Statement
Grassroots 5 – candidate statements
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Jessica Barnard
As a youth worker I have spent years supporting young people and families experiencing insecure work, devastating cuts to their community and denied a secure home. More than ever we need to take the fight to the Tories and deliver a socialist Labour government that tackles wealth inequality, putting people first.
We must fight racism, stand for peace, global justice and real action to tackle the climate emergency.
I am standing to ensure our party is led by working class voices who will stand up for the policies we need.
I will be a strong voice for party democracy, accountability, the rights of our brilliant membership and for equality and liberation campaigns.
As Young Labour Chair I have worked relentlessly to champion the voice of young members at one of the toughest moments facing us. I have lead campaigning actions across my region for years, served as a County Councillor in Norfolk, stood as a Parliamentary Candidate and am a dedicated community activist and organiser.
I am firmly committed to trade unionist and socialist principles.
Gemma Bolton
I’m standing for re-election to Labour’s NEC to continue to fight for a socialist and democratic party which upholds the rulebook, decisions of its annual conference, and puts members and working people at its core.
To win, Labour must fight for a socialist policy agenda in opposition to Conservative attacks on our jobs, health, shared values and living standards. We must oppose Tory austerity; support public ownership; a Green New Deal; a peace-oriented, independent foreign policy and fight rising poverty and racism.
As an NEC member I have:
– Worked to create new democratic Student and BAME structures
– Produced detailed written reports of NEC meetings
– Voted to return the whip to Jeremy Corbyn
– Campaigned for the publication of the Forde Report
– Opposed unfair proscriptions and expulsions
– Opposed rule changes that weaken members’ rights
I have fought for democracy and a greater voice for grassroots members at all levels of our party, including on the South East Regional Executive, Women’s Conference Arrangements Committee, and as co-Chair of the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy (CLPD).
Twitter: @gembolton
Facebook: Gemma4LabourNEC
Yasmine Dar
I’m standing for re-election to the NEC, to continue as a strong voice defending grassroots members, the lifeblood of our Party. On the NEC I have:
- Been a strong supporter of popular, transformative economic policies and an internationalist foreign policy for peace, justice, and human rights.
- Pushed for greater democracy, the long overdue publication of the Forde report and dynamic, inclusive equalities structures.
- Fought for transparent, fair disciplinary processes based on natural justice.
- Supported more say for grassroots members, including the right to select the candidates we want.
My experiences as a BAME woman, a social worker, anti-racist activist, and Councillor have shaped my socialism and fuelled my determination to fight for a transformative Labour government. As the cost of living and inequalities soar and the devastating impact of Covid continues, it is time to step up our campaign against this vicious government.
I support campaigns such as Black Lives Matter, a Green New Deal as well as maintaining a strong commitment to anti-war activism.
Mish Rahman
I was elected to Labour’s NEC in 2020 to ensure a strong voice for members and greater oversight over Party governance.
I am now seeking re-election after a term where I have:
– Strived to ensure fairness and due process on disciplinary panels
– Continually argued for consistent implementation of the rulebook and opposed arbitrary decision-making
– Regularly reported back via online calls, articles and social media
– Worked with NEC reps from all sides to introduce new equalities structures, including a BAME Members’ Structure
With a General Election looming towards the end of this term, I will work to deliver an election- winning party which will radically change the lives of millions for the better. That means supporting popular, member-backed policies like a Green New Deal, public ownership, rolling back privatisation of the NHS, repealing anti-trade union laws, advancing migrants’ rights, and internationalist solidarity.
As a working-class man of Bangladeshi heritage, whose father campaigned in the 1980s against the National Front, I have always been a committed anti-racist activist.
twitter @mish_rahman
Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi
My purpose on the NEC – to represent grassroots members. Let’s face it – the left in the Labour Party is under existential threat. The policy gains and the process of democratisation under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership are being jettisoned. The response has to be solidarity and unity.
If elected I will work with comrades to re-energise embattled grassroots members, advocating against militarism; for international solidarity with the oppressed; and for collective mobilisation in unions, CLPs and communities where resistance is building against racist threats, crumbling public services and attacks on working conditions.
I will stand firm against proscription of left groupings; defend those unjustly accused; oppose antidemocratic actions by the leadership; and commit to open communication with members.
My experience
Trade union activist since the 1970s; workplace rep in the NUJ and then NUT; vice-chair of Chingford and Woodford Green CLP 2016-20; currently Waltham Forest NEU International Solidarity Officer; Jewish Voice for Labour Media Officer.
I have worked collaboratively with left organisations in the party and unions, defending socialist policies, democracy and members’ right to free speech.
The above statements are extracts from the material published by the Labour Party.