NPF to discuss Party Reform Proposals

Alon Fri Jul 13, 2007 at 03:04:14 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

This weekend, the NPF is to discuss Gordon Brown's proposals for reforming the party.

The proposals include ending contemporary resolution debates at annual conference and an OMOV vote of party members on the final policy documents which feed into the next General Election manifesto.




The full document outlining these proposals is available on the party's website at:

http://members.labour.org.uk/images/uploads/100000/e7d9d72b-586b-f524-1596-82c0293b62f5.pdf

If you'd like to let me know your views so I can raise them at the NPF, please pop by http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=2243797354&topic=2835
or email me at npf AT alon.org.uk

To submit your feedback to the party, visit
http://members.labour.org.uk/Survey2007



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NPF to discuss Party Reform Proposals | 9 comments (9 topical)

Re: NPF to discuss Party Reform Proposals (#1)

by Peter Kenyon on Sat Jul 14, 2007 at 12:38:04 PM GMT

Dear Alon


Please ask Gordon whether he will give members a categorical assurance that no Rule changes based on his proposals wil be tabled for Annual Conference 2007.   


Peter Kenyon


http://www.savethelabourparty.org


Re: NPF to discuss Party Reform Proposals (#3)

by Glass House on Sat Jul 14, 2007 at 09:00:23 PM GMT

What exactly is your problem with taking power away from conference and giving it to members?


[ Parent ]

Re: NPF to discuss Party Reform Proposals (#4)

by Glass House on Sat Jul 14, 2007 at 09:00:47 PM GMT

Genuine question.


[ Parent ]

Re: NPF to discuss Party Reform Proposals (#7)

by repub on Sun Jul 15, 2007 at 11:53:36 PM GMT

Are you seriously suggesting an OMOV vote on final stage documents is a good use of party resources and if so, presumably you don't think it a problem that entire documents could possibly be rejected ???

But I don't think that would happen.

And are you happy with the way the NPF makes decisions? Do you think it is accountable to the membership at all?

Can you also tell me why OMOV votes where members are most likely to be affected by the arguments most greatly expressed through the media press, rather than delegated conferences with full political debates from all sections of the movement are the best way to make decisions?


[ Parent ]

Re: NPF to discuss Party Reform Proposals (#8)

by JM on Mon Jul 16, 2007 at 12:13:15 AM GMT

So, basically, you think that Democracy is too expensive (" Are you seriously suggesting an OMOV vote on final stage documents is a good use of party resources") and that the the membership can't be trusted because they're too easily swayed by the media ("members are most likely to be affected by the arguments most greatly expressed through the media press")

Are you serious? You that the expense is a reason not to ask the membership what they think? And you think that the membership aren't capable to coming to an informed judgement? 


[ Parent ]

Re: NPF to discuss Party Reform Proposals (#9)

by Peter Kenyon on Mon Jul 16, 2007 at 04:11:05 PM GMT

Dear JM

What provisions are there in your CLP budget for enabling members to engage in Labour Party policy making? Or encouraging supporters to do likewise?

Peter Kenyon

http://petergkenyon.typepad.com/peterkenyon/


[ Parent ]

Re: NPF to discuss Party Reform Proposals (#5)

by Peter Kenyon on Sun Jul 15, 2007 at 04:06:40 PM GMT

How long have you got? In brief, the GB proposals only take power away from Conference and 'give it' to members in, what could be described as, a cynical and manipulative way.

Members already have the power to propose either a resolution or rule change to Conference through their CLP.

Members already have the power to mandate their delegates to Conference through their CLP to vote for contemporary and emergency resolutions and rule changes.

GB is proposing to reduce the power of expression to members to 'issues', and ending the power of members' delegates to vote on such matters other than for the purpose of refering to a Policy Commission.

An OMOV ballot on either National Policy Forum documents or a British election manifesto without powers of amendment is, regretably, Albanian politics at best.

I look forward with some trepidation to accounts of discussion on there issues at this weekend's National Policy Forum. 


[ Parent ]

Re: NPF to discuss Party Reform Proposals (#2)

by ChrisPaul on Sat Jul 14, 2007 at 08:09:38 PM GMT

Isn't NEC almost bound to submit a rule change this year if the feedback isn't extremely negative? The TUs might resist. Not sure about a maj of CLPs.


Re: NPF to discuss Party Reform Proposals (#6)

by Peter Kenyon on Sun Jul 15, 2007 at 04:41:04 PM GMT

Dear Chris

This could be a real test of the NEC's mettle.

Is it the NEC's function to bend the knee to diktat from No. 10 (whoever the occupant when Labour is in government) or act in accordance with the constitution on behalf of members in between Conferences?

If the NEC fails to rein in the leash now, I am personally concerned about the Party's ability to rebuild and renew in time to secure a resounding win at the next General Election, let alone win back seats in local and regional government.


[ Parent ]

NPF to discuss Party Reform Proposals | 9 comments (9 topical)