Elections are being held for two local councillor representatives to serve on Labour’s governing body.
Backed by the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour Councillors, I (Jo Bird) am standing for election with my brilliant comrade, Councillor Matt White.
We are campaigning to:
» Build on our proud socialist traditions in local government, while organising and agitating for new alternatives to failing capitalism.
» Argue for common ownership of the means of production, distribution and exchange.
» Fight to democratise politics and the economy, including campaigning for Open Selection at all levels.
» Support the work of socialist MPs, trade unions and the wider socialist movement, acting as a conduit for socialist values in local government.
» Build on the multi-generational, multi-racial, class-based movement inspired by Jeremy Corbyn.
I was well supported across the Labour Party in the NEC constituency party section by-elections held earlier this year - with 118 CLP nominations and 46,150 members’ votes. Thank you!
My Jewish great-grandparents fled fascism in Europe. There should be no place for antisemitism, Islamophobia or any form of racism in our Labour Party. We live in a diverse society and world. We need much more understanding and much less hostility - not least because Black Lives Matter.
Party members are hungry for fair and just disciplinary processes worthy of our trade union, Labour and co-operative values. Labour must hold free and fair internal elections.
The Labour Party can be a fabulous and supportive family. Don’t Leave, Organise!
Councillor Matt White was previously chair of Haringey Council’s Pensions Committee and Board. He has recently become the cabinet member for Corporate and Civic Services.
Matt said, “I have campaigned successfully against the privatisation of land and mass demolition of council homes in Haringey. I led campaigning trips to marginals in the last two general elections, in 2017 insisting on campaigning for a socialist government rather than just defending Labour-held seats.
“Since being elected as a councillor, I have worked collaboratively to change Haringey’s approach: to build council homes at council - rather than so-called ‘affordable’ – rents; insource services; pay care workers the London Living Wage; and increase Council Tax support.
“As chair of Pensions, I have worked for decarbonisation and community wealth building in our investments. Now in cabinet, my priorities are insourcing and ethical debt collection.”
Councillor Jumbo Chan, national convenor and one of the founders of the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour Councillors, said, “Since our founding at the beginning of April, many councillors from all over the country have expressed support for our aims, demonstrating a clear and urgent appetite for socialism in local government.
“Labour councillors can play an important role in fighting against the destruction wrought by a decade of Tory austerity and four decades of neo-liberalism. Instead of being prisoners to remote technocratic visions, we can build on the ambitious class-based programme unleashed by Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership. As Tony Benn once said, those asked to wear the red rosette ‘are not just here to manage capitalism but to change society’.
“We look forward to supporting Jo and Matt over the coming few months as they bring these most powerful of ideas to the fore.”
Local government candidates need at least five Labour Groups to nominate them. In October, thousands of Labour councillors across the country will receive their NEC ballot papers.
I urge supporters to contact their nearest Labour councillors - and urge them to nominate myself and Cllr Matt White at upcoming Labour Group meetings.
» Jo Bird is a Labour/Co-op councillor for Bromborough, on the Wirral in North West England. A full member of Jewish Voice for Labour, she came fourth in recent NEC CLP by-elections and is standing to represent local councillors in current NEC elections.