The NEC met on Tuesday 20 September, in London (hybrid format). The meeting considered the progress on recommendations from the Forde Report, the re-establishment of the National Policy Forum and Joint Policy Committee, and preparations for the forthcoming Annual Labour Conference in Liverpool. This included consideration of a number of Constitutional Amendments (rule changes) and an update on delegations. The NEC meeting also took reports from the General Secretary, the Leader, and the Deputy Leader. There were some important items missing from the agenda altogether, notably the timeline we had been promised on the conferences for women, disabled, and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic members for 2023.

With regard to Annual Conference 2022, the updated agenda was shared with the NEC and will now be uploaded to the Conference webpage and app. We were advised of the NEC Assistant Chairs (Diana Holland, Wendy Nichols, Gurinder Singh Josan, Angela Eagle). There was no explanation as to how these had been selected, and some NEC members recorded their view that the process should be transparent and should have taken account of the NEC section filled by Disabled and BAME members’ reps. Best Practice Awards were also proposed for endorsement by the NEC. Whilst all the recommendations were supported, NEC members asked for clarification on the process followed for nominations, and the General Secretary noted that this was currently staff-led, through Regional Director consultation, but agreed to bring this back for review to the NEC.

Concern was expressed about the low take up of the Access Fund, provided to support and enable disabled members to attend Annual Conference, and it was agreed to increase the publicity around this Fund.

Harry Donaldson, Chair of CAC, attended part of the NEC meeting to update on arrangements. Motions received by the deadline are currently being reviewed. Priorities Ballot on topics for debate will run during the day on Sunday. Compositing sessions will have time limits this year and will take place from 3pm on Sunday.  Composite motions will then be circulated to delegates early Monday morning.

12 Reference backs were received by the deadline. Emergency Motions deadline is noon on 22 September. 970 CLP delegates are registered, representing 503 CLPs.  260 delegates are registered from affiliated organisations. There are still some delegate credentials to be checked. The total number attending Annual Conference, including visitors, ex-officio, exhibitions, guests etc – is now over 10,000 people.  The CAC report also included updates on security arrangements, safeguarding, mental health awareness, ongoing liaison around access requirements. It was noted that over 150 organisations are exhibiting, bringing in nearly £1 million. A significant number of Business Engagement events are being held, including a Business and International Reception, bringing in further sponsorship and donations.

The Partner Charity this year is Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, Liverpool, information is within the conference booklet and reps will be on site at conference.  NEC members conveyed thanks to the Party’s Conference and Events team, and to the CAC, in all the preparatory work undertaken so far for the Conference. Delegates raising points of order will be encouraged to work through staff/Chair’s aide.

Constitutional Amendments (Rule Changes) for Annual Conference

This discussion was split into two parts, firstly looking at Rule Changes which the NEC would be taking to Conference, and secondly determining the NEC’s attitude on those Rule Changes submitted by CLPs.

A number of those coming from the NEC are ‘tidying up’ amendments: replacing all references to ‘Disputes Panels’ throughout the Rule Book with ‘ Complaints and Disciplinary Sub Committee’; replacing references to the ‘Welsh Assembly’ with ‘Welsh Parliament’ ; and inserting references to the Independent Complaints Board (ICB) along with the outline of the new Complaints process, removing some of the references to the role of the NCC.

Other NEC amendments which were passed without dissent included: introducing ex officio delegate status to Annual Conference for two members of the National Women’s Committee (NWC), the BAME Members’ Committee, and the Disabled Members’ Committee; a procedure on local government coalition agreements in England, Wales and Scotland; a requirement and procedure for resigning as a local councillor when elected as an MP; oversight of multi-CLP Women’s Branches to pass to the NWC, rather than NEC Equalities; and increasing the TULO representation at the Clause V meeting from 8 to 11.

For the first time, the Annual Women’s Conference (AWC) has been able to bring forward proposed Rule Changes, and this year the NEC endorsed the 2022 AWC proposal on giving Women’s Branch Secretaries and Women’s Officers  access to women on the membership lists (to enable organisation); and the NEC also supported the NWC’s proposal for an amendment to the Rules of the Women’ Conference, which will see CLP card votes based on the numbers of women paid up members, not all members as is currently the case.  Whilst this work on the Women’s Organisation rules may seem rather detailed, it is significant in demonstrating that women members want to be involved in strengthening and shaping their Conferences and Women’s Branches. Following on from the Democracy Review, previous NEC members did a lot of work to make these routes possible, so it is encouraging to see issues being raised constructively.

There were strong differences of opinion expressed on some of the other NEC amendments. All were passed, but I joined with 10 or 11 members in voting against on different points. I opposed the following changes: reducing the maximum delegation that a CLP can send to annual conference to six members, irrespective of size of the CLP; reverting to electing the two members of the CAC (CLP section) on the floor of Conference rather than by OMOV; changes to Chapter 5 Clause IV on selection processes, which we felt gave too much power to the NEC; and changing the recent Conference decision which allowed for CLPs to put forward a constitutional amendment (Rule Change) for consideration in the same year as submitted. The Governance and Legal Unit was asked in future to give written motivations for the Rule Changes brought forward for the NEC to consider. It was not clear at all why the decision to put CLP Rule Changes back into an 18 month delay before consideration, although some NEC members seemed to be suggesting the NEC was the only body that was capable of working out Rule Changes.

Ellen Morrison and others spoke against reducing the size of CLP delegations at Annual Conference – pointing out that the opportunities at Conference had supported many of those currently on the NEC in their political journeys and development as activists and representatives.  Luke Akehurst, CLP section, argued in favour of the reduction to six, suggesting that CLPs should be using their funds for election campaigning, not wasting their money, and that Conference was lopsided when dominated by larger CLPs. Along with Mish Rahman, Nadia Jama and Yasmine Dar, I voted against this rule change, as did Ann Black (Ann also cited loss of income to the Party if Conference numbers were reduced)  – CLPs are well able to make their own decisions about how many delegates to send to conference, and how to best reflect the diversity in their own constituencies. It should not need to be pointed out that this is a membership organisation, and that means bringing members together from time to time in a way that is representative of the size and diversity of CLPs and affiliates.

CLPs had also submitted various Rule Changes to Annual Conference. These come to the NEC to decide its recommendation on each one. All those from CLPs were opposed by the NEC. This included one from eight CLPs including Islington North, which would ensure the rules for sitting MPs to seek reselection were the Party’s rules, and were not overridden by the Party Whip in the PLP. It was suggested by the Governance and Legal Unit that this would leave the Party open to legal risk, and did not treat all members fairly – 10 members of the NEC were not convinced by this argument, and voted to support the CLPs.  A Rule Change from five CLPs including City of Durham, on CLPs drawing up both the longlist and the shortlist in selections, and building in places on the longlist for nominees from the Cooperative party or affiliates was opposed on the grounds it would contradict the position of the NEC having oversight of all selections, and could see affiliate nominees allegedly by-passing the due diligence procedures. Members from different areas have raised concerns about the current selection process and the longlisting, and this would have been a step towards addressing members’ concerns. Other CLP proposals that the NEC rejected included a restriction on lobbyists seeking selection as Party candidates, and a proposal to add reps from the Party’s equalities structures to the National Policy Forum membership. I’m seeking clarification on how all the CLP Constitutional amendments will be tabled for consideration by full Conference.

The Leaders’ Report was brief, given that there has been little parliamentary activity since the last NEC meeting in July, but Keir reported on the various activities required following the Queen’s death and the national mourning period. Preparations were well underway for Annual Conference, during which a number of key policy announcements will be made. No questions were taken on the Leader’s Report, as the decision was taken to prioritise the Forde Report discussion, during the limited time that Keir had available to be present at the NEC.

Progress on the Forde Report recommendations

The Executive Director of Legal Affairs presented a paper on taking forward the Forde Report. This included discussion on a statement from the NEC, which was strengthened during the meeting, and agreed for publication without dissent. There was a wide-ranging discussion with many NEC members contributing, and it became clear that further discussion was needed on how to maintain oversight of the actions underway already internally, and the planned meetings with stakeholders.  A considerable amount of organisational restructuring, and changes in the complaints process, has already happened, much of it linked to the EHRC Report and requirements, and the ongoing EHRC monitoring. There was a favorable report on the work of the internal Diversity and Inclusion Board.

Points raised included: raising awareness of the visible frustration within the Party about the apparent lack of serious attention being paid to the Forde report; the Labour Black Socialists statement and protest; the NWC request for a special meeting to allow full discussion amongst women members; the importance of addressing the Forde Report recommendation on maintaining political neutrality of staff; scrutiny and review of the various staff and member training programmes, including costings and outcomes; the continuing blurring of lines between the General Secretary’s office and the Leader of the Opposition’s office; discrediting of current selection processes and concerns over perceived staff interventions; insufficient focus on speaking with Party members; the need for a clear whistleblowing policy; a request for an organagram of the Party’s structures for any member to see; clarity on who ‘stakeholders’ are and the need to set up far wider member engagement than small selective roundtables; noting there is still little or no transparency in how decisions are being made, for example in some of the options presented to the NEC on agenda items; or in how Panels are put together from the NEC, in selections or in disputes procedure.

I have asked for more weight to be given to tackling the misogyny and sexism, and sexual harassment, evidenced in the Report, and that to be taken forward in discussion with women Party members at every level. Training programmes are not enough. (not that there appears to be anything other than a two hour course for some staff, ICB, IRB, NCC and NEC members on sexual harassment). I also suggested that JVL be included in the programme for stakeholder meetings. I queried the absence of any independent oversight or appeal process in instances where a Regional Organiser and two CLPS were in dispute over eligibility to attend conference  (both CLPS have been barred from sending their delegations); and asked for accuracy when reporting on progress made on complaints, appeals and suspensions, all of which still take too long to deal with – and with no equality assessments or data being collected or shared.

Throughout the meeting there was of course acknowledgement of the work put in so far by staff to make progress.  The NEC was clear that this must be shared with the membership. In my view, it had been a mistake to refuse the request made by a number of us at the July meeting, for a special NEC meeting in the summer.  More engagement with the whole membership is key. I was assured that ‘stakeholder engagement’ included members, but the difficulties in securing discussion at Annual Conference or in CLPs or in the Women’s Committee, or amongst BAME members, suggests otherwise.

Given the number of contributions and concerns raised in the NEC meeting, it would not have been appropriate to sign off the initial paper we had in front of us.  We were asked to feed back any further points requiring action, to the General Secretary’s office by the end of the week. An NEC working group will be set up at the end of Conference, to prepare, along with staff, papers for the NEC November Away Day. Meanwhile I hope that members will continue to make their views known through their NEC reps and in their regions and nations.

The General Secretary’s report gave us an update on current Party membership – 401,000 with approximately 28,000 in arrears. CLP Secretaries should be able to access membership records soon (many complaints still coming in about the difficulties of not being able to do so, especially when preparing selections and other activities which require accurate records) and there will be sessions running at Conference on the new membership system. On Party finances, the General Secretary reported that discretionary expenditure continues to be carefully scrutinised, that higher value donations have been coming in, and the Party will be setting up a Lottery, as part of ongoing fundraising. A pilot telephone fundraising project, making direct contact with 4,000 members, is underway.  Concerns were raised by left CLP reps, with regard to promoting gambling, seeking assurances of appropriate guidance and support; and also questions were asked about the appropriateness of telephoning members during these difficult economic times, and assurances were sought about the contract with the company carrying out these calls. It is not clear how the calls are being monitored, nor indeed if Party members are aware that their details are being used in this way. The General Secretary assured the NEC that good practice had been followed in procurement and more information would be shared with the NEC.

On staffing, the NEC was advised that ‘Operation Change’ is underway, reviewing regional and national resources, with an emphasis on scaling up the Regional Comms and Regional Digital Teams. 31 trainee organisers have now been recruited, and the NEC will be given a further report on the diversity and remit of these organisers at the next meeting. The General Election Task Force is meeting regularly, and a paper on the long campaign structure will come to the next NEC meeting (November).

The recent NEC ballot had an 18.6% turnout, lower than in previous years. Ann Black asked for the full ballot results of the NEC election to be shared. Governance and Legal staff indicted that all members who had raised questions about not receiving papers as their Direct Debits had not been taken, had subsequently received their ballot papers. (this may be a disputed point, from information I and other CLP reps received from disenfranchised members.) Arrangements are in hand for the move out of the Southside offices in London, to different premises, which will also be suitable as the General Election HQ. A review is underway of all properties owned by the Party in the regions and nations.

Carol Sewell and Nadia Jama expressed great frustration at the failure to honour the commitments given previously for a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic members’ conference, noting that the online event planned for 19 November would not fulfill the same purpose. Similarly Ellen Morrison recorded that no progress was evident on establishing the Disabled Members’ structures.  The Disability Labour statement, declaring the Party to be institutionally discriminatory and ableist, was referenced, and the General Secretary indicated that he would be meeting with Disability Labour, who had also been assisting with Annual Conference preparations.  Yasmine Dar asked what has happened to the next cohort for the Bernie Grant Leadership programme, and no information was available.

CLP reps also called for progress to be made on guidance on the holding of hybrid meetings, nearly a year having passed since the NEC agreed on pilot schemes and interim guidance. The General Secretary promised that Ellen Morrison would be involved at every stage going forward. I raised the request that the Wales Women’s Conference in November have a hybrid option. (no response on this)

A number of NEC Members asked what had happened to the promise given at the last NEC meeting, that timetables for the 2023 Women’s conference and other equalities conferences would be brought forward to this meeting. It was made clear by Diana Holland that cost should not be used as an excuse to not meet Rulebook requirements, and the Conferences need to be scheduled. AWC should meet in the spring, according to the rulebook.  Later in the meeting the dates for Women’s Committee meetings were considered, and it was agreed to review the proposal of three meetings a year of two hours each in length, noting this was completely inadequate, and noting the request for an early NWC meeting prior to the next NEC, to lead the discussion on the AWC 2023. This matter will come to the new NEC when it meets next week. But the General Secretary indicated that a paper on all the Equalities Conferences would go to the NEC Organisation committee on 8 November, which would include financial considerations.

I asked the General Secretary for updates on a number of matters: is there any progress on taking CLPS out of suspension, some having been suspended for years (no response); what has happened to the assurances that priority would be given to hearing appeals from those members suspended, some of whom have been suspended for over a year, and in Pamela Fitzpatrick’s case an elected member of the National Women’s Committee has not been able to take up her place (no response); why did the ALC seat on the National Women’s Committee remain unfilled (agreed to look into establishing a process to fill this seat); and I asked if good employment practice was being followed when arranging for cover for staff taking maternity leave. I remain concerned that in some areas a decision is made that the work can be covered by existing staff, which devalues everyone’s roles, and does not open up employment opportunities for maternity cover posts.

I am aware that CLPs have raised concerns about selections and the way in which the Party is approaching the Boundary Commission review outcomes, on which there was no discussion this month, and I understand that an update on Westminster selections procedures will come to the NEC Organisation Committee meeting in early November.

Angela Rayner gave a Deputy Leader report, which referenced the recent parliamentary and formal events around the Queen’s death, and the proclamation of King Charles III. As parliamentary business had been suspended, there was less to report. Angela spoke of the Party’s consistent support for the rights of trade union to organise, and indicated that she and Keir had met with the TUC Executive recently, and would both be attending the rescheduled TUC Conference. Andi Fox asked for support of the forthcoming rail union industrial action, and Angela made clear that there was not a ban on MPs attending picket lines.

Angela paid particular tribute to Jean Stretton, former Leader Oldham Council, whose death had just been announced, placing on record the significant role that Jean had played in in public life herself, whilst also encouraging other women to come forward.

The meeting took a brief discussion on the National Policy Forum, which will be holding its first full meeting (online) early evening of 25 October. At that meeting the Chair and three Vice Chairs will be elected. NEC Co-Convenors of the Policy Commissions will be appointed at the NEC Organisation meeting on 8 November. Nominations during October will also be sought for the Joint Policy Committee, which will meet on 15 November. Work and consultations will then commence after November, leading up to a full NPF event in July 2023.

At the end of the meeting there was a suggestion that the NEC Minutes were now available online for the wider membership to access – which was agreed several years ago and has never happened – it was agreed to look into this. Transparency, or the lack of it, still to be addressed indeed.

Ann Henderson 22.09.22