Statements of NEC Candidates Nominated by Labour International Members 2020 1. Party Treasurer Candidates Dave Bradney The party’s treasurer needs to combine vision with prudence. Vision so that the party can develop creatively; prudence so that disruptive “boom and bust” funding cycles are avoided. To those qualities I want to add openness, responsiveness and approachability. The party’s internal processes, including finance, are labyrinthine and alienating. That is inappropriate in a membership organisation. When I rejoined Labour in 2015, I became Ceredigion CLP’s treasurer, and over three years doing this I was scandalised to discover that CLPs are not permitted to participate at regional/national level unless they pay an annual “affiliation” fee. There is no provision for this in the party’s rules, and the Nominators mechanism that does exist for funding regional-level activities seems to be in disuse. Ian Hollingworth Daniel Speight I had great difficulty obtaining Welsh Labour’s annual accounts, and was never permitted to have a discussion with the Wales Treasurer. All this is inappropriate and unacceptable. I would not be doing things like this. I am 74, a retired journalist with some knowledge of financial issues and processes. I have a science degree, so I am numerate as well as literate. I am not a member of any internal party grouping, except for SERA.” [email protected] 01974272113 07896119297 Diana Holland It continues to be an honour to be elected Labour Party Treasurer. We have transformed the Party’s finances, and I thank and pay tribute to everyone – members, trade unions, CLPs, elected representatives, socialist societies. I remain determined to keep Party finances on a sound and transparent footing, as we deal with Conservative attacks on our Party’s funding, supporting the pivotal role of local Parties. I am also a strong supporter of Labour’s affiliated unions and socialist societies. Labour always achieves most when all parts of our Party come together – this is also true of Party finances. My top three priorities: • ensuring resources to campaign and win in 2021 elections and building to 2024 • protecting and strengthening our funding base Nominators • campaigning year-round, building Party membership, extending our reach. John Bennett Jerry Hogg My experience is as the longest-serving Labour NEC member; NEC and Party Chair 2002/3. As Assistant General Secretary of Unite, I have a proven track record against injustice and exploitation, for investment in jobs, communities and equality for all. Strong governance, financial management and organisation are essential. Now more than ever we must be the Party standing up for our communities, the alternative to poverty, division, fear and hatred. [email protected] www.facebook.com/diana.holland.5811 @DianaHolland_ 2. Disabled Members’ Representative Candidates George Lindars-Hammond I am a passionate disability and Labour Party activist. Having cerebral palsy is challenging but has given me a deep understanding of injustices and drives me to ensure that everyone has an equal platform. My first job was working to get disabled people employed in local businesses. I then became an activist and trustee for Disability Sheffield, helping it grow in difficult times. As Council Cabinet member for Social care in Sheffield, it is my mission to transform the services Disabled people need to thrive. It is scandalous how we have been cast aside by this Government – Labour must commit to advancing opportunities and equality for us. If elected, I would champion Disabled members, ensuring representation at all levels in Labour and government. Nominators John Bennett It is time for a Disabled member on every shortlist. It is time that we ensure members can participate Jerry Hogg in Labour however we choose, and it is time we are helped with additional costs of party activity. We have a brilliant opportunity to transform our Party for Disabled people with this position. I’m proud to have backing across our movement, from Open Labour to David Blunkett to Olivia Blake – I ask for your support today. [email protected] www.georgefornec.org.uk facebook.com/georgefornec Ellen Morrison I am standing as NEC representative of disabled members because I believe our Party can do so much more for disabled members, and that I have the commitment and experience to represent you on the NEC. I would bring the following experience: • Organising trainings, events and campaigns as Chair of Unite the Union’s London and Eastern young members and Secretary of my local Unite Community branch • Representing disabled members as Disability Officer in my CLP, Lewisham East • Organising campaigns, events, protests and conferences with Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) • Active in the campaign to #StopAndScrapUniversalCredit Nominators It would be my priority to listen to what disabled members want from their NEC rep. Campaigning Ian Hollingworth with Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) and representing disabled trade unionists in Unite Daniel Speight Community has given me the experience to advocate for our rights. Getting basic access measures right, like remote participation, is the minimum. It’s time Labour empowers disabled members to take the decisions that affect us. From having our own structures to self organise within the party, to shaping the policies that affect us. I’m proud to have the endorsement of DPAC and Disability Labour in standing for this role. [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/ellenfornec/ @ellenlmorrison Richard Rieser Having been a disabled person from 1949 I have learned that we need to embrace our identity as disabled people, regardless of the type of impairment – physical(mine), sensory, psycho-social or mental. Disablism is an oppression and it can only be tackled collectively, where we work, live, play and in our political party through ‘social model’ policies. I fought as a teacher and trade unionist (NUT/NEU) I fought for disability equality justice for disabled people in many cases and campaigns. I have been involved in these struggles as Chair of the Alliance for Inclusive Education(1990-2002), Nominators BCODP/UKDPC Rep. at the European Disability Forum (2004-2013), Representing UK Disability Philippa Dakin Movement in New York at negotiations on the UN Convention on Rights Persons with Disabilities, Nadia Woodhouse Coordinator of UK Disability History Month (2010 to date), as Director of Disability Equality in Education and World of Inclusion, advising the Labour Government on these issues. For the last 3 years I have been CLP Disability Officer and set up a Disabled Members Forum in Islington North and Disabled People for a Labour Victory. As a Party we need to relate to the key issues in the lives of the 13 million disabled people living in the UK [email protected] 07715420727 0207 359 2855 3. CLP Representative Candidates Luke Akehurst I voted for Keir Starmer in the leadership election and I want to work on the NEC to make his leadership a success; to reunite and rebuild a divided and demoralised Labour Party after four consecutive General Election defeats; and to get Labour into fighting shape for the next General Election. A Labour activist for 32 years, I am passionate about tackling poverty and inequality. As a parent and cancer survivor I will fight to defend our NHS and schools from Tory cuts. Support the closest possible links with Europe. Want zero tolerance of antisemitism, Islamophobia and racism. NEC Member 2010-2012, strong record of fairness and defending democracy in taking decisions, openness and accountability in reporting back to members. Extensive campaigning experience: Borough Campaign Manager in four Hackney elections increasing Labour seats from 29 to 50; parliamentary candidate Aldershot and Castle Point; full-time Organiser in Camden. Councillor 2002-2014, trade unionist (Unite) 27 years. Member of Co-op Party and Fabians. With three decades experience of campaigning, on the NEC my absolute focus will be turning Labour back into an election-winning party. I recommend also voting for Baxter, Paul, Payne, Nominators Singh Josan, Tatler, and Black, Griffin, Sherriff. John Bennett Jerry Hogg https://www.luke4nec.org/ [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/luke4nec2020/ Johanna Baxter We need to change to win and win we must. COVID-19 has changed how live. Our country faces a looming economic crises the like of which we’ve never seen in our lifetime. We need to offer solutions as well as solidarity – a credible, radical, alternative that creates jobs, tackles climate change, and invests in the health and education of our nation. Only by bringing together our broad church and harnessing the talents of our 580,000 members will we return a socialist Labour government. I’m a member of 24 years, a CLP Chair, SEC member and the lead Trade Union negotiator for local government workers in Scotland. I’ve campaigned for Labour at every election since I joined. Elect me and I will: • Publish NEC reports, and attend CLP meetings wherever I can. From 2010-2016 I personally visited over 180 CLPs to engage members. • Not be afraid of speaking truth to power. • Campaign for robust and speedy independent processes to deal with bullying, harassment and discrimination in all its forms. • Fight to break down barriers to participation in our party. • Work relentlessly for a Labour win. Nominators John Bennett I’m supporting Akehurst, Paul, Payne, Singh Josan, Tatler, Black, Griffin, Sherriff. Jerry Hogg [email protected] @JohannaBaxter https://www.facebook.com/Johanna4NEC/ Ekua Bayunu I have the skills, experience, passion and sustained commitment to socialist values built up over 40 years working with disadvantaged communities across the UK as a Community Arts activist. In London, the East Midlands, the Northwest and Edinburgh. I am Arts & Culture Officer for Manchester Central CLP, Secretary of Manchester Labour Women’s Forum, representing women from across the 5 Manchester CLPs and a CLP delegate to our LCF and was delegate to Conference in 2019.