Posted on 30th August 2020

Electing socialist NEC reps for Local Government, Youth, Disability, Wales and Treasurer

Nominations are rolling in for the six #GrassrootsVoice candidates standing for the Constituency Labour Party places on the National Executive Committee. Don’t Leave, Organise is fully engaged in the campaign to get Gemma Bolton, Yasmine Dar, Ann Henderson, Nadia Jama, Laura Pidcock and Mish Rahman elected to the NEC. We need their uncompromising socialist voices speaking out for members’ interests and concerns in the face of an alarming rightward, anti-democratic shift from the leadership.

But it’s not only the CLP places that will be up for grabs when members cast their votes in October. There are socialists standing in other categories of NEC membership who deserve support.

Local Government

Many members were disappointed that Jo Bird was not included on the CLP slate of six. However, we are delighted that she is standing alongside fellow councillor Matt White for the two Local Government seats. They are seeking nominations from Labour Groups around the country. Both are supported by the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour Councillors and DLO.

We are also recommending support for the following:

Youth representative

Lara McNeill

Endorsed by Fire Brigades’ Union and Bakers, Food and Allied Workers’ Union.

Current NEC Youth Rep, standing on her record of fighting for a democratic party and an unashamedly socialist platform, and delivering a youth manifesto for the 2019 election.

Disability representative

Ellen Morrison

Endorsed by Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), Disability Labour, UNITE, Fire Brigades’ Union and Bakers, Food and Allied Workers’ Union.

Disability Officer in Lewisham East CLP; organised campaigns, events, protests and conferences with DPAC; Active in the campaign to #StopAndScrapUniversalCredit.

Welsh representative

Mick Antoniw

Endorsed by ASLEF, TSSA, Bakers Food & Allied Workers’ Union, NUM (South Wales), UNISON Cymru/ Wales, Socialist Education Association, Socialist Health Association, Wales Council of the Co-operative Party

Welsh NEC rep since January 2019, founding member of the Welsh anti-apartheid movement and a trade-union lawyer who represented Orgreave miners; committed to a truly membership-led party.

Treasurer

Esther Giles

Has 35 years experience as public finance accountant; committed to promoting governance underpinned by the Nolan principles of public life; for clear and accessible communication regarding all financial and NEC matters. Has written to the General Secretary challenging the decision to use party funds to settle libel action by former party staffers.