If you were fired up by the Obama victory, ecstatic about the Labour Party retaining Glenrothes so emphatically, what would be on your wish list for the NEC meeting on 17/18 November when it discusses aims and objectives for 2009 and beyond?
I have posted some ideas in a piece in the latest STLP newsletter reproduced in part below:
I have put together a set of suggestions for the NEC, which I hope can form the basis for a consensus between the leadership, the unions and constituencies about how we can rebuild. These include:
the governance of the Labour Party – how it accounts to its members for its organisation, fund-raising and policy-making
a re-opening of policy-making for the next election so that all members and interested parties have a real opportunity to participate, and differences can be openly debated and resolved
a radical change to Labour Party organisation rebuilding from the electoral ward/branch up to enable every member to take part in winning power for Labour elected representatives at all levels of government – local, regional, national and European
adopting a new fundraising strategy based on small donations of willing members and supporters of the Labour Party and affiliated trades unions and socialist societies
The Obama campaign in the US Presidential elections has shown what’s possible in terms of fund-raising, local organisation and electoral results by trusting people. If Labour’s NEC can agree that the Party has to learn to trust its members, STLP will have proved its worth. The next task is to make sure the word gets out so the rebuilding can start throughout the Labour Party.
If you think these proposals are a bit thin, I agree. But are they an appropriate starting point for party renewal? If not, what would you suggest?