NEC elections -- vote for the grass roots alliance
NEC elections -- vote for the grass roots alliance
Mike Marqusee reports
The left and centre of the Party have united around a strong team of candidates for the constituency section of Labour's National Executive Committee.
The six individuals standing represent a broad and diverse swathe of Labour Party opinion and experience. All have serious records of sustained, democratic activity at the grass-roots of the Party. They are not media creations or time-serving careerists. They are standing on a joint slate because they believe that the time has come to challenge the Blairite policies that are damaging our Party and, above all, the people it exists to serve. Because they owe nothing to the patronage of the Party leadership, these six individuals are genuinely independent. Party members can vote for them confident that their only masters will be the people who elect them.
On the NEC, they will speak up for the priorities and stand up for the rights of ordinary Party members. They will oppose further centralisation of decision-making and press the Government to adopt the kind of redistributive policies necessary if we are to tackle poverty and inequality in our society.
Already, it has become clear that the leadership plans to use our Party's extensive resources -- and the prestige of the Prime Minster -- to ensure its preferred candidates are elected. As these will be the first elections held under the new system, no one can be certain what will happen. But make no mistake, this is a crucial year in the history of the Labour Party. All those who believe that working people need a voice in national politics must co-operate to ensure our voices are heard loud and clear inside the Party structures.
This is an alliance for democracy in the Labour Party; for the rights of constituency members and trades unionists (for these candidates will act as a voice for all sections of the Party); for open, informed debate and genuine consultation. This is a group of people dedicated to enhancing, not dismantling, the welfare state; to progressive taxation, and to increased investment in health, education, transport and other public services.
If you share these core Labour values, then please join the campaign for socialist representation on the NEC. Organise a meeting for the candidates in your locality. Make sure every Party member you know has a leaflet for the elections and casts his or her vote as soon as they receive it. The Millbank machine will be working flat out to get their favourites media coverage and appearances in Party publications; it is up to us to ensure Party members can make an informed choice on who to vote for.
For more information and details contact the LLB Office on 0181-985 6597.
"I want to see our welfare state enhanced, not dismantled. We need increases in the state pension, a return to free higher education and a strong minimum wage. We must fulfil our commitments on workplace rights, and redress the imbalance in industrial relations created by the Tories."
"The constituency section of the NEC purports to offer members a real stake in the management of their party. This can only happen if constituency reps are responsive to the concerns of ordinary members, articulate these with vigour and passion and exercise their responsibilities with intelligence and care."
"I want to see creative solutions to economic and social problems, based on full employment, national minimum wage and decent levels of pensions and benefits, while protecting workers and consumer rights."
"I believe in the redistribution of power and wealth, economic policies that help fulfil Labour's historic mission for full employment and a properly funded welfare state, strong, affiliated trade unions and a socialist internationalism aimed at alleviating poverty and environmental destruction."
"I support the Government working for full employment, a minimum wage starting at half median male earnings, public ownership of the utilities and railways, comprehensive education with no student loans and a properly funded health service."
"I believe in an accountable party with the Government fully informed of members views. Our socialist and co-operative principles -- redistribution of wealth; reducing gender, race and class inequalities; universal welfare provision -- can ensure Labour's second term."
The candidates are supported by Labour Reform, the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy, the Labour Womens' Action Committee, the Campaign for Socialism (Scotland), the Network of Socialist Campaign Groups, LLB and Socialist Campaign Group News. Tribune's editorial has welcomed the initiative.
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