Here's To The Next Ten Years . . .

Ten years after we won the General Election Tony Blair leaves office and Gordon Brown moves into 10 Downing Street. He inherits a Britain in a much better state than 1997. It is a better place to live then it was then.

Gordon's' new cabinet shows that he's preparing for the next ten years. Interesting to see Shaun Woodward in the cabinet and the promotions of James Purnel and Andy Durham are welcome rewards for talent and hard work. Good to see Hazel at Communities and Local Government - her experience in Salford will stand her in good stead.

Nice to see John Denham back and I thought the appointment of Jacqui Smith as home Secretary was inspired. Very competent but re-assuring as well - and a very nice person. (Personally I just hope she's not as keen on ID cards as the press suggest.)

Most of the messages about the first few days look good - the only mistake was not to find a role for Stuart Pearce in the Ministry of Sport.

http://www.identitycards.gov.uk/index.asp

Leadership Conference

Well, congratulations to Harriet Harman. Not the result many people anticipated but she clearly worked hard until the last minute and it will be good to have a woman as Deputy Leader.

The weekend went well. Starting with my local Branch Labour Party out canvassing and leafleting on Saturday morning. Five of us (and eighteen month old Ben) managed to cover a good bit of ground and we'll carry on until next May 1st. May Day would be a good day to regain the ward for Labour.

Saturday evening was a barbecue organised by Hazel Blears' supporters. It was a barbecue with surprisingly good food and surprisingly strong cider!

There was a National Executive Committee meeting on Sunday morning at which we received the details of plans by Gordon Brown to improve our policy making - a key priority for much of the new leadership.

The Conference in the afternoon was well attended and it was good to see Neil Kinnock there. Like other NEC members I was disturbed that the result was on the TV before it was announced to the Conference and I'm sure we'll be asking questions about that. Disappointed that Hazel went out first but she's' been prepared to fight her corner and she'll come out of this stronger.

Harriet topped the poll amongst ordinary members in every round so in a way its good to see the members' choice come through.

It's important now that we get on to the campaigning side of things - we can't rely on the Tories to beat themselves but even now its clear that up against a politician of Gordon Brown's substance, David Cameron just looks lightweight.

On Sunday night we'd arranged for Radio 5 to broadcast their political programme from our pub in Salford - The Crescent. BBC put on the food and with plenty of Labour people popping down through the evening, we gave the Beeb a different sort programme and a warm welcome to their new Salford home. Much of the BBC will be moving to Salford in 4 years time.

Anyway - weekend over and its time to more forward.

Dennis Skinner Dinner

Friday 22nd saw Dennis Skinner speaking at a fundraiser at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton.
Dennis is great at this - going round the country helping constituencies to raise funds and get the message across.

He is a great speaker with a distinctive style. I suppose the point about him is that even if you don't agree with him you can see he is genuine. In fact I agreed with every word he said as he laid into the Tories and Liberals and reminded people of just how much Labour has achieved.

A lovely dinner and thanks to all the people at Bolton North East for organising it.

Leadership Conference

The Leadership Conference will be held in Manchester on Sunday 24th June. It promises to be an interesting "set piece" event and there will be lots of media interest as it will mark the start of Gordon Brown's Prime Ministership.

It's also got to near the end of the recent period of hiatus and see the party organisation moving on to the first foot in terms of preparation for the General Election. What we don't need is the sort of "reorganisations" which change nothing and confuse everybody.

What we do need is change, to the Policy Forum procedure which ensures it engages much more with our members and a clear emphasis on building of our organisation on the ground and in the regions. We won’t be able to out spend the Tories next time but we can out work them with the commitment of our volunteers.

If anyone is coming to the conference and want tips on where to stay feel free to contact me on 07880 790182.

http://www.labour.org.uk/leadership/

Saturday 23rd June 2007 10.30am

Mass canvas and postal vote drive

Meet at Co-op Shopping Giant, Bolton Road, Irlam’s o’th’Height, M6 7NJ. We’re on a big drive to cover a polling district and then have a Saturday afternoon pint. All welcome – the more the merrier.

Supper With The Minister

Friday 6th July 2007 - 7.30pm for 8pm

M30 Restaurant, White Horse Pub, Eccles Old Road, Salford
Claremont Branch Labour Party is organising a “Supper With The Minister” with Kitty Ussher MP for Burnley.

This promises to be an excellent fundraising evening and you are urged to book your places early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets cost just £20.00 for a three course meal.

To book your ticket and place your order phone Peter Wheeler on 07880 790182 or e-mail: peter.wheeler@amicustheunion.org

Starters:

• Leek and Potato Soup


• Prawn Cocktail


• Buttered mushrooms baked in leek and crumbly stilton

Main:

• Lamb Shank, wine gravy, coriander mash, seasonal veg


• Grilled salmon, new potatoes, seasonal veg


• Stuffed peppers with savoury mushroom rice and salad

Coffee and chocolate mints

Deputy Leader - Its Up To You

Ballot papers are now landing on people's mats and the decision is in the hands of the members.

As you know I'm voting for Hazel Blears. All the other candidates have good things to be said about them but for me Hazel has the unique blend of enthusiasm, ability, experience and thorough-going commitment to the Labour movement which will help us to a fourth General Election victory.

I'll be giving my second preference to Alan Johnson who has good Labour and Trade Union credentials and a good political grasp but the important thing is that members actually vote. At the NEC elections only 20% of members voted and low turn-outs like that discredit the Party.


So - make sure you use your vote, get behind the winning leadership team and, after June 24th, let's show both the Tories and Liberal Democrats how a campaigning Labour Party can deliver.

Liverpool - The People's Hustings

Thursday saw the Deputy Leadership election hustings in Liverpool. The venue was Hope University in Everton and there was an excellent turnout of over 300. The format was the now standard one of a speech and then question and answers with Gordon, followed by speeches from, and questions to, the Deputy candidates.

They are all bearing up well under the strain and there is a good discussion going on about the future course of the Party. This sort of debate and activity is precisely what the party needs.
It was good to see the hustings in Liverpool. Originally the Party had not scheduled a husting in the North West but pressure from North West members did the trick and its good to see the Party listening to the members in this way.

Thanks to USDAW for their support for the event and the North West staff for the hard work they put into building the event.

As you can see we took a coachload from Salford and ended up with a lengthy post match analysis in "The Crescent" afterwards.

By-Elections

Manchester - Charlestown - June 14th 2007

This by-election is caused by the death of Eric Tobin, a good Trades Unionist and active Labour Councillor.

We had a big majority in May but the BNP got a quarter of the vote in a neighbouring ward and we're going to make sure they don't make any in-roads here.

We were out Saturday and Sunday morning and the local party are meeting at Moston Labour Club, Monday - Thursday 6.00 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday 11.00 a.m. If you can come and help ring Mark Hackett on 07795 960931.

Vale Royal - Davenham and Moulton 21st June 2007

Held over from May due to a death, three seats are up for election and if the Tories get two they get control. If you can help in any way - ring Anna at the Regional Office - 01925 574913.

Wigan - Tydesley 28th June 2007

Liberal Democrats held seat but we are looking to put them under pressure - ring the Regional Office on 01925 574913.

Same Old Tories

"Once upon a time there was a Tory Party which was committed to social justice, caring, compassionate . . . " but reality kept rearing its head.

The Tory MP for South Devon arrives at his railway station on Tuesday and can't find a parking space so he parks on a disabled parking space and leaves it there till Friday.

We'd all do that - wouldn't we? NO we wouldn't because most of us have more common decency. I just wonder why he hadn't been towed away.

The campaigning charity, Mobilize, says that blue badge parking schemes for disabled people are being "abused by idiots like that MP who feel they are above the law!" I think they're being kind to him.

If you have any more examples of the true face of the Tories forward them to me and I'll ensure they get publicised.

Deputy Leader Hustings

Manchester Central

On Thursday 31st May 2007 Manchester Central CLP organised a hustings for the Deputy Leader elections. There was a good turnout of over 50 and the CLP had decided not to make a nomination so it was in the nature of a discussion.

Peter Hain and John Cruddas were there in person. Hazel had a pre-arranged meeting in South London so I stood in for her. Ivan Lewis MP spoke for Alan Johnson, Tom Levett MP for Hilary Benn and Jack Dromy spoke on behalf of Harriet Harman.

To be honest I should have been in bed as I'd just come down badly with man flu but didn't want to let Hazel down - I just hope I didn't give it to anybody.

It was a good, comradely debate and if it carries on like this (famous last words!) it will be very close at the end. My financial consultants say if you can still back Hazel at 6-1 - you'd be mad not to!

Migrant Workers

The exploitation of migrant workers was highlighted in our local paper the other week with the story of six East European workers being "based" in a garden shed.

Salford Council took prompt action to end this situation and the local Party are now getting together with local Trade Unions, community groups and churches, publications and the Council to establish an organisation to tackle this sort of abuse.

The local Polish organisations are keen to be involved and I'll let you know how it goes.

Sheffield Hustings

Sunday 27th May 2007 saw the Leadership Hustings in Sheffield.

A car load of us went from Salford to see how it was going.
Held at Sheffield United Football Club there was a good turnout of around 300 (by my count!)

There was a question and answer session with Gordon Brown in which he displayed the qualities which I believe make him the right man for Britain's next Prime Minister - solid ability, commitment to social justice (both here and internationally) and an ability to generate trust and support amongst Labour supporters. His description of the effect of debt relief in places like Kenya, where education is now free and 1 million youngsters suddenly appear at school is very moving and reminds you of why we do what we do.

The platform for the Deputy hustings was a very crowded event. Candidates made a short speech and then answered questions from the floor. The questions were obviously genuine and the whole debate was intelligent. I genuinely think we're lucky to have such a good field of candidates.

At the minute its looking like it could be a very close result and its vital party members engage and involve themselves in this debate. When its over we then need to focus relentlessly on the opposition and winning the next General Election.

Dennis Skinner comes to Bolton

Bolton North East - Friday 22nd June

Looks like a good night out in Bolton as Dennis Skinner M.P. will be speaking at a fundraising dinner at the Devere Whites Hotel, DeHavillard Way, Bolton (The Reebok Stadium).

The evening starts at 7.30 p.m. in The Lion of Vienna Suite.

Tickets are £20.00 - cheques to Bolton North East CLP and more information from: Enid Ramsden, 9 Briggs Fold Road, Egerton, Bolton BL9 9JG (07752 828299) E-mail ernie.ramsden@btinternet.com Tel 01204 309463

Menu

Starter: Melon, berries and coulis - Buffalo mozarella salad - Chicken liver pate

Main: Chicken breast White wine cream sauce - Grilled salmon - Tortellini ricotta

Desserts: Cheese biscuits - Fruit tart and cream - Chocolate tart and toffee

Tea / coffee

Three courses for £20.00 - good value - let Enid have your menu choice

Usdaw backs Hazel for Deputy

Hazel’s campaign received another boost today when USDAW, one of Britain’s largest unions, announced that it is putting its support behind Hazel Blears in the race for the deputy leadership.

In a meeting this afternoon, the union’s executive endorsed Gordon Brown as leader and nominated Hazel to be his deputy.

General Secretary John Hannett said: “We are backing Usdaw member Hazel Blears as our candidate for Labour Deputy Leader because we believe she has the right blend of energy, commitment and experience to make sure that the party’s manifesto commitments are delivered.”

Tories - Party of Women, Party of The Family?

Ignore the re-branding, when you get back to reality the Tories haven't changed!

A recent article in the Manchester Evening News describes a court case brought by Pauleen Lane, a Labour Councillor from during her term as Mayor of Trafford with a Tory administration.

Because she wanted to breastfeed her son, the Tories ruled she had to be accompanied by another adult if she wanted to travel in the mayoral car.

This led to her and the baby often having to follow the mayoral car, which carried her chain of office, in her own car! You couldn't make it up!

Pauleen is now suing for sex discrimination - Good Luck Pauleen

Northerners For Hazel

Monday night in Salford saw a well attended meeting of Hazel supporters from throughout the North West to discuss how we can maximise support for her.

We are aiming to contact as many members as possible to get Hazel's message across and to get supporters nominating her in every CLP across the region.

All CLPs are encouraged to hold an All Members' Meeting to decide their nomination and nominations have to be received at Head Office by Friday 2nd July 2007 - so there's not much time.

Please pass this message on to your friends and encourage them to get involved.

Anyone who wants to get involved in telephone canvassing, getting along to hustings, coming to Hazel's team meetings or in any other way, can contact Pete Wheeler on 07880 790 182.
Our next meeting is Tuesday 22nd May 2007 7.00 p.m. in The Annexe, The Crescent, Salford. For donations please contact Pete. Please try and get along and encourage your friends to come.

Leadership Elections - Hustings Meetings

Tickets and Details can be obtained via your Labour Party mpurl site.

Here is a schedule of places and dates:

Sunday 20th May: Husting, Coventry

Saturday 26th May: Unions Together Husting, Bristol

Sunday 27th May: Husting, Bradford

Wednesday 30th May: BAME Husting, Leicester

Saturday 2nd June: Husting, Glasgow

Sunday 3rd June: Unions Together Husting, Newcastle

Wednesday 6th June: Unions Together Husting, London

Saturday 9th June: Husting, Cardiff

Sunday 10th June: Youth Husting, Oxford

Saturday 16th June: Husting, London

Sunday 24th June: Leadership Conference and announcement of ballot results, Manchester

National Executive Committee (13.5.07)

Sunday saw a hastily convened NEC meeting at Victoria Street in London to agree details of the Leader / Deputy Leader elections.
Both Tony Blair and John Prescott addressed the last meeting of the NEC and were warmly thanked for making our Party electable and delivering three successive election victories.

Aspiring candidates have until Thursday to get nominations from MPs. There will then be campaigning and hustings meetings throughout the country. CLPs are asked to hold all members' meetings to discuss who their CLP should nominate. These nominations have to be submitted by Friday 1st June.

This will be a very busy time for the Party and hopefully one where we begin to focus on the task of taking on the Tories at the next election.

My only concern was that there was no provision for a hustings in the North West of England - the biggest party region in terms of members (I think!) There is one in every other region (except Eastern) and two in London. Given that we are rightly having special hustings aimed at youth and ethnic minority members - it seems wrong not to have women and LGBT sessions and this issue was brought up by Angela Eagle.

The General Secretary promised to look into this and do what he could - but if the national party can't do it we might need to organise our own!
Anyway, for the record, elections are meant to be energising experiences and help refresh the party. We all have different views and its right the candidates campaign hard to win our support. I just want to see the campaigning done in a positive fashion which sees us emerge stronger after it.

Personally I'm voting for Gordon Brown for Leader and Hazel Blears for deputy - but whoever you support - enjoy the election.

Tony Blair

The news from Trimdon Labour Club was hardly a surprise but the significance of it is still great for all of us.

Time for discussing the record of the last ten years will come but for today we should acknowledge just how much we as a party owe him.

Ten years ago this country was on its knees - its not perfect yet but it’s a damned sight better!

Thanks a lot Tony.

Wales

In Wales we didn't get the hiding expected and are still the largest party - no-one can form a Government without us.

We campaigned on a good record of delivery of Labour achievements and saw some excellent results on holding the Vales of Glamorgan and Clwyd and gaining Wrexham - well done Lesley Griffiths!

Losing seats like Preselli Pembs, Cardiff North, Aberconwy and Clwyd West hurt - and should remind our General Election strategists that we need to support our Welsh marginal seats as much as any others.

Scotland

It must have been heartbreaking for the party in Scotland to have been written off and vilified by our opposition in the media - fought back so hard and then just being beat by one seat by the SNP as largest party.

Obviously there's a lot of serious negotiating to do to determine the future at Holyrood over the next four years. Two key points stand out from this election: even under proportional representation the far left couldn't get anyone elected - the SSP / Solidarity managed zero between them. Just in case anyone needs reminding the alternative to Labour in Britain is not the far left - its the right.

The arguments that proportional representation lead to the end of votes being "wasted" look a bit lame when 100,000 and have been quite literally binned! The fact that we now only control two Councils in Scotland is no reflection on our members and Councillors. It’s the adoption of proportional representation which gave these Councils away.

Leicester

Results I'm getting from the rest of the country are patchy but one that needs highlighting is Leicester where we gained 18 seats and regained control - reducing the Liberal Democrats to six.

Well done Leicester.

I also hear Nottingham did very well.

North West

Across the North West as a whole, we lost 52 Councillors - 42 in the Councils having all out elections.

On Merseyside the results in Liverpool were again very good with four gains (and one loss) and we gained a seat in Sefton and in Wirral. Still no Tory Councillors in Liverpool.

In Chester the Tories gained control but largely as a result of the Liberal Democrats losing heavily.

It was sad to see the Tories gaining Blackpool and South Ribble but I know we'll be bouncing back in these seats.

Congratulations to Burnley where three of the four defending BNP Councillors were defeated - one on the toss of a coin which shows the importance of working till then end. (unhappily I hear the BNP did gain one in Burnley - so the fight goes on).

Greater Manchester

Across Greater Manchester the results were a mixed bag but the big factor was the failure of the Tories to make the big gains they had anticipated. They failed to take control of Bury (gaining only one seat) and Bolton and still are nowhere near getting a Councillor in Manchester.

In Wigan we gained three seats - two in Bolton and one in Tameside.
We lost good Councillors in places like Rochdale, Prestwich and Oldham but hopefully this year marks the end of retreat in Local Government and we can start going forward next year.

It was really good to see Rosa Battle elected in Bradford ward in Manchester with a majority just short of 1200 - well done Rosa.

Salford

Across Salford we gained one seat from the Liberal Democrats, lost one to them and lost two to the Tories.

The broad picture seems to be of the Liberal Democrats declining and the Tories picking up slightly.

As a party we need to get better at prioritising our effort and build up the local branches. Losing good Councillors like Eddie Sheehy, John Cullen and Christine Hudson is a blow and we need to prevent it happening next year.

Claremont

Just an update on the situation in our ward. We had a really successful election result cutting the Liberal Democrat majority from 442 to 150. Not bad considering we did a lot to help in the more marginal ward of Weaste and Seedley, where we again cut the Liberal Democrat majority to 89.

Local party members are really enthused and we are going to spend the rest of the year working hard to win next May. It won't be easy as we're up against the Liberal Democrat leader but we're determined to do it.

We're attracting new members and have already delivered a thank you leaflet all round the ward.

Sorry that I've been away or a while, i've been busy on the elections.

We used this great new Usdaw, Anti-BNP leaflet in Claremont. You can view it at Usdaw's website:

http://www.usdaw.org.uk/getactive/resource_library/1083163022_26908.html

To order copies you can phone Usdaw's Politics Office on 0161 249 2452 and ask for David or Gary.

Workers' Memorial Day Saturday 28th April 2007

Every year the Trade union movement throughout the world remembers those who have died at work and commits itself to campaign for greater legislation and enforcement.

Details of events can be found on the TUC website. I will be at the joint union rally starting at 11.00 a.m. in the Peace Gardens behind Manchester Town Hall.

At least 30,000 major workplace injuries are reported every year - its important we keep the political pressure up on this issue.

Mobile Pub Quiz

Thursday night saw us take a break from campaigning to raise much needed funds and have a social.

Our mobile pub quiz saw us taking in four pubs with questions about the pubs and buildings along the route. Hazel Blears, our MP, was with us and received a great welcome along the way. Her campaign to save Hope Hospital Maternity Unit may not have gone down well with the powers that be and the Tory party but it has been popular with the people that matter to us - her constituents in Salford.

Anyway a good time seemed to be had by all, John from Worsley won the quiz and received a "Nuts About Hazel" t-shirt and more money was raised for our election fund.

Manchester Withington

The party in Withington made a key selection the weekend before last. From an all women shortlist made up of very good candidates, they overwhelmingly picked LUCY POWELL to fight the next election.

The Liberal Democrats have a majority of around 400 which was gained on the back of a totally baseless and despicable scare campaign that Christies Hospital was to close. Surprise, surprise its still here - because it never was going to close.

Anyway Lucy is just the sort of candidate we need to win the seat back - its one of the few seats where being a City fan is an asset! Watch out for Labour Gain Manchester Withington! on election night.

Claremont Ward

With Nomination Day now passing, we have Liberal Democrat, Conservative and BNP opposition. In the usual confused way of these things the Tory candidate is an ex Liberal Democrat Councillor for the ward and the sitting Liberal Democrat has decided our ward's not good enough for him, so he's standing in the neighbouring ward.

Following boundary changes a couple of years ago the ward is not as marginal as it was but the confusion amongst the Anti-Labour vote and the fact that the sitting councillor has done a runner could give us a real chance this year.

I know everyone is busy elsewhere but if you're at a loose end and need some leafleting or canvassing to do - just call me on 07880 790182.

Nominations

Yesterday was the deadline for nominations in the local elections. Here in Salford, for the first time in a long time, the Tories will be fielding a candidate in every sent most of whom will be coming in last.

Worrying though is the number of extreme right candidates - 5 BNP, 1 English Democrat and 2 UKIP.

Steve Race and myself are working hard to regain our wards from the Liberal Democrats. If anyone has spare time on their hands please contact me on 07880 790182 and we'll be happy to welcome you onto our campaign team.

http://www.salfordlabour.org.uk/

Gateshead

Spent two days last week in Gateshead on behalf of the NEC trying to sort out a dispute involving Local Government Selections and All Women Shortlists.

Won't go into the details as the NEC need to consider the issue in detail. My only comment is that its sad when we get ourselves in a position where we are bitterly fighting each other, rather than our political opponents.

Given our financial difficulties we are going to have to manage more of the constitutional staff ourselves as party members. It's neither fair nor realistic to expect the Party staff to resolve every issue and we're just going to have to change the way we work in the future.

Consultation

Ellie Reeves and myself are asking members for the views on how the English local, Scottish and Welsh elections are going.

We've had a good response but please keep them coming in as we will be preparing a full report before the NEC meeting on 20th May 2007.


Contact

Ellie Reeves: eleanorreeves@aol.com


Peter Wheeler: peter.wheeler@amicustheunion.org

National Executive Committee - March 2007

London on Tuesday for the last NEC before the local elections. The meeting welcomed the newly elected Youth Representative, Stephanie Peacock and the newly elected representative of the Black Socialist Society, Keith Vaz M.P.

Party Funding

After questions to the Prime Minister, we spent the first two hours discussing the Hayden Phillips proposals on party funding.

At the minute the Tories are raising (and spending) about five times as much money as us. We want to get strict limits put on expenditure to prevent situations such as Welwyn and Hatfield where, at the last election, the Tories spent £150,000 to our £14,000.

To get these limits we are advised we need a deal with the other parties and Jack Straw is leading negotiations to get such a deal so its important we give him the room to do so.

My position is that we want a deal but not at any price and a deal that attacks the Trade Union link would be too big a price to pay!

It seems likely to me that we will be out-spent at the next election and need to:
1) do what we can to minimise the gap

2) utilise our volunteers much better to ensure the money we have goes much further
Jack Straw will be reporting back at the May meeting. I will keep you in touch.

For copies of the press release go to the party website http://www.labour.org.uk/home

Ealing Southall

The organisation committee had recommended that Ealing Southall have an all woman shortlist and this was explicitly referred to the NEC for endorsement, an unusual procedure.

Clearly, there are problems with this situation as it raises big issues of representation for women and people from ethnic minority backgrounds. Decisions of this nature need to be the product of a lot more research and involvement of Party members on the ground than they seem to be at the minute.

Warwick Delivery

Hazel Blears gave one of the regular reports she gave on how the Government is delivering on its manifesto commitments. The big issue for discussion was our commitment to improve legislation for agency workers. The Government has been looking for European wide action but this looks increasingly unlikely in which case the Government will have to frame its own legislation.

There followed a report on our advances in information technology and the forthcoming local, Welsh and Scottish elections. All members now have their own MPURC, a personalised computer site which allows you to access information from the Party. Instructions for settling it up are on the Labour Party website and when I've learnt to do it, I'll pass the information on!
Financially we're getting along, we need £1 million of high value donations by June and we look on target to get them!

Spring Events

The numerous party events over spring went very well but were apparently very labour intensive and are being looked at.

I made the point, along with Jeremy Beecham, that the spring events are good but we still need a Local Government Conference and this is being taken on board.

Leader / Deputy Leader Elections

This item had been extensively trailed in the media which provoked a degree of anger at the NEC.

The basic points to emerge is that any Leader / Deputy Leader contest is expected to last around seven weeks. In the event of only one candidate being nominated there will not be an affirmative ballot.

An important feature of the election will be that CLPs are entitled to make supportive nominations and CLPs will be expected to meet early on in the campaign to make these. Guidelines will be issued and the NEC is recommending this is done at All Member meetings.

There will be at least five official hastings during the campaign which all candidates will be expected to attend and there will be an electoral college at the end to hear the result. I successfully moved that all endorsed Parliamentary Candidates be invited and, crucially, won an assurance that ALL Councillors, irrespective of how they pay their subscriptions, will be able to take part (no more of that nonsense we had in the NEC elections!)

The elections will be a big recruitment drive so there will be no six month waiting requirement for this election.

Enough of that though, we now have to concentrate on winning May's elections and after a five and a half hour NEC meeting I trundled off to and Education and Skills Policy Commission.

Education and Skills Policy Commission

I've not been able to make many of these of late as they have been held as stand alone meetings and its hard to justify a full day in London for a single meeting. Holding them after an NEC makes it a long day but means I can get there.

To be honest I wasn't looking forward to it after the NEC but I'm glad I went.

We had a thorough briefing from Bev Hughes M.P., Education Minister, on our Early Years Policy For Children and we are clearly making major leaps forward in provision and results. This is obviously a crucial area for tackling inequality.

We then had another thorough briefing from Alan Johnson, Secretary for State For Education, on our policy relating to children in care.

This has been a sadly neglected area in the past and while only 85,000 children are in Local Authority care in any year (0.5% of the total) 60% of young offenders and 27% of the prison population have been in care. 11% of children in care get 5 GCSEs (A-C) compared with 56% of the wider population.

Clearly as a community we've failed the children in our care but Alan and Bev have been taking radical measures to improve this.

It's the details of the radical changes we're making in crucial areas like this that are vital for a Labour Government.

We also considered practical ways of dealing with education submission from CLPs and members and I'll report back on this.

Claremont / Weaste Fundraiser

Friday night saw us have a very successful social and fundraiser. Excellent two course meal for £20.00 and a packed room with James Purnell as guest speaker saw us raise over £400.00 for our two branches.

Everyone enjoyed it and were asking about the next one - which proves my point that Labour functions should be enjoyable rather than a sense of duty. If members enjoy them and get value for money, they'll come back again!

Hayden Phillips

Hayden Phillips has published his report on party funding. The worrying part of his report is that he continues to query the role of trade union donations to the party. Negotiations are about to be entered into - with Jack Straw leading for us.

Jack is a very astute politician with a good grasp of the issues so we need to leave it to him now but my position remains clear. We need to reject any threat to the link between the Party and Trades Unionists.

Afzal Khan

On Sunday afternoon went to a celebration of Afzal Khan's period as the first Asian Lord Mayor of Manchester. It was also a good way to start his campaign for the Council elections in Cheetham ward, Manchester this year.

Afzal is an incredibly hard working and organised candidate who gained his seat from the Liberal Democrats. The meeting was attended by the Consul General of Pakistan, Lord Nasir of Rotherham and numerous other designations as well as Hazel Blears MP, Chair of the Party and nearly two hundred party members and supporters. I wouldn't want to be the Liberal Democrat facing Afzal!

Well Done Liverpool

On Thursday 8th March, Labour trounced the Liberal Democrats in a by-election in Speke/Garson, gaining the second seat in the ward after winning a seat last May.

It was a real pleasure to be involved in the campaign. We had a good candidate (Colin Strickland, pictured), supported by a good Councillor and party members coming in from all over Liverpool and beyond.

Some of the Liberal Democrat tactics left even me speechless but the local party met them very robustly and the result, a 20% swing and a majority of 760, offer great hope for next May's elections.

Ban Foie Gras

Paul Blanchard, who is a Labour councillor in York, has set up a campaign web site to try and ban foie gras. Foie gras is a food 'delicacy' - the liver of force-fed ducks and geese. To produce it, at 12 weeks old the birds are restrained and grain is forced down the throat through a pipe, a process that often results in physical injury. A massive quantity of food is forced into the birds, so that their livers are swollen to 6-10 times normal size; which makes movement and breathing difficult, as well as causing other health problems. EU research shows that force feeding leads to severe liver damage, great pain, and high mortality rates.

Take a look at this three minute clip to learn more:



The force-feeding of geese is already explicitly outlawed in many countries. UK law is inconsistent: existing animal cruelty laws prohibit production in the UK; but as the sale is still permitted, birds still suffer greatly to satisfy UK demand, albeit in other countries, as the foie gras is imported.

Please visit http://www.banfoiegras.org.uk/ and sign the petition to Tony Blair to try and get this inhumane food banned.

Scottish Christmas Day and Ne'er Day

Well done to Karen Whitefield MSP and her Labour colleagures for delivering a ban on Christmas Day trading north of the border.

This valuable protection for shopworkers, is coupled with a sanctions on retailers who force staff in to work on New Year's Day.

Ministers made it clear that they would immediately bring in a ban on New Year's Day trading if they found evidence that shopworkers were being coerced into work on this very special day.

“Usdaw members are delighted they now have a legal right to enjoy Christmas dinner with their loved ones having played such a central role in lobbying their MSPs to secure a genuine victory for common sense,” says Usdaw General Secretary John Hannett. “Our members told us loud and clear that they needed guaranteed time off with their families in what is already the most deregulated shopping environment in Europe.

“Usdaw’s policy is that we remain totally opposed to big stores opening their doors on New Year’s Day. Our view remains that there is no evidence whatsoever that stores opening on that day will have a negative impact on the Scottish economy and 95% of our members say it will ruin their traditional Hogmanay and New Year’s Day celebrations.

“The Scottish Executive has given us a guarantee that if evidence is produced that retail staff are being forced to work on New Year’s Day then they will introduce legislation to stop them opening which is a welcome step forward in protecting shopworkers rights in the incredibly busy festive period.

“But we are making it clear that Usdaw members will be on hand to report employers who coerce their employees to work on New Year’s Day and based on that evidence we would expect legalisation to be introduced to protect hard working shop staff who are only demanding a proper work-life balance.”

www.usdaw.org.uk

www.karenwhitefield.com

East Midlands

Down on Saturday for the spring campaigning event in Nottingham. Good turnout with lots of members keen on campaigning. Nice to see good support from Unison and GMB as well.

I always think the East Midlands is one of the key areas for Labour. London based commentators don't always give it the attention it deserves but the next General Election will depend on the results in places like Gedling, Northampton and Kettering.

Emily, The Regional Director and the small team of organisers she has are doing a great job and the campaign event went really well.

Next year I'm hoping we can again stage events like this around the country, coupled with a national local councillors conference.

Cambridge University Labour Club

After the Labour Party Pensions meeting in London on Monday, went over to Cambridge to talk to the Labour Club.

The real attraction was a chocolate tasting session so I was surprised that anyone turned up! A nice bunch of members, very committed to the party and a good question and answer session. Thanks to Tom for putting me up.

Visit the Club's website at: www.cambridgelabour.co.uk

Stockport

One of the shorter trips for a GC meeting - just round the M60 to Stockport Labour Club. Stockport is a strong Labour constituency in a district split three ways with the Tories and Liberal Democrats.

The members clearly work hard to keep the party going in a difficult area and gained a seat from the Tories last May. Amongst a wide range of questions and points, perhaps the key one was never to underestimate the importance of a local activity and the crucial importance of ensuring we keep our presence on the ground.

http://www.stockportlabour.co.uk/

Liverpool - Speke By-election

A car-load of us went over to Liverpool last Sunday to help in the by-election. Everything seemed very well organised and they clearly have a good candidate in Colin Strichland.

If we can gain this seat from the Liberal Democrats then we can finish them off in May - a key step towards re-taking control in Liverpool.

I'm going over next Sunday and on Polling Day and will try to help with transport from Manchester.

For campaign details contact 0151 260 8770 or 2578294

Claremont & Weaste Labour Parties - Supper with the Minister

8pm, Friday 16th March 2007

M30 Restaurant, The White Horse Pub
Eccles Old Road, Salford, M30 0DX


Claremont and Weaste have no Labour Councillor at the moment and we are fighting vigorous campaigns to regain both these wards. To do that we need funds. So, we've organised a series of socials, which above all are meant to be fun. Come along and join us for supper with James Purnell M.P. - Minister For Pensions. James was elected in 2001 as M.P. for Stalybridge and Hyde and will be a key figure in the next Labour government.

Tickets cost £20.00 and include a two course meal but are going quickly so contact Peter Wheeler on 07880 790 182, reserve your places, make your menu choices and then come along and enjoy yourselves.

Starters
Prawn cocktail / home made soup / French liver pate

Main Meals

• Lamb shanks mash, vegetables and gravy
• Fillet of chicken in wine sauce
• Cheese tomato encroute with goats cheese

http://www.jamespurnell.org.uk/

Warwick Delivery

We've received a useful paper from Hazel Blears on Warwick delivery. It gives three important examples:

1) Pensions Bill

The Pensions Bill links the basic state pension to earnings and goes a long way to tackle the discrimination faced by women and carers.

A second Bill will introduce the right for all employees earning over £5,000 to have an occupational pension with a minimum three per cent contribution.

2) Enforcing The Minimum Wage

The minimum wage is one of this Government's proudest and most radical achievements.
In January, Alistair Darling, brought in tougher fines on criminal employers breaking the law - a £200 fine for every worker underpaid.

Gordon Brown announced a 50% increase in the amount available for enforcement in December.
There is a helpline to report employers not paying the minimum wage: adult rate £5.35 over 22 year olds; development rate £4.45 18-21 year olds; £3.35 16-17 year olds. The helpline number is 0845 6000 678 (Monday - Friday 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.). Why not get your CLP to publicise this number?

3) Increasing Holiday Entitlement

In January the Government published plans to meet our manifesto commitment to ensure all workers receive their eight days bank holiday in addition to the guaranteed four weeks minimum paid holidays brought in by Labour in 1998.

By the end of 2008 this legislation will be fully in place benefiting over six million workers and will especially benefit the low paid.

Michael Leahy, General Secretary of the Union, Community, said: "Community members through the UK will be delighted that the Government is honouring its' manifesto commitment to ensure that the unscrupulous employers will not be able to count public holidays as part of an employees four weeks paid holiday leave. This move means that by the end of 2008 nearly seven million British employees will have an extra eight days holiday a year. As we approach important elections in 2007, this move shows the difference between having a Labour Government in power rather than a Tory one. I hope that employers will realise that this change is coming and look to implement faster than they have to. Employers will only be able to recruit and retain staff if they offer the best working conditions, and that includes holidays."

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Full text of Hazel's paper is available at: file://www.dti.gov.uk/employment/holidays/index.html