Labour needs an NEC that is united and focused on ensuring that it is ready for the challenges ahead. An NEC that provides constructive and competent challenge and direction. In my mind the NEC need to do three things.
Firstly, the NEC needs to have the confidence of party members and voters. Specifically, it needs to have an independent complaints and discipline process that is free of interference. A system that is timely so does not leave anyone in limbo. The NEC should be able to scrutinise information and data; and be consistent in things like candidate selection. Members also need to see transparency and reporting back of NEC decisions and policies. Discussion and debate is necessary but collective decision making has to be paramount.
Secondly, the NEC needs to be able to respond to external changes and internal challenges. The pandemic, technology, financial and legal challenges all have had an impact on how the Labour Party functions. Positively, technology has meant that we can now offer much more inclusive meetings and therefore allow more members to participate. The NEC also needs to offer challenge to the Party about the legal and financial situation we are in and how the party learns from this. We can never be in a position again where whistle-blowers are targeted for speaking out or where Anti-Semitism, racism and prejudice are not taken seriously.
Thirdly, the NEC needs to provide the foundation in which Labour is successful in winning elections. By this I mean that the NEC needs to reflect on success and defeat; and help build frameworks that support campaigning and resourcing CLPs.
Good governance is about ensuring consistency, fairness and scrutiny of the Party through competency. My experience and skills on various executive committees both within and outside the Labour Party would enable me to support the work of the NEC. If elected, I will utilise these skills to work for a united and trusted Party, that is ready to govern our country.
