Les Lawrie Also in Attendance

MINUTES of The AGM of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Co-op Party Council held on Saturday 14th March at 11 a.m. at the offices of Solent Credit Union, first floor, 162a High Street, Southampton SO14 2BT

Present Tony Berry, Margaret Bryan, Geoff Wade, Ryan Carter, Don Thompson, John Merrett, John Harrington, Amber Vincent-Prior, John Spiegelhalter, Barbara Spiegelhalter, Elaine Fullaway, David Carr, Paul Newman, Andrew Pope, DeniseWyatt, Jill Whither, Tom Moore. Les Lawrie also in attendance.

1. Chair’s welcome & announcements. The Chair thanked Solent Credit Union for the use of their premises.

2. Apologies Richard Ryan, Terry Carter, Mike Roberts, Rita Jenkins, Brian Strevens, Roxanna Andrusca Beth Davies-Hofbaur (wheelchair user)

3. Notice of Any Other Business (AGM matters only) None tabled.

4. Minutes of previous AGM (8th March 2014) and matters arising. Elaine Fullaway thought there were two sets of minutes for the AGM 2014 but was corrected. It was confirmed that the bank account of the Solent West Branch is now closed. Chair reminded all correspondence to outside bodies is to go through him.

5. Reports – tabled. Chair – accepted with correction deleting ‘Labour’ in title of party Secretary – agreed Treasurer – accepted after minor points explained Vice-chair’s report- accepted, agreed this an excellent report giving strategic review.

Andrew Pope wanted a response to the report he submitted last year, we hoped Karin Christiansen would be able to respond when she arrives.

6. Elections: Chair – Tony Berry returned unanimous Secretary Geoff Wade (nominated John Spiegelhalter, 2nd John Harrington – unanimous) Treasurer Margaret Bryan (nominated John Spiegelhalter, 2nd Geoff Wade – unanimous) Vice Chair Ryan Carter returned unanimous Auditor – John Spiegelhalter returned unanimous EC - John Spiegelhalter (14 votes) Barbara Spiegelhalter (12 votes) Elaine Fuillaway (7 votes) Jill Whitcher (11 votes) John Merrett (11 votes) (five elected).

7. Delegate to HCCF Resolve to ask for more representatives at the next meeting, any additional delegates to be nominated at EC. Tony appointed delegate.

8. SERP Concerns re SERP have been expressed by delegates for many years, something has to be done. Les Laws invited to comment – future of SERP uncertain. Party seeking to remove a layer of admin, possibility SERP will be removed. Sum up by chair – could be good if run properly, disappointment at way it is run. Lack of communication. Links between SERP and Labour should be stronger. Tony is willing to stand for chair to attempt the improvements needed. Delegates to SERP – Chair and Treasurer, plus Secretary ex-officio

9. CLPs Les Laws might stand in local government election but will let us know. Agreed to issue certificate to Tony Berry and Andrew Pope, and also to Les Laws if necessary. Barry Jones and Peter Terry also requested certificates but did not attend the AGM. Agreed not to issue certificates as they had not attended any Co-op Party meeting for vetting. A discretionary donation of £50 would however be made to both candidates (agreed by majority).

Affiliate CLPs Labour Students Ryan Carter Southampton Itchen Roxanna Andrusca Isle of Wight Margaret Bryan Portsmouth North John and Barbara Spiegelhalter, Geoff Wade New Forest East Andrew Pope Winchester Elaine Fullaway, Paul Newman Gosport Jill Whitcher Havant Tony Berry Aldershot Mike Roberts, Les Laws Romsey Southampton North Tom Moore

10. Parliamentary Campaigns. Rowenna gave summary of campaigns.

The financial contribution for official Labour & Co-operative Candidates was discussed. The official contribution has been paid but there was a question of voluntary donation from us as well. Donation £500 proposed John Harrington, 2nd Amber Vincent-Prior accepted majority. 11. Any Other Business. Tony appealed for volunteers to assist at the Garlic Festival. Tony requested secretary tell Karin Christiansen we are not happy that she did not attend.

Next meetings – AGM March 2016 actual date to be confirmed Next Executive Committee confirmed as 28th March 2015 at Portsmouth Next Party Council confirmed as 18th April 2015 at Portsmouth.