A New Treasurer

markmcdonald Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 02:49:09 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Labourhome.org Editor Alex Hilton in December challenged the grassroots to find a candidate for the role of Treasurer of the Labour Party and I have decided to respond to that challenge. I believe that there is a need for change; not just a change in the position itself but a new approach to governance and accountability in the Labour Party.



Though it seems mistakes have been made, I don’t believe that there is evidence of corruption in Labour Party fundraising; but it is not about evidence, it is about perception and it is clear that we as a party have suffered badly from both the cash for honours inquiry and the debacle over donations. While members up and down the country knock on doors and deliver leaflets to build up the good name of the Party, high profile mistakes at the centre can in a day wipe out months of work on the ground.

I am a human rights barrister and a long standing Labour activist and I have fought for many years against abuse of power. I was an operating theatre assistant and NUPE shop steward before I took my A-levels as a mature student, and later a degree, to become a lawyer. And now working in law I continue to fight injustice, travelling to the Middle East to train Palestinian lawyers, to the USA to assist defence teams in death penalty cases and running the London Innocence Project, which provides pro-bono support for reviewing miscarriages of justice.

As an associate editor of Labourhome I hope that I can count on your support. I would bring to the role a respect for the law and an understanding of how to read it. But most importantly, I would bring a belief in governance and accountability, a willingness to ask difficult questions and to be accountable to the NEC and to Party members and affiliates.

I will report regularly to Labour Party members and affiliates by email if they wish and on Labourhome.org. I will also work closely with the Labour HQ to master Party finances and report in detail to the NEC, giving them the tools they need to provide the oversight that will prevent mistakes being made in the future.

This post is elected just once every two years, at Labour Conference, and the election is held by card vote, 50% of the vote coming from a ballot of all Party members by post and 50% from union representatives at Conference. Please support me by asking your CLP to pass a resolution nominating me for the position and contacting your union to request their support.

Thank you.

Mark McDonald
Holborn & St Pancras CLP
markpaul.mcdonald@gmail.com

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A New Treasurer | 44 comments (44 topical)

Re: A new treasurer (#1)

by alexhilton on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 03:07:46 PM GMT

I'm going to support Mark for the Treasurer position because I believe he will help provide oversight and accountability in the party and help prevent the mistakes that negate the work of Labour activists.

Please contact me or Mark if you want to know more.

If you're supporting Mark please do the following:

  1. Ask your CLP to nominate Mark. They will receive nomination papers in the next week or two.
  2. Let me or mark know of your support by email.
  3. Contact your Union asking them to support Mark.
  4. Join the NEW TREASURER facebook group. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=9117791206

Many thanks,

Alex Hilton
07985 384 859
alexhilton@gmail.com


Re: A new treasurer (#2)

by Wiseman on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 03:15:58 PM GMT

Mark I am glad you will support me and I will make sure that I put your name around for treasurer (no problem!)

John


Re: A new treasurer (#3)

by Wiseman on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 03:17:10 PM GMT

Dear Alex

I though you were neutral (only joking), just make sure you support me.

Thanks

John


Re: A new treasurer (#27)

by ishouldknowbetter on Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 11:00:12 PM GMT

For goodness sake John - this isnt the John Wiseman show - this post was about an important position on the NEC which quite frankly the current occupier has shown not to be up to the task on.

People will vote democratically for the NEC in due course - although i am compelled to warn people to take a very close look at your CV it isnt 100% true now is it?......


[ Parent ]

Re: A new treasurer (#34)

by Wiseman on Sun Jan 20, 2008 at 01:23:10 PM GMT

Dear ???

I think I know better.  I think you will find I have held or our holding every position on that CV

You are entitled to your opnion and I am sorry, don't do tv appearences.

Thanks

John


[ Parent ]

Re: A new treasurer (#42)

by ishouldknowbetter on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 03:02:37 PM GMT

Yes the key word being "held" - people should ask why you dont hold these positions anymore.... Interesting to note on teh Youth Officer you say you dont hold it anymore why not tell people upfront that you don’t hold the other positions either?

 So Lets take a look at your CV: -

Experienced local activist and Councillor – Councillor for West Sutton Ward in St Helens - LOST THE SEAT NOT A CLLR ANY MORE!

North West Regional Board Member – Labour Party, Active across the North west - LOST THAT POSITION NOT ON THE REGIONAL BOARD!

Vice-Chair of our Constituency Labour Party – consulting our members, developing a recruitment strategy and encouraging young people into the party. - LOST THAT POSITION NOT VC any more!

Youth Officer of our Constituency & Sutton & Bold (until March 2004) – worked with St Helens North and South CLPs on recruiting young members – took members to various forums including been actively involved in the European Parliamentary Election campaign.  Also visited head office and Downing Street with young members for working on campaigning.
  
Political Education officer for Sutton BLP – working to recruit in a ward which is low on members and educate local people on politics – HOW MANY PEOPLE DID YOU RECRUIT?

Member St Helens Local Government Committee – making sure members’ views are put forward at every level - ST HELENS LOCAL GOV COMMITTEE DOESNT EXIST ANYMORE....

without a Councillor (Sutton Ward – St Helens), so putting across latest information to help in campaigning. - WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WENT TO A LABOUR GROUP, ah maybe its because you are not an observer anymore or havent been for sometime.

Amicus & Labour Party Parliamentary Panel Member - YES ONLY BECAUSE OF AMICUS - IS IT NOT TRUE YOU FAILED a LOCAL ELECTION PANEL?
Trade Union & Other life experience:

Regional Political Committee Member Amicus - NOT ANYMORE
       Member Regional Branch Committee Amicus.
       Shop Steward for Amicus – Education Sector
  National Delegate Conference 2005 – contribute to the development of the union.
       National Delegate Amicus Conference (North West) 2007
       Active trade union lay branch official – Amicus
       North West Editor & Merseyside Amicus Unity Gazette
       National Treasurer Amicus Unity Gazette
       Manchester Secretary Amicus Unity Gazette
Knowledge:
       As an active member of the Labour Party since my mid-twenties and a trade unionist since sixth-form college, I have had a breadth of experience to bring to any post.  I have been involved in a number of campaigns locally. What campaigns would these be? I thought you failed your LOCAL GOV interview not once but twice due to lack of campaigning!!!! I have a good knowledge of campaigning.  I was the youngest Councillor on the council, when elected, and so I had to learn about local Government very quickly, which I was able to do.  

       As a lead officer in the CLP I was active in three wards during the last local elections.  I also campaigned to get the local MP elected in 2001 and 2005. (if you were so active why did you fail the Local Government Panel Interview)?
I think people can get the picture, I am not having a go at you John, so I will stop going through the CV there but you have to agree your CV doesn’t really summarise the position as it is, does it now?


[ Parent ]

Re: A new treasurer (#43)

by Wiseman on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 04:44:47 PM GMT

Dear comrade

calm down!!  This sounds like your annoyed about something.  People can judge for themselves.  Just make sure your contact knows to get all of their facts correct!!

Please don't turn this personal.

Thanks

John


[ Parent ]

Re: A new treasurer (#44)

by Wiseman on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 05:05:40 PM GMT

I just thought, post your CV ah you can't because your can't be that honest we don't know who you are, you probably sat at home, because somebody is having a go.  I did positions held past and present.  I am the honest one unfortunately your not.

Goodbye


[ Parent ]

Re: A new treasurer (#4)

by rwendland on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 04:29:22 PM GMT

Mark, glad to hear you are standing.

My suspicion is that the main problem the elected Treasurer has had in recent times is a filtered/inadequete information flow, partly because no employees report directly to the elected Treasurer. Can I ask two questions:

  1. How much time do you have available for the Treasurer task?
  2. If you discover all information flow from finance staff is filtered through the General Secretary or one or two senior staff, and you are not allowed to inspect primary financial records/agreements or to talk to lower level financial staff from time-to-time, what would you do?

I'm thinking about things like the large rolling loan agreements in lieu of donations that the GenSec signed-off on and Jack Dromey never heard about. How would you ensure that could not happen again - if you don't have an approach you may find yourself in a similar position to Jack, but with less political clout to do much, or even walk into TV studios as a last resort.

Thanks.


Re: A new treasurer (#6)

by markmcdonald on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 05:19:11 PM GMT

Being self-employed I am able to take time off work at short notice and if the position demands, spend as much time as is necessary. As regards to your second question, there is never any reason for the party treasurer to be on television, as treasurer the role is not to account to the Daily Mail or Sky News. I would be accountable to the NEC and ultimately to members.

So if it emerged that I didn't have access to information,  I would go to the NEC and seek a mandate for that access. As a Barrister, I am used to a lack of disclosure, but it is matter of perseverance, and making sure that people are aware that without proper disclosure the job cannot be done properly.

Ultimately, a diligent treasurer would help keep the party out of trouble and the more information available, the more successful the post-holder can be. Approached with the right attitude, it would not be a matter of confrontation with party officials, but one of constructive co-operation.


[ Parent ]

Re: A new treasurer (#16)

by RedRooster on Wed Jan 16, 2008 at 09:53:13 AM GMT

Mark, I think point 2 really is key.  I would personally want to see you emphasise your 'action plan' for how to deal with inadequate information flows.  It would be a practical way of demonstrating that you recognise the procedural issues that have caused us problems and have a plan to deal with them.  Other than that, you look like an excellent candidate, so good luck.


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#7)

by MikeHobday on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 08:07:24 PM GMT

Mark,

What is your experience of financial management?

Mike


Re: A New Treasurer (#8)

by markmcdonald on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 08:33:57 PM GMT

Thanks for your question Mike. I am self-employed, a Trustee of charity (Amicus an anti-death penalty charity) and the Director of the London Innocence Project. I also have substantial experience as a trial lawyer in a number of high profile multi million pound fraud cases. This has involved hundreds of hours of analysing documents and accountancy records.


Re: A New Treasurer (#9)

by Jag Singh on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 03:33:17 PM GMT

I think it has become necessary that we elect someone with legal qualifications in charge of all these complex matters (eg fundraising, accounting, compliance, etc etc). I therefore think you'd make an excellent candidate, Mark.

My only fear is that if you win, positioning yourself as the grassroots' de-facto (and de jure) choice may put you in a position of not being accepted by the Number 10 team. We know from experience that they don't work well with comrades who aren't on the good-behaviour list.

Are there any specific policies you are likely to push forward, or are there any procedural changes you think ought to be made?


Re: A New Treasurer (#10)

by Captain Spaulding on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 04:22:32 PM GMT

I welcome the idea of a new treasurer.


But your answer to Mike Hobday's question about your experience of financial management is, basically, that you don't have any.


You may well be better than the existing postholder but I had hoped that someone would come along who had some accounts experience and/or experience as working as an hon. treasurer for a charity.


Experience of working in a large organisation would also help you deal with the politics/infighting. The existing postholder is regarded as a duffer by his union and clearly the labour party staff and senior politicians have been running rings round him.


I wish you the best of luck Mark but there are many other people in the Labour Party who are suitable and I hope they put their names forward too.


Re: A New Treasurer (#11)

by markmcdonald on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 04:55:56 PM GMT

Captain Spaulding, thanks for your comment. Obviously I'm going to disagree about the value of my experience. After ten years as a criminal barrister dealing with fraud cases on a national and international scale, I am well placed to identify practices that might not be 100% compliant or transparent. It's important to remember the role is not that of auditor or finance director but that of treasurer and as such, should be there to inform the NEC so it can execute better oversight.

At this time, I don't know of a single other declared candidate for this post, but I would encourage others to put their names forward if they can help protect our party from the misjudgments that have caused such damage in the past. I believe that in a democratic party that there is no shame in losing to a better candidate and having a credible choice helps to enhance democracy and accountability.


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#32)

by davidrowntree on Sun Jan 20, 2008 at 11:53:51 AM GMT

I think the events of the last few months have shown that we desperately need someone with legal experience for the post.

A treasurer shouldn't be a bean-counter, it should be someone who manages the finance team, setting boundaries, and accepting responsibility. 

We need someone who is completely honest, who isn't afraid to shine light into dark corners, and will follow the law even at the expense of political convenience.

I know Mark well, and think the party would be lucky to have him in the job. 


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#38)

by rwendland on Sun Jan 20, 2008 at 03:12:46 PM GMT

> someone who manages the finance team

Trouble is, AFAICT no-one in finance reports (in a line-manager sense) to the elected treasurer - if only they did. Finance employees report directly or indirectly to the GenSec, so potentially can control the info flow to the elected Treasurer. We need to change that, or at least have a real persistant busy-body as elected Treasurer with an elephant skin! And a supportive NEC.


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#12)

by Captain Spaulding on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 05:53:08 PM GMT

You've convinced me. I'll email you tomorrow to ask for more details as I'm not sure that these would get past our gatekeeper - sorry, CLP secretary. It would be good if you could do a brief YouTube video to demonstrate your persuasive abilities.


Re: A New Treasurer (#15)

by Jag Singh on Wed Jan 16, 2008 at 07:51:39 AM GMT

Very good idea indeed.


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#13)

by alsoleeds on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 06:43:03 PM GMT

Why don't you post a CV on the Facebook site and here, if poss.


The details you have given would not get passed by many CLPs round the country. I would also plan a big campaign at LP Conference, Leaflets, a fringe meeting etc.




Re: A New Treasurer (#14)

by Wiseman on Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 11:44:49 PM GMT

Also I hope you are still thinking of supporting me

Thanks

John Wiseman


Re: A New Treasurer (#17)

by alsoleeds on Wed Jan 16, 2008 at 02:10:18 PM GMT

John,


I never did say I was thinking of supporting you. You will have to make a much more convincing argument. You seem to stand for all the following:


- Unite

- The Left

- The Centre Left

- The Centre

- Accountability

- Youth

- Aganist Factionalism


You tend to respond to any negative comments by trying to assuage them. Mark's campaign on the other hand has a clearly defined purpose, if he is capable of demonstrating his ability to deliver it then he will accrue support.


You seem to be trying too hard to be all things to all people. I think you lack the experience and should try for a feeder position like NPF and come back later to the NEC.


I don't intend to keep having the debate with you, so lets put a line under it now.


Re: A New Treasurer (#20)

by Wiseman on Wed Jan 16, 2008 at 08:09:49 PM GMT

No this is why I am standing.  To bring back accountability and unite the left.

Remember I supported Cruddas and McDonnell, and I know with improved communication and a few more brave individuals we could have made.

We need change and a democratic left leaning party that will listen to its members and yes will try and unify them on a more progressive agenda.  In politics you never run away from a debate.

We need fresh voices on the NEC, I am now even more determined ever to get on.

Lets bring hope back.

Wiseman


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#21)

by Wiseman on Wed Jan 16, 2008 at 08:11:23 PM GMT

i speak from the heart and through the experience of my life and seeing the miners strike at first hand.

PS


I meant made it


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#18)

by Curlew on Wed Jan 16, 2008 at 03:31:12 PM GMT

Mark MacDonald says :-
"but it is not about evidence, it is about perception"
 
Sorry mate but that's the last thing you should have said. The recent troubles with the party can be put at the door of all the legal careerists who moved into the party since '97. (and I include Blair in this) The message is coming across that it's okay to do wrong, to lack the moral high ground as long as enough spin is put on it that it is not "perceived" as being a wrong-doing.

No thankyou.


Re: A New Treasurer (#19)

by laurencemarshall on Wed Jan 16, 2008 at 04:59:36 PM GMT

After hearing that put down about perception I'm definitely supporting you.


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#22)

by Louise Flint on Wed Jan 16, 2008 at 08:49:40 PM GMT

After only a few dozen posts, we are already seeing the usual mixture of cynicism, personal ambition and lack of discipline that unites the Labour left these days. It's why neither Meacher nor McDonnell ended up on leadership the ballot paper and why Bob Wareing will be out of parliament after the next election.
I predict that this is why Dromney will remain as Treasurer, unless another candidate is put up by No. 10


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#24)

by labourbloke on Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 12:56:10 PM GMT

thanks mark for the interest,unfortunately our party is crammed full of well meaning amateurs,who have not delivered.
Have you even been a ward treasurer,Have you been a CLP treasurer,have you ever been a treasurer for anything.If the answer is no,I am afraid your chances are slim to zero.
I certainly could not in all honesty recommend you to my branch,clp,dlp and union.
bravo for raising the subject and now can the real candidates step forward


Re: A New Treasurer (#25)

by victory1945 on Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 09:49:09 PM GMT

If I can recall correctly, the role involves providing oversight and doesn't really have anything to do with account-balancing. Our CLP's treasurer is a useless git (he's a bit senile like me), and I think Mark's experience as a barrister counts for a lot more. Additionally, he says he's worked on cases that revolve around finance, which is enough for me.

You have my vote, Mark and I'll be asking my CLP to support you.


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#26)

by Jag Singh on Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 09:54:58 PM GMT

I have to say I agree here; the amateurs within our party are actually people who have absolutely no experience in the real world (or in matters related to their current job in the party) - Mark's actually got all the necessary qualifications to provide that oversight on behalf of the NEC/membership.

The last guy didn't deliver, so he's got to go. I'm going to give Mark a chance, and if he doesn't deliver then he'll have to go too - or at least that's how I think accountability works these days.


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#28)

by ComradeNorton on Sat Jan 19, 2008 at 10:09:47 AM GMT

Can I ask how many accounting systems you have put in place and how many finance departments you have run to ensure that you would spot irregular transactions in a timely manner and investigate them professionally?

Our problems arise, not out an ability to look at the accounts to provide some oversight, but that the systems that were not in place to ensure that those accounts highlighted early transactions of a suspicious nature and that those transactions were investigated and repaired in a timely fashion. 

Most people think that the work of a professional accountant is bookeeping but that is not the case.  Yes you may have read some accounts for a legal case, but I read contracts when I am negotiating, that doesn't mean I am going to apply to the bar.  In my training to be a chartered accountant I was given more legal training than you will have been given training in accountancy during your bar exams, yet you would be horrified if I applied for a legal post in the party.

Personally, I don't care if the reincarnation of Mother Teresa were to stand for this position.  If there is a single professional accountant who stands for this role, the party must choose them over anyone else and no end of praise worthy acts in other areas can overcome that.

Against that, I suspect that my professional colleagues all look at the role and think that without proper legislation limiting the extent of political expenditure it just isn't worth the candle because a day will very quickly come when the treasurer is backed into a corner and it is them against the whole of the Labour party over an issue that would force an accountant's resignation. 

So coming full circle, and having the public's general view of lawyers, you are welcome to it ;)


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#31)

by markmcdonald on Sun Jan 20, 2008 at 11:47:17 AM GMT

Thank you for your comment ComradeNorton. I dissagree that only an accountant can do the job. You should be competent and dedicated - which I am. The idea that the oversight needs to be provided by an accountant infers a very confrontational approach where the party sees itself as being under investigation by its own officers. I do happen to believe we need a traditional style Finance Director in the party with an management accounting background.


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#35)

by ComradeNorton on Sun Jan 20, 2008 at 02:40:50 PM GMT

"The idea that the oversight needs to be provided by an accountant infers a very confrontational approach"

So you intend to leave your professional scepticism at the door in the same way as the previous treasurer? 

"I do happen to believe we need a traditional style Finance Director in the party with an management accounting background"

So you are happy to have less ability than the bloke you are reviewing?  Remember, he or she is going to be paid by the party and beholding to the PM not you.  Ulitimately it will be you carrying the can as well.  Personally Treasurer and Finance Director should be the same post.

If you are prepared to take some advice, don't try and bullshit when it comes to finance.  There are two qualities that we need to fulfil this role:

1) someone who is going to build a control environment that is confrontational.  Make no mistakes, people have got to know that if they do something wrong they will be found out and right royally shafted.  That way no-one messes about in the first place. 

I'm Welsh and supported Hain but personally I would be hanging Harman and Hain up by their delicate areas outside Westminster if I was Gordon Brown and the country would have respected him for it.  By not doing so it looks like he hasn't got a moral compass and/or lacking a backbone.  Its harsh, but its the truth and if you don't believe it then why are diehard labour supporters on this site calling for resignations?

2) someone who can implement that control environment without pissing everyone off while they are doing it.

The answer to 1 is an accountant because they know how to set up their systems along the fundemental principles of accountant and the experience to ensure they work.  

The answer to 2 is an accountant because if its a qualified accountant showing you a set of numbers and this is how things are going to be it will be accepted whereas the party is full of lawyers and they are not going to be told by another lawyer what to do. 

Be sure that you want this job.  You can try and slide the issues like you lawyers do and that would probably make you a good MP but you have to be able to do the job and this is one which most qualified accountants would baulk at.  If you muck this up you will not recover from it.


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#36)

by ComradeNorton on Sun Jan 20, 2008 at 02:40:55 PM GMT

"The idea that the oversight needs to be provided by an accountant infers a very confrontational approach"

So you intend to leave your professional scepticism at the door in the same way as the previous treasurer? 

"I do happen to believe we need a traditional style Finance Director in the party with an management accounting background"

So you are happy to have less ability than the bloke you are reviewing?  Remember, he or she is going to be paid by the party and beholding to the PM not you.  Ulitimately it will be you carrying the can as well.  Personally Treasurer and Finance Director should be the same post.

If you are prepared to take some advice, don't try and bullshit when it comes to finance.  There are two qualities that we need to fulfil this role:

1) someone who is going to build a control environment that is confrontational.  Make no mistakes, people have got to know that if they do something wrong they will be found out and right royally shafted.  That way no-one messes about in the first place. 

I'm Welsh and supported Hain but personally I would be hanging Harman and Hain up by their delicate areas outside Westminster if I was Gordon Brown and the country would have respected him for it.  By not doing so it looks like he hasn't got a moral compass and/or lacking a backbone.  Its harsh, but its the truth and if you don't believe it then why are diehard labour supporters on this site calling for resignations?

2) someone who can implement that control environment without pissing everyone off while they are doing it.

The answer to 1 is an accountant because they know how to set up their systems along the fundemental principles of accountant and the experience to ensure they work.  

The answer to 2 is an accountant because if its a qualified accountant showing you a set of numbers and this is how things are going to be it will be accepted whereas the party is full of lawyers and they are not going to be told by another lawyer what to do. 

Be sure that you want this job.  You can try and slide the issues like you lawyers do and that would probably make you a good MP but you have to be able to do the job and this is one which most qualified accountants would baulk at.  If you muck this up you will not recover from it.


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#40)

by rwendland on Sun Jan 20, 2008 at 06:29:59 PM GMT

> this is one which most qualified accountants would baulk at.  If you muck this up you will not recover from it.

Absoloutely ComradeNorton. I cannot see why any qualified accountant would take this on, unless retired. Currently the job has perceived responsibility without any real power - you're the fall guy for when something goes wrong and public. It could be career ending.

I think a barrister wouldn't be a bad choice, given an accountant is unlikely. As Mark said "As a Barrister, I am used to a lack of disclosure, but it is matter of perseverance, and making sure that people are aware that without proper disclosure the job cannot be done properly." There are a lot worse choices.


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#29)

by Captain Spaulding on Sat Jan 19, 2008 at 05:01:28 PM GMT

I have just realised, I've met Mr McDonald a couple of times. I only met him briefly but he seemed an extremely ambitious individual who is obviously impatient to make a career in politics.


I don't think that's quite what people want to see in a Treasurer - sorry. I wish him the best of luck in seeking a parliamentary seat, which is what he really desires, I'm sure.


Re: A New Treasurer (#30)

by markmcdonald on Sun Jan 20, 2008 at 11:43:48 AM GMT

Yes you're ambitious - and so is everyone who joins the labour party. but it's not ambition for a parliamentary seat but to change the way britain treats it's most vulnerable citizens. That's not something to be ashamed of. The candidacy for treasurer is born from a fear that the drip drip of issues based on the party's internal arrangements will damage our electability. So my ambition in this sense is to provide some protection for every councillor, MP and every other labour politician who is vulnerable as a consequence of circumstances out of their control. The task facing Labour's next treasurer is so important that it precludes a parliamentary candidacy if the holder wants to keep their eye on the ball. So yes, one day, I would like to represent labour in parliament, but right now there's a job that needs doing and I don't see anyone else offering to take this task on with the same attitude.


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#33)

by Curlew on Sun Jan 20, 2008 at 12:14:12 PM GMT

"Yes you're ambitious - and so is everyone who joins the labour party"

A sweeping statement I think


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#39)

by alexhilton on Sun Jan 20, 2008 at 03:55:55 PM GMT

I know what Mark means. Labour is an ambitious party. From our very first days with no MPs, we were the party with the vision to change the face of Britain rather than accept a status quo comfortable to a powerful elite and a compliant middle class.

Joining the Labour Party surely means you share those ambitions, even if not through the means of putting your name on a ballot paper?


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#37)

by ComradeNorton on Sun Jan 20, 2008 at 02:46:39 PM GMT

"I don't see anyone else offering to take this task on with the same attitude."

To be fair, I do have to say that I respect you for having the balls to put yourself forward.  I think your mad but I do respect your guts.

Where does one find out about this role in any case as I like a challenge myself?


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#41)

by Curlew on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 10:24:32 AM GMT

From your points above Comrade Norton - if you're qualified, I'd support you on that ticket.


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#45)

by ComradeNorton on Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 08:43:58 PM GMT

I am a chartered accountant, but happily running the finances of one of the best public organisations in the country.  I have only been in the party a year and a half so it would be unlikely in any case. 

Whoever does this would have to dedicate their entire time to it aswell as its such a dangerous job that if you didn't you couldn't sleep at night.

That's why I can't understand why a perfectly good barrister would even dream of taking the risk part time however much I admire his bottle.


[ Parent ]

Re: A New Treasurer (#46)

by treborc on Tue Feb 05, 2008 at 09:44:11 PM GMT

If you had said you took A levels and then worked for a charity or the local Union I have said yes ok, but another lawyer within Labour, nope.


A New Treasurer | 44 comments (44 topical)