughout his career .
But the Labour leader took a broader approach today , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the climate emergency , in light of the upcoming United Nations climate change conference , and UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia .
Should we be financing billions of pounds on oil and gas projects all around the world ?
Should we be happy that the UK is on track to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2099 ?
Citing flooding in the midlands and bush fires in Australia , Corbyn asked Boris Johnson whether we could afford to wait another 79 years to reach the vital target .
The Prime Minister replied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 49 % since the 1990s and that the economy has grown by 73 % under a Conservative government : “ That is our record .
We can do both , ” he declared .
This is indicative of the government ’ s whole approach – by focusing on CO2 only , the PM carefully sidesteps the whole host of areas in which the government is missing its targets .
The UK is failing on three of the five EU targets on pollutant emissions ; legally binding limits on water pollutants for 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect species ; the government ’ s own target to plant 5,000 trees last year ; and the EU target to recycle or reuse 50 % of household waste by 2020 .
What ’ s more , his claim on CO2 is based only on the UK ’ s ‘ territorial emissions ’ – if you calculate it as carbon consumption , including what the UK imports , it drops to a 10 % decrease since 1997 .
Moving on , the Labour leader slammed the US Israel-Palestine plan : “ President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not a peace plan.
” It would annex Palestinian territory , he explained , lock in Israeli colonisation and take away fundamental rights from Palestinians .
It was perhaps surprising that he did not prioritise this more heavily in his questions to the Prime Minister , given his interest in the issue .
But he stuck to the line that Labour has been pushing for years : “ There needs to be a two-state solution with international support.
” He challenged Johnson to tell the US that they are wrong , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The PM replied that “ no peace plan is perfect , but this has the merit of a two-state solution ” , before urging Corbyn to be more optimistic and “ for once ” engage with the talks .
The Islington MP retorted that he had greatest respect for those in the Palestinian authority and , to big laughs from the Tories , said that he ’ s “ met them many times ” .
The Labour leader turned finally to attack the government ’ s wider record in the international community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arabia and questioning what the UK is doing to ensure the countries it deals with have a good human rights record .
Johnson managed to deflect , avoiding a substantive answer and instead claiming that Corbyn is supportive of the Iranian regime , would scrap the armed forces and the nuclear deterrent , and abolish NATO .
Suffice to say , none of these pledges were contained in Labour ’ s 2019 manifesto – but we have come to expect wildly misleading statements from Boris Johnson , and can not assume that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other kind .

A lot has happened in the run-up to this session of Prime Minister’s Questions, which is the last that the UK will hold as a member of the EU. But after the unveiling of a 181-page plan by the US President for the Middle East yesterday, you might be forgiven for having expected this week’s exchange to have been dominated by that issue. Pursuing peace in Israel-Palestine has been a key focus of Jeremy Corbyn’s throughout his career. But the Labour leader took a broader approach today, also attacking the government’s record on the climate emergency, in light of the upcoming United Nations climate change conference, and UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia.
Should we be financing billions of pounds on oil and gas projects all around the world? Should we be happy that the UK is on track to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2099? Citing flooding in the midlands and bush fires in Australia, Corbyn asked Boris Johnson whether we could afford to wait another 79 years to reach the vital target. The Prime Minister replied that the government had reduced CO2 emissions by 49% since the 1990s and that the economy has grown by 73% under a Conservative government: “That is our record. We can do both,” he declared.
This is indicative of the government’s whole approach – by focusing on CO2 only, the PM carefully sidesteps the whole host of areas in which the government is missing its targets. The UK is failing on three of the five EU targets on pollutant emissions; legally binding limits on water pollutants for 2021; 2020 objectives set in 2010 to protect species; the government’s own target to plant 5,000 trees last year; and the EU target to recycle or reuse 50% of household waste by 2020. What’s more, his claim on CO2 is based only on the UK’s ‘territorial emissions’ – if you calculate it as carbon consumption, including what the UK imports, it drops to a 10% decrease since 1997.
Moving on, the Labour leader slammed the US Israel-Palestine plan: “President Trump’s latest Middle East peace plan is not a peace plan.” It would annex Palestinian territory, he explained, lock in Israeli colonisation and take away fundamental rights from Palestinians. It was perhaps surprising that he did not prioritise this more heavily in his questions to the Prime Minister, given his interest in the issue. But he stuck to the line that Labour has been pushing for years: “There needs to be a two-state solution with international support.” He challenged Johnson to tell the US that they are wrong, in the meeting to be held later today. The PM replied that “no peace plan is perfect, but this has the merit of a two-state solution”, before urging Corbyn to be more optimistic and “for once” engage with the talks. The Islington MP retorted that he had greatest respect for those in the Palestinian authority and, to big laughs from the Tories, said that he’s “met them many times”.
The Labour leader turned finally to attack the government’s wider record in the international community, highlighting UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia and questioning what the UK is doing to ensure the countries it deals with have a good human rights record. Johnson managed to deflect, avoiding a substantive answer and instead claiming that Corbyn is supportive of the Iranian regime, would scrap the armed forces and the nuclear deterrent, and abolish NATO. Suffice to say, none of these pledges were contained in Labour’s 2019 manifesto – but we have come to expect wildly misleading statements from Boris Johnson, and cannot assume that the next leader will receive treatment of any other kind.


labourlist--2020-01-30--Election defeat, Brexit and record membership levels – Alice Perry’s latest NEC report

The 2019 general election was a disaster .
The result was devastating on many levels .
Labour gained the lowest number of parliamentary sears since 1945 , losing many seats that had been Labour-held for generations .
Labour ’ s national executive committee ( NEC ) began with a conversation about why Labour lost and where we go from here .
In order to hold this debate , we need to be open and honest with ourselves and each other .
We need to resist the temptation to try to select facts that support our worldview , ignoring other facts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be hard to do this in a highly politicised climate and particularly during a leadership election .
Nevertheless , it was a good start to discussions .
A special NEC meeting will be scheduled to allowed more detailed conversions and will include the new Leadership team .
NEC member contributions included : questions and comments on strategy ; seat targeting ; resource allocation ; candidate selection ; messaging and communications ; policy ; the relationship between community organising and traditional doorstep canvassing ; Brexit ; leadership ; the role of the media ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters ; the future of the UK as a union ; the echo chamber of social media and more .
While there is likely to be some time before another general election , vital elections are taking place in a few months .
This includes important council elections , mayoral elections and police and crime commissioner elections .
There are also key votes in Scotland and Wales in 2021 that we need to prepare for .
It is vital that we do everything possible to support these important elections .
We can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distract or detract from this work .
Richard Corbett , leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party , gave his final report to the NEC .
The committee warmly thanked Richard for his service and praised the work of all Labour ’ s MEPs and their hardworking staff .
Sadly , the contributions of MEPs are often unseen .
Jeremy Corbyn thanked them for their work standing up for workers ’ rights , human rights , consumer and environmental protections and other important issues .
Labour will retain its membership of the Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to build and maintain close relationships with our European neighbours .
Labour now has over 580,000 members .
This is the highest membership figure Labour has ever recorded – accurate records are only realistically available from the last 40-50 years .
The new members bring an extra £5m a year , providing welcome funds as we work to rebuild and prepare to meet future challenges .
Engaging and retaining members is a key priority .
Much of the Democracy Review work has been paused during the general election and leadership race .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt want to been involved in future discussions and may have their own plans for changes to party structures and functions .
One of the most significant areas to be discussed is the future of Labour ’ s national policy forum ( NPF ) and the policy-making process .
NPF elections for this year have been postponed until next year .
Policy commission topics will be discussed and confirmed at a future date .
The new leader and deputy leader are likely to have views about future priorities and it makes sense to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is concluded .
This year ’ s women ’ s conference will take place in Liverpool on Saturday , September 19th , with Labour Party conference beginning on September 20th .
In 2021 and 2022 , women ’ s conference will take place in the spring .
We agreed measures to make the NEC more accountable and transparent .
This includes publishing agendas and minutes of meetings .
The general secretary also offered to help circulate members ’ NEC reports .

Reflecting on the general election defeat
The 2019 general election was a disaster. The result was devastating on many levels. Labour gained the lowest number of parliamentary sears since 1945, losing many seats that had been Labour-held for generations.
Labour’s national executive committee (NEC) began with a conversation about why Labour lost and where we go from here. In order to hold this debate, we need to be open and honest with ourselves and each other. We need to resist the temptation to try to select facts that support our worldview, ignoring other facts that inconveniently do not. It can be hard to do this in a highly politicised climate and particularly during a leadership election. Nevertheless, it was a good start to discussions. A special NEC meeting will be scheduled to allowed more detailed conversions and will include the new Leadership team.
NEC member contributions included: questions and comments on strategy; seat targeting; resource allocation; candidate selection; messaging and communications; policy; the relationship between community organising and traditional doorstep canvassing; Brexit; leadership; the role of the media; demographic of members compared to demographic of voters; the future of the UK as a union; the echo chamber of social media and more.
Elections in May
While there is likely to be some time before another general election, vital elections are taking place in a few months. This includes important council elections, mayoral elections and police and crime commissioner elections. There are also key votes in Scotland and Wales in 2021 that we need to prepare for. It is vital that we do everything possible to support these important elections. We can’t afford to let the leadership contest distract or detract from this work.
Leaving the EU
Richard Corbett, leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party, gave his final report to the NEC. The committee warmly thanked Richard for his service and praised the work of all Labour’s MEPs and their hardworking staff. Sadly, the contributions of MEPs are often unseen. Jeremy Corbyn thanked them for their work standing up for workers’ rights, human rights, consumer and environmental protections and other important issues.
Labour will retain its membership of the Party of European Socialists, and will continue to build and maintain close relationships with our European neighbours.
Membership
Labour now has over 580,000 members. This is the highest membership figure Labour has ever recorded – accurate records are only realistically available from the last 40-50 years. The new members bring an extra £5m a year, providing welcome funds as we work to rebuild and prepare to meet future challenges. Engaging and retaining members is a key priority.
Democracy Review
Much of the Democracy Review work has been paused during the general election and leadership race. The new leader and deputy leader will no doubt want to been involved in future discussions and may have their own plans for changes to party structures and functions.
One of the most significant areas to be discussed is the future of Labour’s national policy forum (NPF) and the policy-making process. NPF elections for this year have been postponed until next year. Policy commission topics will be discussed and confirmed at a future date. The new leader and deputy leader are likely to have views about future priorities and it makes sense to pick up discussions after the leadership election is concluded.
Women’s conference
This year’s women’s conference will take place in Liverpool on Saturday, September 19th, with Labour Party conference beginning on September 20th. In 2021 and 2022, women’s conference will take place in the spring.
Making the NEC more accountable
We agreed measures to make the NEC more accountable and transparent. This includes publishing agendas and minutes of meetings. The general secretary also offered to help circulate members’ NEC reports.


labourlist--2020-01-30--WATCH: Starmer on his family, the last election and the leadership race

Keir Starmer has discussed his family , last month ’ s general election and his candidacy in the ongoing Labour leadership contest .
In an interview on Wednesday , the candidate talked about his past career and told ITV that becoming Prime Minister was “ never in my plan ” .
Asked about his vision for the party as a potential leader , he said : “ I ’ m repeatedly saying that the shift we have made in the last five years is the right shift , that the 2017 is the foundation document but we need to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Holborn and St Pancras also discussed how his mum was “ very ill all of her life ” with Still ’ s disease : “ For the last ten years or so of her life , she couldn ’ t walk , she couldn ’ t really talk , eat or really move.
” When asked how the experience had shaped his politics , Starmer explained that it inspired him to be “ very determined ” .
Speaking about calls for the next leader to be a woman , he said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the candidates are standing because they ’ re a man or because they ’ re a woman .
Each of us is making the case for what we genuinely think is right… and the members will then decide.
” Asked whether he can be a voice for northern people as a London MP , he stated : “ I don ’ t really think that it ’ s where you ’ re from… The leader of the opposition has got to be able to speak for the whole of England , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland and Northern Ireland.
” On his role in forming Labour ’ s Brexit policy at the last election : “ The policy was designed and rolled out by the shadow cabinet , by our conference as a whole… It wasn ’ t the only thing that came up on the doorstep by a long shot.
” He added : “ It is a big mistake for our party to suggest that there is just one thing – that if it hadn ’ t been for that , this would have been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also talked about his role in the cabinet after the UK leaves the EU .
He said he keeps “ asking Steve Barclay what he ’ s doing after Friday ” and added that the position he takes “ largely depends where Steve Barclay goes ” .
The Camden MP has received nominations from 62 constituency Labour parties , as well as from UNISON , Usdaw , SERA , LME and Community and has consequently secured a place on the final ballot .
Each Labour candidate needs either the backing of 5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the support of three affiliates , two of which must be trade unions , that amount to more than 5 % of affiliate membership .
Fellow leadership candidates Lisa Nandy and Rebecca Long-Bailey have similarly achieved a place in the final vote through the affiliate route .
Emily Thornberry , also standing to be leader , needs a further 28 local parties to back her before February 14th if she wants to reach the final phase of the contest .

Keir Starmer has discussed his family, last month’s general election and his candidacy in the ongoing Labour leadership contest.
In an interview on Wednesday, the candidate talked about his past career and told ITV that becoming Prime Minister was “never in my plan”.
Asked about his vision for the party as a potential leader, he said: “I’m repeatedly saying that the shift we have made in the last five years is the right shift, that the 2017 is the foundation document but we need to build on that for 2024.”
The MP for Holborn and St Pancras also discussed how his mum was “very ill all of her life” with Still’s disease: “For the last ten years or so of her life, she couldn’t walk, she couldn’t really talk, eat or really move.”
When asked how the experience had shaped his politics, Starmer explained that it inspired him to be “very determined”.
Speaking about calls for the next leader to be a woman, he said: “I don’t think any of the candidates are standing because they’re a man or because they’re a woman. Each of us is making the case for what we genuinely think is right… and the members will then decide.”
Asked whether he can be a voice for northern people as a London MP, he stated: “I don’t really think that it’s where you’re from… The leader of the opposition has got to be able to speak for the whole of England, the whole of Wales, the whole of Scotland and Northern Ireland.”
On his role in forming Labour’s Brexit policy at the last election: “The policy was designed and rolled out by the shadow cabinet, by our conference as a whole… It wasn’t the only thing that came up on the doorstep by a long shot.”
He added: “It is a big mistake for our party to suggest that there is just one thing – that if it hadn’t been for that, this would have been a very, very successful election.”
He also talked about his role in the cabinet after the UK leaves the EU. He said he keeps “asking Steve Barclay what he’s doing after Friday” and added that the position he takes “largely depends where Steve Barclay goes”.
The Camden MP has received nominations from 62 constituency Labour parties, as well as from UNISON, Usdaw, SERA, LME and Community and has consequently secured a place on the final ballot.
Each Labour candidate needs either the backing of 5% of local parties – 33 – or the support of three affiliates, two of which must be trade unions, that amount to more than 5% of affiliate membership.
Fellow leadership candidates Lisa Nandy and Rebecca Long-Bailey have similarly achieved a place in the final vote through the affiliate route.
Emily Thornberry, also standing to be leader, needs a further 28 local parties to back her before February 14th if she wants to reach the final phase of the contest.


labourlist--2020-01-30--What happened to the Long-Bailey/Rayner joint ticket?

Rebecca Long-Bailey and Richard Burgon have become the latest candidates to secure places on the final ballot paper .
After writing to each leadership and deputy leadership hopeful for their views on the fire and rescue service , the Grenfell inquiry , anti-trade union laws , the blockade of the Gaza strip and issues of internal party democracy , the executive council of the Labour-affiliated Fire Brigades Union cast their nominations .
Their endorsement of Long-Bailey was entirely expected .
The FBU has been a firmly Corbynite union , and it moved the motion for a ‘ Socialist Green New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy that included a decarbonisation deadline , as advocated by Labour for a Green New Deal .
General secretary Matt Wrack wrote for LabourList at the time about why his union wanted an ambitious net-zero target , with firefighters being at the frontline of the climate crisis .
Unlike the GMB , which was sceptical about claims that a ‘ just transition ’ would ensure energy workers were not left behind , the FBU celebrated the 2030 aim .
The GND debate has heavily influenced union nominations in this leadership race .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not entirely predictable , however , and it was a close vote .
They have a good relationship with frontrunner Angela Rayner , who spoke at their annual conference in Blackpool last year .
This was acknowledged by Wrack yesterday , who described her as “ a long-time ally and friend of our union ” .
But Burgon ’ s stance on policy issues such as Palestinian rights and open selections helped swing it in his favour , as did the fact that Rayner has already far exceeded the threshold for entering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The BFAWU , Unite and the FBU have now all supported the Long-Bailey/Burgon pairing rather than the Long-Bailey/Rayner ‘ joint ticket ’ .
In terms of national organisations , the latter is only officially being pushed by Momentum – and its poll of members saw the Rayner recommendation approved by just 52 % of respondents .
This has been reflected in the actions of some local Momentum branches , with a number openly backing Burgon , and activists who have phonebanked for Burgon using Momentum resources .
It is interesting to note @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local party nominations also went to Keir Starmer , whereas just 14 overlap with Long-Bailey .
100 % of Burgon ’ s nominations also opted for Long-Bailey .
The theory behind the original ticket was that Long-Bailey would give Rayner left credentials , while Rayner would give Long-Bailey breadth of support .
It would be a show of unity between the Corbynite left and soft left .
But the initial arrangement is being increasingly ignored , particularly as Starmer appears to have successfully pitched himself as the unity candidate with a record of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ task for Long-Bailey is proving that her rivals are less left-wing than people realise , which explains the public ownership challenge issued last night .
But can policy differences outweigh perceptions of electability , when the devastating 2019 election defeat is so fresh in the minds of Labour members ?

Rebecca Long-Bailey and Richard Burgon have become the latest candidates to secure places on the final ballot paper. After writing to each leadership and deputy leadership hopeful for their views on the fire and rescue service, the Grenfell inquiry, anti-trade union laws, the blockade of the Gaza strip and issues of internal party democracy, the executive council of the Labour-affiliated Fire Brigades Union cast their nominations.
Their endorsement of Long-Bailey was entirely expected. The FBU has been a firmly Corbynite union, and it moved the motion for a ‘Socialist Green New Deal’ at party conference – the policy that included a decarbonisation deadline, as advocated by Labour for a Green New Deal. General secretary Matt Wrack wrote for LabourList at the time about why his union wanted an ambitious net-zero target, with firefighters being at the frontline of the climate crisis. Unlike the GMB, which was sceptical about claims that a ‘just transition’ would ensure energy workers were not left behind, the FBU celebrated the 2030 aim. The GND debate has heavily influenced union nominations in this leadership race.
The FBU’s decision to back Burgon was not entirely predictable, however, and it was a close vote. They have a good relationship with frontrunner Angela Rayner, who spoke at their annual conference in Blackpool last year. This was acknowledged by Wrack yesterday, who described her as “a long-time ally and friend of our union”. But Burgon’s stance on policy issues such as Palestinian rights and open selections helped swing it in his favour, as did the fact that Rayner has already far exceeded the threshold for entering the final stage of the deputy contest.
The BFAWU, Unite and the FBU have now all supported the Long-Bailey/Burgon pairing rather than the Long-Bailey/Rayner ‘joint ticket’. In terms of national organisations, the latter is only officially being pushed by Momentum – and its poll of members saw the Rayner recommendation approved by just 52% of respondents. This has been reflected in the actions of some local Momentum branches, with a number openly backing Burgon, and activists who have phonebanked for Burgon using Momentum resources. It is interesting to note that 44 of Rayner’s 70 local party nominations also went to Keir Starmer, whereas just 14 overlap with Long-Bailey. 100% of Burgon’s nominations also opted for Long-Bailey.
The theory behind the original ticket was that Long-Bailey would give Rayner left credentials, while Rayner would give Long-Bailey breadth of support. It would be a show of unity between the Corbynite left and soft left. But the initial arrangement is being increasingly ignored, particularly as Starmer appears to have successfully pitched himself as the unity candidate with a record of backing left-wing causes. Part of the task for Long-Bailey is proving that her rivals are less left-wing than people realise, which explains the public ownership challenge issued last night. But can policy differences outweigh perceptions of electability, when the devastating 2019 election defeat is so fresh in the minds of Labour members?
Sienna @siennamarla


labourlist--2020-01-30--“Britain is now at a crossroads,” says Corbyn ahead of Brexit Day

Jeremy Corbyn has said that Britain is “ now at a crossroads ” as it decides the direction it will take following its exit from the European Union .
The outgoing Labour leader commented ahead of the UK officially leaving the European bloc on January 31st at 11pm after three extensions to Article 50 since it was triggered in March 2017 .
Commenting on the future trajectory of the country , Corbyn called for a “ truly internationalist , diverse and outward-looking Britain ” and the protection of jobs , rights and standards .
The opposition leader said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the referendum of 2016 .
But many of the most important choices about Britain ’ s future relationship with Europe and the wider world have yet to be made .
“ Britain is now at a crossroads .
As we leave the EU , we have an opportunity to shape our future role within the international community for decades to come .
Britain ’ s place in the world will change .
The question is what direction we now take.
” Corbyn went on to warn against a “ hastily arranged ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US that would facilitate a “ race-to-the-bottom ” .
During the general election , the Labour leader obtained documents that he said showed that the US was demanding that the NHS be on the table in future trade talks .
He has also wrote to the Prime Minister and said that such a trade deal could lead to an increase in the cost of pharmaceuticals to the NHS .
Corbyn added : “ We will always want to ensure a close , strong and cooperative relationship with the EU .
And we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have made their homes in the UK are guaranteed permanent residency rights , as well as British nationals in EU states , and thank them for the contribution they make to our society.
” From February 1st , as the transition period first proposed by Labour begins , the UK government and the EU will be able to start negotiating an agreement as to how the UK will work and trade with the bloc .
On Labour ’ s role in the process , Corbyn said : “ We will hold the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : to ensure jobs and living standards , rights at work , and consumer and environmental standards are protected as part of whatever is negotiated with the EU , the US or any other country.
” “ We are determined to defend the gains we have made with others on these issues in the EU .
And we will resist a toxic Trump deal that puts our NHS , food standards and jobs at risk .
After a snap general election in which the Conservatives secured a majority of 80 , parliament passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the conditions under which Brexit would take place .
The legislation covers a range of issues including travel , healthcare , citizens ’ rights and agriculture .
It also specifies that the UK will leave the customs union and have the authority to make its own trade deals with other countries .
Concluding his statements ahead of ‘ Brexit Day ’ , Corbyn said : “ That choice of which path we take for a post-Brexit Britain now lies before us .
“ As we leave the European Union , whatever side we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now need to bring the country together to shape our common future , work to rebuild and strengthen our communities , and eliminate poverty and injustice in our society .
”

Jeremy Corbyn has said that Britain is “now at a crossroads” as it decides the direction it will take following its exit from the European Union.
The outgoing Labour leader commented ahead of the UK officially leaving the European bloc on January 31st at 11pm after three extensions to Article 50 since it was triggered in March 2017.
Commenting on the future trajectory of the country, Corbyn called for a “truly internationalist, diverse and outward-looking Britain” and the protection of jobs, rights and standards.
The opposition leader said: “Leaving the EU carries out the decision of the referendum of 2016. But many of the most important choices about Britain’s future relationship with Europe and the wider world have yet to be made.
“Britain is now at a crossroads. As we leave the EU, we have an opportunity to shape our future role within the international community for decades to come. Britain’s place in the world will change. The question is what direction we now take.”
Corbyn went on to warn against a “hastily arranged” and “one-sided” trade deal with the US that would facilitate a “race-to-the-bottom”.
During the general election, the Labour leader obtained documents that he said showed that the US was demanding that the NHS be on the table in future trade talks.
He has also wrote to the Prime Minister and said that such a trade deal could lead to an increase in the cost of pharmaceuticals to the NHS.
Corbyn added: “We will always want to ensure a close, strong and cooperative relationship with the EU. And we need to ensure that EU nationals who have made their homes in the UK are guaranteed permanent residency rights, as well as British nationals in EU states, and thank them for the contribution they make to our society.”
From February 1st, as the transition period first proposed by Labour begins, the UK government and the EU will be able to start negotiating an agreement as to how the UK will work and trade with the bloc.
On Labour’s role in the process, Corbyn said: “We will hold the government to account every step of the way: to ensure jobs and living standards, rights at work, and consumer and environmental standards are protected as part of whatever is negotiated with the EU, the US or any other country.”
“We are determined to defend the gains we have made with others on these issues in the EU. And we will resist a toxic Trump deal that puts our NHS, food standards and jobs at risk.
After a snap general election in which the Conservatives secured a majority of 80, parliament passed the withdrawal agreement bill that set out the conditions under which Brexit would take place.
The legislation covers a range of issues including travel, healthcare, citizens’ rights and agriculture. It also specifies that the UK will leave the customs union and have the authority to make its own trade deals with other countries.
Concluding his statements ahead of ‘Brexit Day’, Corbyn said: “That choice of which path we take for a post-Brexit Britain now lies before us.
“As we leave the European Union, whatever side we took in the Brexit debate, we now need to bring the country together to shape our common future, work to rebuild and strengthen our communities, and eliminate poverty and injustice in our society.”


labourlist--2020-01-30--Which Labour leadership candidates have unions and affiliates backed?

Labour ’ s leadership and deputy leadership candidates are currently competing to secure nominations from party-affiliated trade unions and organisations , as well as local parties .
To secure a place on the ballot , each hopeful needs nominations from either 5 % of local parties – a total of 33 – or three affiliates , including two trade unions , comprising 5 % of Labour ’ s affiliate membership .
Affiliates have different ways of establishing which candidate they are supporting .
TSSA is balloting its members on recommendations , CWU held a special conference , others are having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 2015 and 2016 leadership races , many affiliated societies chose not to back any candidate .
Many could again choose not to endorse , but affiliate nominations now hold weight in the process for the first time .
The deadline for both affiliates and local parties to submit their nominations is February 14th .
The final ballot opens to members , registered supporters and affiliate members signed up to vote on the 21st .
Below is a table showing the endorsements of Labour ’ s 12 affiliated unions .
Last updated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
ASLEF and MU have not yet nominated .
Below is a table showing the endorsements of Labour ’ s 20 affiliated societies .
Last updated : 7pm , Wednesday , January 29th .
Only Chinese for Labour , Labour Movement for Europe and SERA have nominated .

Labour’s leadership and deputy leadership candidates are currently competing to secure nominations from party-affiliated trade unions and organisations, as well as local parties.
To secure a place on the ballot, each hopeful needs nominations from either 5% of local parties – a total of 33 – or three affiliates, including two trade unions, comprising 5% of Labour’s affiliate membership.
Affiliates have different ways of establishing which candidate they are supporting. TSSA is balloting its members on recommendations, CWU held a special conference, others are having their executive councils decide.
In Labour’s 2015 and 2016 leadership races, many affiliated societies chose not to back any candidate. Many could again choose not to endorse, but affiliate nominations now hold weight in the process for the first time.
The deadline for both affiliates and local parties to submit their nominations is February 14th. The final ballot opens to members, registered supporters and affiliate members signed up to vote on the 21st.
Below is a table showing the endorsements of Labour’s 12 affiliated unions.
Last updated: 12.30pm, Friday, February 14th.
Affiliated trade union 2020 leader nomination 2020 deputy nomination 2016 leader nomination 2015 leader nomination ASLEF Rebecca Long-Bailey Angela Rayner Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn BFAWU Rebecca Long-Bailey Richard Burgon Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn Community Keir Starmer Angela Rayner Owen Smith Yvette Cooper CWU Rebecca Long-Bailey Angela Rayner Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn FBU Rebecca Long-Bailey Richard Burgon Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn GMB Lisa Nandy Angela Rayner Owen Smith None Musicians Union Keir Starmer Rosena Allin-Khan Owen Smith Andy Burnham NUM Lisa Nandy Angela Rayner None Yvette Cooper TSSA Keir Starmer Angela Rayner Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn UNISON Keir Starmer Angela Rayner Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn Unite Rebecca Long-Bailey Richard Burgon Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn Usdaw Keir Starmer Angela Rayner Owen Smith Andy Burnham
Below is a table showing the endorsements of Labour’s 20 affiliated societies.
Last updated: 3pm, Friday, February 14th.


labourlist--2020-01-30--Starmer backs full voting rights for EU nationals living in UK

Labour leadership candidate Keir Starmer has revealed his support for the policy of awarding full voting rights – including in general elections – to EU nationals living in the UK .
In a comment piece for The Guardian published on Thursday evening , the Shadow Brexit Secretary wrote : “ The government should give all 3 million EU nationals living in the UK full voting rights in future elections.
” Making the case for offering EU citizens increased security , Starmer declared : “ We were never just “ tolerating ” EU citizens living in this country – they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To see their status in doubt devastates our sense not just of justice but also of fellowship.
” The fresh policy announcement , which was also included in Labour ’ s 2019 manifesto , comes ahead of a speech on Brexit set to be delivered by Starmer on Friday morning – shortly before the UK leaves the EU at 11pm .
At Labour conference in September , delegates approved a policy motion advocating the extension of free movement , the closure of all detention centres and the awarding of equal voting rights to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , full voting rights are currently limited to citizens of the UK , Ireland and Commonwealth countries .
EU citizens living in the UK can vote in local and European elections , but not general elections .
The motion instructed the next Labour government to change the situation , and Labour ’ s manifesto at the 2019 general election accordingly included a vow to give “ full voting rights to all UK residents ” – not only EU nationals in the UK .
Nondiscriminatory national voting rights are rare , with New Zealand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it will be a matter of national jurisdiction and subject to bilateral agreements with individual countries .
The UK government has confirmed that EU nationals in the UK will be able to vote in the 2020 local elections as they will not be removed from the register before May .
As previously made clear during his leadership campaign , Starmer reiterated in the article that the “ Leave-Remain divide must end ” , adding : “ Defining people by how they voted in June 2016 merely upholds a divide that we must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Remainers any more .
In 2024 there will be no Leave or Remain constituencies , ” the Labour leadership hopeful concluded .

Labour leadership candidate Keir Starmer has revealed his support for the policy of awarding full voting rights – including in general elections – to EU nationals living in the UK.
In a comment piece for The Guardian published on Thursday evening, the Shadow Brexit Secretary wrote: “The government should give all 3 million EU nationals living in the UK full voting rights in future elections.”
Making the case for offering EU citizens increased security, Starmer declared: “We were never just “tolerating” EU citizens living in this country – they are our neighbours, friends and families. To see their status in doubt devastates our sense not just of justice but also of fellowship.”
The fresh policy announcement, which was also included in Labour’s 2019 manifesto, comes ahead of a speech on Brexit set to be delivered by Starmer on Friday morning – shortly before the UK leaves the EU at 11pm.
At Labour conference in September, delegates approved a policy motion advocating the extension of free movement, the closure of all detention centres and the awarding of equal voting rights to all UK residents.
In the UK, full voting rights are currently limited to citizens of the UK, Ireland and Commonwealth countries. EU citizens living in the UK can vote in local and European elections, but not general elections.
The motion instructed the next Labour government to change the situation, and Labour’s manifesto at the 2019 general election accordingly included a vow to give “full voting rights to all UK residents” – not only EU nationals in the UK.
Nondiscriminatory national voting rights are rare, with New Zealand being a notable exception. After Brexit, it will be a matter of national jurisdiction and subject to bilateral agreements with individual countries.
The UK government has confirmed that EU nationals in the UK will be able to vote in the 2020 local elections as they will not be removed from the register before May.
As previously made clear during his leadership campaign, Starmer reiterated in the article that the “Leave-Remain divide must end”, adding: “Defining people by how they voted in June 2016 merely upholds a divide that we must overcome.
“There are no Leavers or Remainers any more. In 2024 there will be no Leave or Remain constituencies,” the Labour leadership hopeful concluded.


labourlist--2020-01-30--CWU calls for “more dynamic” race as union nominates Long-Bailey and Rayner

The Communication Workers ’ Union has called for “ more dynamic ” leadership campaigns while nominating Rebecca Long-Bailey and Angela Rayner for the leader and deputy leader roles .
The left-wing affiliated trade union made the choice to back the pair in a vote taken by 500 delegates at a special conference held in Bristol today .
Commenting on the endorsement , CWU general secretary Dave Ward said : “ I am proud of the democratic process our union has conducted and it is clear to me that Rebecca Long-Bailey is the outstanding candidate for leader .
“ It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Angela Rayner make her the best candidate for deputy leader .
“ What is also true is the contest so far has not caught the imagination of Labour members or the wider public .
We call on all candidates to deliver more dynamic and innovative campaigns in the coming weeks and months.
” Both Long-Bailey and Rayner have already secured their places on the final ballot , having gathered nominations from large trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party .
Responding to her latest endorsement , Long-Bailey said : “ I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the leading workplace trade unions in the UK , which has been solidly behind the Labour Party ’ s transformative agenda .
“ As leader of the Labour Party , I will stand shoulder to shoulder with trade unions in disputes , and full solidarity to the CWU in their current dispute with Royal Mail.
” Long-Bailey yesterday secured her place on the ballot when she received the support of the FBU , which added to the nominations she had won from Unite the Union and BFAWU .
The Salford and Eccles MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour parties , placing her second behind Keir Starmer who is on 62 .
Rayner commented : “ I ’ m delighted to have been backed by the CWU today .
I ’ ve always been proud to stand alongside them , most recently as they fought to guarantee job security and improve workers ’ rights , with the largest yes vote for national industrial action since the Trade Union Act was passed in 2016 .
“ It ’ s exactly that sort of grassroots organisation and strength that workers across Britain should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop this Tory government ’ s plans to roll back employment rights , and it is exactly why CWU members know they need a Labour government so badly.
” In Labour ’ s deputy leadership contest , Rayner is out in front on local party nominations with a total of 70 .
She has also won the most affiliate nominations , with UNISON , NUM , Usdaw , GMB and Community .
Each leadership candidate must gain the nominations of either 33 local parties or three affiliated organisations , including two unions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s affiliated membership .

The Communication Workers’ Union has called for “more dynamic” leadership campaigns while nominating Rebecca Long-Bailey and Angela Rayner for the leader and deputy leader roles.
The left-wing affiliated trade union made the choice to back the pair in a vote taken by 500 delegates at a special conference held in Bristol today.
Commenting on the endorsement, CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: “I am proud of the democratic process our union has conducted and it is clear to me that Rebecca Long-Bailey is the outstanding candidate for leader.
“It is also clear that the ability and experience of Angela Rayner make her the best candidate for deputy leader.
“What is also true is the contest so far has not caught the imagination of Labour members or the wider public. We call on all candidates to deliver more dynamic and innovative campaigns in the coming weeks and months.”
Both Long-Bailey and Rayner have already secured their places on the final ballot, having gathered nominations from large trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party.
Responding to her latest endorsement, Long-Bailey said: “I am honoured to be endorsed by one of the leading workplace trade unions in the UK, which has been solidly behind the Labour Party’s transformative agenda.
“As leader of the Labour Party, I will stand shoulder to shoulder with trade unions in disputes, and full solidarity to the CWU in their current dispute with Royal Mail.”
Long-Bailey yesterday secured her place on the ballot when she received the support of the FBU, which added to the nominations she had won from Unite the Union and BFAWU.
The Salford and Eccles MP also has the backing of 28 constituency Labour parties, placing her second behind Keir Starmer who is on 62.
Rayner commented: “I’m delighted to have been backed by the CWU today. I’ve always been proud to stand alongside them, most recently as they fought to guarantee job security and improve workers’ rights, with the largest yes vote for national industrial action since the Trade Union Act was passed in 2016.
“It’s exactly that sort of grassroots organisation and strength that workers across Britain should look to for inspiration in the battle to stop this Tory government’s plans to roll back employment rights, and it is exactly why CWU members know they need a Labour government so badly.”
In Labour’s deputy leadership contest, Rayner is out in front on local party nominations with a total of 70. She has also won the most affiliate nominations, with UNISON, NUM, Usdaw, GMB and Community.
Each leadership candidate must gain the nominations of either 33 local parties or three affiliated organisations, including two unions, amounting to 5% of Labour’s affiliated membership.


labourlist--2020-01-30--Margaret Curran: Why members should put Ian Murray on the ballot paper

In 2015 , long before we ’ d ever heard of the “ red wall ” , Labour was wiped out in Scotland .
Losing my seat in Glasgow East and then watching my colleagues and their staff lose their jobs was heart-breaking .
For a few weeks before , we knew what was coming .
Perhaps we didn ’ t know the extent , but I couldn ’ t see how I would be returning to Westminster .
As Shadow Scottish Secretary at the time , I remember having a frank conversation with Ed Miliband six days before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his final stop in Scotland on the campaign trail and we had dinner after a rally in Tollcross .
It still looked possible that Labour could form a government , but even if we did , I wouldn ’ t be part of it .
I told him there was only one person he should consider putting into the cabinet as Secretary of State for Scotland – Ian Murray .
Ian and I had arrived at Westminster together in 2010 .
While this was Ian ’ s first step into national politics , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Scottish Parliament and time in the Scottish cabinet .
It was clear from the outset that he would be one of the stars of the 2010 intake .
That ’ s why when he put himself forward a few weeks ago to be deputy leader , I didn ’ t think twice about supporting him .
It ’ s not just that Ian has the qualities that the deputy leader of the Labour Party needs .
It ’ s also because he ’ s bringing the voice and experience of the Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the election in December , it felt like the UK Party immediately started discussing how to regain constituencies in the North of England .
But we still haven ’ t resolved the question of how we regain the seats we lost in Scotland in 2015 .
In both Scotland and across the country , the Labour Party needs to get to grips with the effects that populism and nationalism has had on our politics , and work out how to respond to that .
Ian is already ahead of the game , having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out all of his Scottish Labour colleagues .
Since Ian joined the debate , every leadership and deputy leadership candidate has had to face questions on Scotland – what went wrong , how we reform and how we can win again .
If Ian hadn ’ t been in the race , there is no way these discussions would have been happening .
And they need to happen .
Labour can ’ t win a majority at the next election without Scottish seats .
That ’ s a fact .
At the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish Labour MP , Labour will need to win 124 seats just to have a majority of one .
That would mean Jacob Rees-Mogg ’ s seat in North East Somerset turning to Labour .
There isn ’ t a more crucial time to have a Scottish voice in the leadership debate and a Scot playing a leading role at the top of the UK Labour Party .
That ’ s why Ian must get the support from local parties to stay in this race until the very end .
For those in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but for those of you in England and Wales : think about the message it would send if our only Scottish MP fell out of the race before the end .
Consider what the SNP will say if most Scottish CLPs back him but he drops out because more well-known names in England pull through .
Let ’ s not give them that opportunity .
Let ’ s show them that we really mean it when we say that the Labour Party must represent all parts of our UK .
The whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show that it understands we need to win Scotland back if we ’ re to regain power .
And the way to do that is to put a Scot on the ballot paper who has beaten the odds time and time again to win .
The way to do it is to back Ian Murray .

In 2015, long before we’d ever heard of the “red wall”, Labour was wiped out in Scotland. Losing my seat in Glasgow East and then watching my colleagues and their staff lose their jobs was heart-breaking. For a few weeks before, we knew what was coming. Perhaps we didn’t know the extent, but I couldn’t see how I would be returning to Westminster.
As Shadow Scottish Secretary at the time, I remember having a frank conversation with Ed Miliband six days before the election. He was in Glasgow for his final stop in Scotland on the campaign trail and we had dinner after a rally in Tollcross. It still looked possible that Labour could form a government, but even if we did, I wouldn’t be part of it. I told him there was only one person he should consider putting into the cabinet as Secretary of State for Scotland – Ian Murray.
Ian and I had arrived at Westminster together in 2010. While this was Ian’s first step into national politics, for me it followed 11 years in the Scottish Parliament and time in the Scottish cabinet. It was clear from the outset that he would be one of the stars of the 2010 intake. That’s why when he put himself forward a few weeks ago to be deputy leader, I didn’t think twice about supporting him.
It’s not just that Ian has the qualities that the deputy leader of the Labour Party needs. It’s also because he’s bringing the voice and experience of the Scottish Labour Party to the debate. After the election in December, it felt like the UK Party immediately started discussing how to regain constituencies in the North of England. But we still haven’t resolved the question of how we regain the seats we lost in Scotland in 2015.
In both Scotland and across the country, the Labour Party needs to get to grips with the effects that populism and nationalism has had on our politics, and work out how to respond to that. Ian is already ahead of the game, having defeated two waves of nationalism that wiped out all of his Scottish Labour colleagues.
Since Ian joined the debate, every leadership and deputy leadership candidate has had to face questions on Scotland – what went wrong, how we reform and how we can win again. If Ian hadn’t been in the race, there is no way these discussions would have been happening.
And they need to happen. Labour can’t win a majority at the next election without Scottish seats. That’s a fact. At the next election, if Ian is the only Scottish Labour MP, Labour will need to win 124 seats just to have a majority of one. That would mean Jacob Rees-Mogg’s seat in North East Somerset turning to Labour.
There isn’t a more crucial time to have a Scottish voice in the leadership debate and a Scot playing a leading role at the top of the UK Labour Party. That’s why Ian must get the support from local parties to stay in this race until the very end. For those in Scottish CLPs, the appeal is obvious, but for those of you in England and Wales: think about the message it would send if our only Scottish MP fell out of the race before the end. Consider what the SNP will say if most Scottish CLPs back him but he drops out because more well-known names in England pull through.
Let’s not give them that opportunity. Let’s show them that we really mean it when we say that the Labour Party must represent all parts of our UK. The whole Labour Party across the country needs to show that it understands we need to win Scotland back if we’re to regain power. And the way to do that is to put a Scot on the ballot paper who has beaten the odds time and time again to win. The way to do it is to back Ian Murray.


labourlist--2020-01-30--These new Tory MPs are making the right noises, but they won’t deliver

New statistics make the recent general election result difficult to comprehend .
They show that 78 % of people in London think there are good opportunities to progress , whereas only 31 % in the North East believe the same .
These figures come from one of three interesting and concerning reports on social mobility published last week that really ought to make politicians of all parties sit up and take notice .
They showed just how disconnected politicians have become from voters and how little confidence the public have in them being able to address their concerns .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few weeks in parliament is how many of the new Tory MPs who took seats off us last month are already rooted in their communities .
They are talking in a language that their constituents can relate to .
Sat across from them in the chamber , many of them sound like they could be Labour MPs .
The first of the reports was from the Social Mobility Commission itself , which published a social mobility “ barometer ” .
It found that 77 % of people thought there was a large gap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 44 % of people saying that where you end up is largely determined by your background .
For so many people still to think that in the 21st century is damning .
39 % of people thought it was harder to move “ up ” in British society than in the past , and 35 % of people who identified as working-class felt their financial situation was worse than it was ten years ago .
This report paints a pretty depressing picture , which makes the recent general election result all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government .
We also had a report from those long-standing advocates of social mobility , The Sutton Trust .
‘ Elites in the UK : Pulling Away ?
‘ pulls no punches about where this country is at .
It found that one in five men in professional occupations who were born between 1955-1961 became socially mobile , but the figure for those born between 1975-1981 is only one in eight .
In other words , this is a country in which opportunity is declining .
The pull of London was again prominent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thirds of the most socially mobile people built their careers close to home rather than moving away , but that this group of people are more likely to come from London .
The political , economic and cultural centre of this country is London , and it has much to offer , but this report tends to show that it is overly dominant – to the detriment of most other places .
There was also an international comparison of social mobility from the World Economic Forum .
They created their own index , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pretty impressive 21 in the world .
However , when the majority of countries above us are our Western European neighbours , it begins to look slightly less impressive with the top performers combining “ access , quality and equity in education , while also providing work opportunities and good working conditions , alongside quality social protection and inclusive institutions ” .
I think even the most optimistic member of the government would struggle to argue we do well in all of those things , and I doubt this is one international comparison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Which leads me on to the fundamental question : is social mobility seen as party political issue at all ?
As Secretary of State for Education , Justine Greening was a passionate speaker on the subject , and we all remember Theresa May ’ s promises to eradicate those “ burning injustices ” .
But there is very little coming from the current government .
Most of the Labour leadership candidates have been talking about the importance of these issues , albeit without using the phrase “ social mobility ” .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Outside the Westminster bubble , do people really use the term “ social mobility ” much anyway ?
They have a sense that there is less opportunity for the next generation , that London and the big cities dominate , and that where you are born and who you are born to still matter an awful lot .
The party needs to tap into that frustration .
We must articulate how insecure work , depressed wages and an insular job market are not working for the majority of people in this country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that can be changed .
It almost feels as if these challenges are so large , people have lost faith that politicians can do anything about it .
We have to change that , and give people hope .
Although the new Tories are talking about these things , I doubt that their fine words will withstand the inevitably damaging policies they will end up for voting for .
In any event , we as a party should be shouting from the rooftops about the damning findings these reports represent and how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues but actually deliver little in terms of meaningful change .
Their party is still led by an old Etonian and has a cabinet stuffed full of privately educated people .
It would be gross neglect on our part to allow them to steal our clothes and claim to represent the many not the few .

New statistics make the recent general election result difficult to comprehend. They show that 78% of people in London think there are good opportunities to progress, whereas only 31% in the North East believe the same. These figures come from one of three interesting and concerning reports on social mobility published last week that really ought to make politicians of all parties sit up and take notice. They showed just how disconnected politicians have become from voters and how little confidence the public have in them being able to address their concerns. But what has struck me in these first few weeks in parliament is how many of the new Tory MPs who took seats off us last month are already rooted in their communities. They are talking in a language that their constituents can relate to. Sat across from them in the chamber, many of them sound like they could be Labour MPs.
The first of the reports was from the Social Mobility Commission itself, which published a social mobility “barometer”. It found that 77% of people thought there was a large gap between social classes in Britain today, with 44% of people saying that where you end up is largely determined by your background. For so many people still to think that in the 21st century is damning. 39% of people thought it was harder to move “up” in British society than in the past, and 35% of people who identified as working-class felt their financial situation was worse than it was ten years ago. This report paints a pretty depressing picture, which makes the recent general election result all the more surprising after ten years of Tory government.
We also had a report from those long-standing advocates of social mobility, The Sutton Trust. ‘Elites in the UK: Pulling Away?‘ pulls no punches about where this country is at. It found that one in five men in professional occupations who were born between 1955-1961 became socially mobile, but the figure for those born between 1975-1981 is only one in eight. In other words, this is a country in which opportunity is declining. The pull of London was again prominent, with the report finding that two thirds of the most socially mobile people built their careers close to home rather than moving away, but that this group of people are more likely to come from London. The political, economic and cultural centre of this country is London, and it has much to offer, but this report tends to show that it is overly dominant – to the detriment of most other places.
There was also an international comparison of social mobility from the World Economic Forum. They created their own index, which showed the UK ranking at a pretty impressive 21 in the world. However, when the majority of countries above us are our Western European neighbours, it begins to look slightly less impressive with the top performers combining “access, quality and equity in education, while also providing work opportunities and good working conditions, alongside quality social protection and inclusive institutions”. I think even the most optimistic member of the government would struggle to argue we do well in all of those things, and I doubt this is one international comparison we will hear much from them on. Which leads me on to the fundamental question: is social mobility seen as party political issue at all? As Secretary of State for Education, Justine Greening was a passionate speaker on the subject, and we all remember Theresa May’s promises to eradicate those “burning injustices”. But there is very little coming from the current government.
Most of the Labour leadership candidates have been talking about the importance of these issues, albeit without using the phrase “social mobility”. They instead talk about aspiration or regional disparities. Outside the Westminster bubble, do people really use the term “social mobility” much anyway? They have a sense that there is less opportunity for the next generation, that London and the big cities dominate, and that where you are born and who you are born to still matter an awful lot. The party needs to tap into that frustration. We must articulate how insecure work, depressed wages and an insular job market are not working for the majority of people in this country – and set out ideas for how that can be changed.
It almost feels as if these challenges are so large, people have lost faith that politicians can do anything about it. We have to change that, and give people hope. Although the new Tories are talking about these things, I doubt that their fine words will withstand the inevitably damaging policies they will end up for voting for. In any event, we as a party should be shouting from the rooftops about the damning findings these reports represent and how the Tories may talk a lot about these issues but actually deliver little in terms of meaningful change. Their party is still led by an old Etonian and has a cabinet stuffed full of privately educated people. It would be gross neglect on our part to allow them to steal our clothes and claim to represent the many not the few.


labourlist--2020-02-05--Labour in local government needs to look more like our communities

With the election of 104 female MPs last year , the Parliamentary Labour Party ( PLP ) is now 51 % female , reflecting the wider population .
The smashing of this glass ceiling is something to be celebrated , and the incredible role that Labour Women ’ s Network and Fabian Women ’ s Network have played to encourage and support women to stand should be applauded .
But Labour in local government , which in the past has been more diverse than a PLP , is now lagging well behind .
Labour councils across the country are responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We make huge decisions every day on public services and local infrastructure .
Diverse teams make better decisions , and representation is key in a representative democracy like ours .
Unfortunately , Labour in local government still does not look like our communities .
Only 45 % of Labour councillors are women , and only 20 % of council leaders are women .
Not only are we not representative in terms of sex , local government is also older and whiter than the country .
Something has clearly gone wrong at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improved nationally .
In 2018 , the LGA Labour Women ’ s taskforce was set up to address the structural barriers that women in local government face .
We were sick of meeting in overheated conference rooms once a year to complain about the discrimination we face and instead wanted to put that energy into doing something positive .
The taskforce membership includes all sorts of women , from all corners of England and Wales .
So far , we have written a model parental leave policy that over 40 Labour groups and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ councillors who become parents during their terms certainty about the leave to which they are entitled .
They should know that they won ’ t be penalised for having children and that any special responsibilities they have before they take leave will be given back to them , should they so wish , when they return .
We spoke to many people who told us that they felt excluded from standing for their local council because of their caring responsibilities .
That ’ s why we have also drawn up a carers ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support that people with caring responsibilities can expect from their Labour groups .
I ’ m sure we ’ ve all sat in Constituency Labour Party and Labour Campaign Forum meetings where we ’ ve been told that the reason the Labour group for the area doesn ’ t have more women is because women don ’ t want to be local councillors .
Well , that ’ s not my experience .
The women I know in my local party are passionate , intelligent and full of ideas .
They want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difference .
But they ’ ve felt excluded or discouraged from putting themselves forward .
As a taskforce , we believe the onus should be on the party to make these women feel welcome and valued .
That ’ s why we produced a best practice guide to give local parties ideas on how they can encourage female activists to put themselves forward for selection .
We know that there ’ s so much more that we need to do .
Women from ethnic minority backgrounds , those who are disabled and LGBT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selected and elected .
We ’ re thinking about how we can better support these women .
And we must remember that the struggle faced by many women does not end on the day of their election .
Many women find it difficult to have their ideas taken seriously in meetings and to be chosen for positions of responsibility .
When you ’ re contending with multiple forms of discrimination , it ’ s even harder .
It ’ s bad enough that only 20 % of Labour council leaders are female – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders are women from an ethnic minority background .
That ’ s only two across the whole of England and Wales .
The taskforce was set up because , as female local councillors , we were tired of having the same conversations once or twice a year about how much better the party could be in supporting us .
We decided to take matter into our own hands and create policies that will have a real impact .
While the Labour Party should rightfully celebrate the successes in achieving gender parity in parliament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that needs to be done to make local government more representative .

With the election of 104 female MPs last year, the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) is now 51% female, reflecting the wider population. The smashing of this glass ceiling is something to be celebrated, and the incredible role that Labour Women’s Network and Fabian Women’s Network have played to encourage and support women to stand should be applauded. But Labour in local government, which in the past has been more diverse than a PLP, is now lagging well behind.
Labour councils across the country are responsible for billions of pounds of public money. We make huge decisions every day on public services and local infrastructure. Diverse teams make better decisions, and representation is key in a representative democracy like ours. Unfortunately, Labour in local government still does not look like our communities. Only 45% of Labour councillors are women, and only 20% of council leaders are women.
Not only are we not representative in terms of sex, local government is also older and whiter than the country. Something has clearly gone wrong at the local level, even as it has improved nationally. In 2018, the LGA Labour Women’s taskforce was set up to address the structural barriers that women in local government face. We were sick of meeting in overheated conference rooms once a year to complain about the discrimination we face and instead wanted to put that energy into doing something positive. The taskforce membership includes all sorts of women, from all corners of England and Wales.
So far, we have written a model parental leave policy that over 40 Labour groups and 29 councils have adopted. This gives councillors who become parents during their terms certainty about the leave to which they are entitled. They should know that they won’t be penalised for having children and that any special responsibilities they have before they take leave will be given back to them, should they so wish, when they return.
We spoke to many people who told us that they felt excluded from standing for their local council because of their caring responsibilities. That’s why we have also drawn up a carers’ policy, which clearly sets out the support that people with caring responsibilities can expect from their Labour groups.
I’m sure we’ve all sat in Constituency Labour Party and Labour Campaign Forum meetings where we’ve been told that the reason the Labour group for the area doesn’t have more women is because women don’t want to be local councillors. Well, that’s not my experience. The women I know in my local party are passionate, intelligent and full of ideas. They want to contribute to their communities and make a difference. But they’ve felt excluded or discouraged from putting themselves forward. As a taskforce, we believe the onus should be on the party to make these women feel welcome and valued. That’s why we produced a best practice guide to give local parties ideas on how they can encourage female activists to put themselves forward for selection.
We know that there’s so much more that we need to do. Women from ethnic minority backgrounds, those who are disabled and LGBT women, face increased barriers to getting selected and elected. We’re thinking about how we can better support these women. And we must remember that the struggle faced by many women does not end on the day of their election.
Many women find it difficult to have their ideas taken seriously in meetings and to be chosen for positions of responsibility. When you’re contending with multiple forms of discrimination, it’s even harder. It’s bad enough that only 20% of Labour council leaders are female – but barely 1% of Labour council leaders are women from an ethnic minority background. That’s only two across the whole of England and Wales.
The taskforce was set up because, as female local councillors, we were tired of having the same conversations once or twice a year about how much better the party could be in supporting us. We decided to take matter into our own hands and create policies that will have a real impact. While the Labour Party should rightfully celebrate the successes in achieving gender parity in parliament, it should not forget the work that needs to be done to make local government more representative.


labourlist--2020-02-05--Plans for internal party reform dominate Labour leadership race

Internal party structures are the talk of the Labour leadership race at the moment .
Perhaps this reflects that , with Labour set to be in opposition for the next few years , the newcomer ’ s most immediate area of influence will be the party itself .
Keir Starmer yesterday unveiled eight reforms to make the party “ open , respectful , creative and engaging ” – from scrapping the current disciplinary body to create an independent complaints process , to ending the imposition of parliamentary candidates by the national executive committee .
Interestingly , the pretty extensive proposals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of open selections , an issue that has become a key dividing line for other candidates .
Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy have come out for and against open selections respectively , and the issue provided a battleground for the two in the latest leadership hustings in Cardiff .
But Starmer has so far been unwilling to commit either way , and LabourList understands that any reference to improving the selection process in his recent proposals do not refer to reform of the trigger ballot or a move towards open selections .
Long-Bailey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a criticism of Labour in the last general election , citing “ mismanagement and bad organisational culture ” .
She said that Labour staffers were “ let down ” at the election as the party targeted the wrong seats .
The Salford and Eccles MP promised a review of the defeat , including the role of Labour HQ .
She also heavily implied that cronyism exists within current hiring practices , declaring that promotions under her would be based on “ what you know , not who you know ” .
The leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seb Corbyn , son of Jeremy , and Laura Murray , daughter of Andrew , to assure them this wasn ’ t a reference to their employment .
Long-Bailey has penned her thoughts on local government for LabourList today , as part of our local government week .
In the piece , she vows to help councils fight the government using community organising , and advocates local democratic control of schools , more public health and youth services , helping councils insource public services , and using public procurement to support supply chains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this would be enabled through a devolution of powers to local authorities backed by more funding – specifically going beyond simply reversing past cuts .
Notably , Long-Bailey also suggests the party should have a discussion about the regressive nature of council tax .
Her offer for local government differered to the one put forward by fellow leadership contender Emily Thornberry yesterday , which focused more on the internal support for councillors .
We will be seeing the other candidates detail their plans for local councils throughout the rest of the week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this morning , LabourList also has a contribution from Andrew Gwynne , who has taken aim at the government ’ s so-called ‘ fair funding ’ review .
Make sure to keep an eye on the LabourList website today as we have a jam-packed agenda of great content – in particular , we are continuing with the local government focus by taking a look at the importance of investing in local leadership .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

Internal party structures are the talk of the Labour leadership race at the moment. Perhaps this reflects that, with Labour set to be in opposition for the next few years, the newcomer’s most immediate area of influence will be the party itself. Keir Starmer yesterday unveiled eight reforms to make the party “open, respectful, creative and engaging” – from scrapping the current disciplinary body to create an independent complaints process, to ending the imposition of parliamentary candidates by the national executive committee. Interestingly, the pretty extensive proposals from the Camden MP make no mention of open selections, an issue that has become a key dividing line for other candidates. Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy have come out for and against open selections respectively, and the issue provided a battleground for the two in the latest leadership hustings in Cardiff. But Starmer has so far been unwilling to commit either way, and LabourList understands that any reference to improving the selection process in his recent proposals do not refer to reform of the trigger ballot or a move towards open selections.
Long-Bailey pitched in on internal party matters with a criticism of Labour in the last general election, citing “mismanagement and bad organisational culture”. She said that Labour staffers were “let down” at the election as the party targeted the wrong seats. The Salford and Eccles MP promised a review of the defeat, including the role of Labour HQ. She also heavily implied that cronyism exists within current hiring practices, declaring that promotions under her would be based on “what you know, not who you know”. The leadership candidate has reportedly made calls to both Seb Corbyn, son of Jeremy, and Laura Murray, daughter of Andrew, to assure them this wasn’t a reference to their employment.
Long-Bailey has penned her thoughts on local government for LabourList today, as part of our local government week. In the piece, she vows to help councils fight the government using community organising, and advocates local democratic control of schools, more public health and youth services, helping councils insource public services, and using public procurement to support supply chains and creating local jobs. All of this would be enabled through a devolution of powers to local authorities backed by more funding – specifically going beyond simply reversing past cuts. Notably, Long-Bailey also suggests the party should have a discussion about the regressive nature of council tax.
Her offer for local government differered to the one put forward by fellow leadership contender Emily Thornberry yesterday, which focused more on the internal support for councillors. We will be seeing the other candidates detail their plans for local councils throughout the rest of the week. As well as Long-Bailey’s piece this morning, LabourList also has a contribution from Andrew Gwynne, who has taken aim at the government’s so-called ‘fair funding’ review. Make sure to keep an eye on the LabourList website today as we have a jam-packed agenda of great content – in particular, we are continuing with the local government focus by taking a look at the importance of investing in local leadership. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.