Vote Kenyon and CLGA for the NEC

Peter Kenyon Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 09:25:06 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Ballot papers for the six constituency places on the National Executive Committee should be sent to members eligible to vote by the end of this week. The last we heard was the planned closing date was 18 July - just ahead of the National Policy Forum.




If you're one of those entitled to vote, I hope you you pick through your post carefully, find the ballot paper (which in previous years has been 'hidden' in other Labour Party material) and exercise your democratic right.

Why vote for me? I only want Labour governments. We all know what's at stake. The Leadership has to be held to much closer account than over the past 10 to 15 years. While those whom we, the members, have helped get elected have been in office, to put it politely, they have tended to neglect us.

The Centre Left Grassroots Alliance brings together members standing for the NEC from across the country who share a set of values, even if they may differ on some policy specifics. As it says on the label 'centre' and 'left'.

Our focus is this:

Gordon Brown on taking over as leader of the Labour Party promised to renew party democracy, rebuild the party itself, and give members more say in shaping policy. CLGA candidates will seek to hold him to his word. This is vital to increase membership and activism, and to win back electoral support for Labour candidates at every level.


Our joint leaflet can be found here. You can see from this blog that it is focussed almost exclusively on exposing how the Labour Party currently functions and the yawning gap that exists between Leader and members. If we want to win the next British General Election, we have got to close that gap pdq.

If you want to know more about me, you can see the CV I submitted with my application for the post of General Secretary here. My priorities are set out in the covering letter I sent to Dianne Hayter, the current NEC chair with my application in the Round Two recruitment after David-Pitt-Watson withdrew..

If you share that vision, then vote Azam, Black, Kenyon, Reeves, Shawcroft and Willsman before 18 July. We are prepared to stand up for what's right.

Thank you.



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Vote Kenyon and CLGA for the NEC | 8 comments (8 topical)

Re: Vote Kenyon and CLGA for the NEC (#1)

by jonty on Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 10:08:07 AM GMT

An obsession with process over policy ideas that leaves me totally cold i'm afraid.


Re: Vote Kenyon and CLGA for the NEC (#2)

by Peter Kenyon on Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 10:14:56 AM GMT

Dear jonty

Psst....policy is done at the NPF....process is done at the NEC...you know the rest  - membership, finance, campaigning, candidate selection, party organisation - boring, boring, boring....but essential if we are going to win the next election.

http://petergkenyon.typepad.com/peterkenyon/2008/06/vote-kenyon-and-clga-for-labours-nec.html


Re: Vote Kenyon and CLGA for the NEC (#4)

by Free Radical on Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 11:16:27 AM GMT

Yes, policy is supposedly done at the NPF - a very regrettable development that the Centre-left Grassroots Alliance has unfortunately supported.

I will probably support the slate, though I'll listen to the debate before I make up my mind about particular individuals. Some, like Ann Black, have been exceptionally good, but going along with the NPF has been a dreadful mistake in my view.


[ Parent ]

Re: Vote Kenyon and CLGA for the NEC (#3)

by grimupnorth on Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 11:06:21 AM GMT

In what sense exactly is Ellie Reeves "left"   or indeed "centre"? She was  one  of the main cheerleaders for the abolition of contemporary resolutions last year  - which  CLGA  candidates heartily opposed. Reeves is also backed by Labour First.ie   Blairites/Brownites Which is why I won't be voting for her. She is not supported by the LRC which is why  our name is not  on the leaflet from the CLGA.  Our advice is vote for the five who were originally on the slate - the sixth , Fran Griffiths, is  unfortunately not there becuase of an administrative error by her CLP....


Re: Vote Kenyon and CLGA for the NEC (#5)

by Wiseman on Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 04:22:00 PM GMT

Dear Peter

I manged to get the slate through my clp with one of the Labour first people, I will vote for the slate, but I am standing in whatever capacity next time as independant lefty or as part of a left slate.

Thanks

John Wiseman
Member of the LRC/Compass
PPC Westmorland and Lonsdale


Re: Vote Kenyon and CLGA for the NEC (#6)

by repub on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:01:41 PM GMT

John I understand you feel aggreived because you wanted to stand this time, but I think it is arrogant to assert that you will be a candidate next time regardless of the circumstances...

What if this were to aid the number of Labour First members being elected to the NEC?

You should certainly make your case for being a candidate at the time, but not simply assert you will be one, unless you prioritise your own career over progressive politics.

I'm sure there are many people who would want to stand...but standing them all would split the vote...


[ Parent ]

Re: Vote Kenyon and CLGA for the NEC (#7)

by Wiseman on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 12:45:12 PM GMT

Fair point, but without re-opening old wounds because we have to get progressives elected.  I feel that there is a centre-left voice in the slate, but no genuine left voice, that is the problem.  All I am saying is that there is a strong left wing voice in the party that is not represented.

Thanks for the advice

John


Re: Vote Kenyon and CLGA for the NEC (#8)

by davidfloyd on Sun Jun 15, 2008 at 02:57:14 PM GMT

John,

Do you really think there's a strong voice in the Party that's so left-wing that's it's not represented by someone as centrist as Christine Shawcroft?

Surely anyone that left-wing would just storm into the NEC rather than worrying about elected to it. 


[ Parent ]

Vote Kenyon and CLGA for the NEC | 8 comments (8 topical)