On the eve of the launch of the London Mayoral campaign this might not be seen by the powers that be as the most appropriate time for a spot of navel gazing. Having blogged vigorously for a general secretary majoring in financial planning skills and an eye on rebuilding membership, there is no better moment than now to highlight the harsh realities. After all if it took ten years from 1987 to 1997 to put on between 125,000 and 150,000 members; how long is it going to take just to put on the 200,000 plus we have lost since regaining power?

Former Assitant General Secretary David Pitt-Watson has been appointed GS by the NEC. Pitt-Watson has a track record in private sector finance and I have acquired the biog below from the Labour Finance & Industry Group. Pitt-Watson is believed to have been the Prime Minister's preferred candidate for the position.

The latest donations and borrowing data from the Electoral Commission revealed Labour's net indebtedness in Q4 2007 was slightly higher while donations were sharply lower. The Party's dependence on its traditional financial supporters - the trade unions has increased, while TU members' readiness to fund Labour is facing increasing opposition from rank-and-file members.

Tribune today has a dramatic article about Labour Party attempts to reschedule up to £14 million of loans, and that NEC members could be personally liable for the debts if legal action is taken. Apparently a last resort of converting the party into a limited company is being considered by some, to protect the NEC members from liability!

The Grassroots Alliance are standing a slate that lacks full democratic legitimacy in this year's NEC elections. As a young and perhaps idealistic member I am outraged at the partisan attacks on a committed democrat and activist who dares challenge this hypocrisy.

A debate has opened up on Grimmerupnorth, Labour Left Forum, LabourHome as well as here about the issue of slates for the forthcoming Labour National Executive Committee (NEC). Questions are being asked, aspertions cast, and denigrations peppered. It is as though political animals with a common agenda shouldn't been seen congregating together. Oh, you are on a slate - political pervert.

With all the recent discussions over the membership and role of the NEC, I thought I'd take a look at the rules - and was surprised to see this text below;

"4C.2a No elected member of the House of
Commons, European Parliament, Scottish
Parliament, Welsh Assembly or a member
of the House of Lords shall be eligible to
stand in Divisions I, II, III, or IV of the NEC.
Any member of Divisions I, II, III or IV shall
cease to be a member of the NEC if they
are elected to the House of Commons,
European Parliament, Scottish Parliament,"

Isn't Keith Vaz MP in Division II (socialist and co-operative societies)? Does anyone know if there was some dispensation in the rules that allowed Keith to take this NEC position while remaining an MP?

John Wiseman

St Helens South and Whiston

Membership No L0023586

Other than myself I urge support for the grassroots alliance candidates

Thanks

John Wiseman

I have had quite a few helpful "words in my ear" recently from people close to the great and the good wondering where I was going with this post on the future of the NEC.

You might know I have started the beginnings of a Labour wiki. I have just done a draft of a page on the NEC and it occurs to me that things are a little imbalanced.

According to the radio, Labour Party General Secretary Peter Watt has resigned. The NEC will be meeting to consider his replacement.

The NEC Code of Conduct for Parliamentary Selections is clear – "No materials calling for support in the selection process will be produced or distributed by or on behalf of any individual prior to the publication of the timetable following the Executive Committee meeting to commence the selection process within a CLP". The purpose is to ensure a level playing field when a selection is called - so what is the point in having a rule which Labour Regional offices feel unable to uphold?

The Electoral Commission published the 2006 Statement of Accounts for the major political parties yesterday. Labour's can be downloaded here. They show the outgoing Leader left the Party with debts of £24.86 million.

The NEC are interviewing today.  Any news on the candidates?

Gordon Brown plans to destroy the last pitiful shreds of meaningful debate at Labour Party Conference. Under proposals now out for consultation ( which completely by-passed the NEC by the way) members are being asked to consider plans to end our ability to move contemporary and emergency resolutions at annual Conference

In week's Tribune there was a small article which I thought was significant in light of discussions about the party's structures. I thought it worth copying out in full. What do people think - is this a welcome move ending an anti-democratic position reliant on patronage? It certainly has implications for the deputy leadership contest if the reports are true. Only Jon Cruddas and Hazel Blears come close to being able to fulfill an active campaigning role as Deputy Leader.

London4Change: Unison National Executive Council elections 2007

Stand Up and Vote for Democracy
Conroy, Irene, Louise & Kim are standing in the forthcoming UNISON NEC elections.

Following the news that there will be no "affirmative ballot" ( and no chance to spoil your ballot papers, comrades) for Stalinist Gordon, John McDonnell is now writing to him asking him to support the principle of a leadership contest. A clever  move.

From this week's Tribune. The latest on the NEC Inquiry into Worsley and Eccles South, with new information about the problems in that selection. Plus the NEC's decisions on which Labour held seats where the MP is retiring, will be open or all women shortlists.