NEC elections my take

Wiseman Mon Jun 23, 2008 at 09:21:49 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Dear Colleagues

I feel this NEC election will be the last with slates.  Thi is moves for democracy in GRA, which is good and would like to see this in members first.  I would like to see a good old left/right battle on policy and not between indviduals.  There is talent on both slates, but in differing ways.  Lets just hope they do work for the grassroots.  I will stand next time if asked by CLPs, because we do need a shake up.

John Wiseman
PPC Westmorland and Lonsdale and Shop Steward Unite





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NEC elections my take | 8 comments (8 topical)

Re: NEC elections my take (#1)

by Calum on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 01:40:52 AM GMT

i was really disapointed u didn't stand john.

u would have had my vote.

i agree with much of the GRA platform, however, i do think it is rediclious for the GRA to pontificate about democracy in the party when their nominees have no legitmacy. having been hand picked, not elected.

 regardless, they will have my vote yet still i cannot help but be let down by that...

 i agree that the part needs reform. we need 2 become real progressives. we must realise that we cannot use the market to solve the social justice problems that the market has created. to do so is a contradiction in terms. using competition to solve social justice is doomed to fail.

 we musn't be afraid of the state, it is an agent of progressive reform. it is the best agent of progressive reform.


Re: NEC elections my take (#2)

by e10rifles on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:36:22 AM GMT

I have no idea of how the CLGA process will look in two years time but am encouraged by the suggestion that it is being looked at and will be more transparent. I think disappointment with this has led to some of the problems with nominations this year. At least there is some recognition of democracy within the CLGA though, unlike the murky Labour First...


[ Parent ]

Re: NEC elections my take (#3)

by grimupnorth on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 04:53:21 PM GMT

I hate to disillusion  you  but many questions have been asked this year about how the CLGA slate was put together. I am hoping next time it will result in a left-of-centre  slate involving LRC/Briefing/etc. I disagree with John  on this. That is currently what we are trying to achieve We do need  proper slates - and they MUST be democratically chosen. That is the basis  on which the LRC is working. As for Labour First, I agree it is an  unrepresentyative clique  in the pockets  of the leadership


[ Parent ]

Re: NEC elections my take (#4)

by bobbysilby on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 06:07:16 AM GMT

Instead of "democratically picking" the make up of slates why don't we democratically decide the makeup of the NEC, you know by people who want to stand doing so without prior approval from anyone and members voting. Just an idea?


[ Parent ]

Re: NEC elections my take (#5)

by bobbysilby on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 06:08:55 AM GMT

Of course if that idea is too radical than perhaps I could form a new group within the GRA to put forward our own slate to be elected as the GRA slate, we would have to be careful to stop infiltration though!


[ Parent ]

Re: NEC elections my take (#6)

by e10rifles on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 09:55:07 AM GMT

Individuals are welcome to stand independently for election to the NEC. I seem to remember Tony Robinson did and was successful. Not sure what you're complaining about here...


[ Parent ]

Re: NEC elections my take (#8)

by bobbysilby on Sun Jun 29, 2008 at 02:54:04 AM GMT

I did not say that, I just think its pretty silly to have parties within the party. I voted accross lines for who I thought were the best six candidates.


[ Parent ]

Re: NEC elections my take (#7)

by Free Radical on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 06:51:05 PM GMT

Sorry, this idea of getting away from slates is not too well thought out in my opinion.

Slates were an inevitable response to the removal of the rights of MPs to stand in the CLP section - a move clearly aimed at the left. As a consequence the people standing were, unlike the MPs, not generally well known - hence the inevitability of slates in which people would at least have some idea of a policies and political stance even if they didn't know the individuals. I have no problem with slates in this context.


NEC elections my take | 8 comments (8 topical)