I’m standing for re-election to Labour’s NEC to continue to fight for a socialist and democratic party which upholds the rulebook, decisions of its annual conference, and puts members and working people at its core
Read my full statement below 👇
#GB4NEC
🌹
I understand letters went out today instructing local Labour parties not to join any rallies in solidarity with Palestine
Protesting war crimes is a fundamental right and duty of Labour members and all progressive-minded people
Glad so many defied this and marched with us today
Funny how Starmer is trying to play the "I'll be the prime minister with honestly and integrity" card when he literally lied to the entire membership to get elected to the leadership...
Today myself and 10 other members of Labour's NEC have written to the General Secretary, Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner with concerns regarding both the process and the candidate for the Hartlepool by-election
Jeremy Corbyn inspired tens of thousands of young people, like myself, to take a stand and fight for a better world
Jeremy is the most principled, honest person I've ever had the pleasure of meeting
He always stood with us, now we must stand with him✊❤
Thank you so much to everyone who sent me kind messages over the last week
Despite being keen to begin work to represent members and fight for a socialist policy agenda and democratic party, I felt unable to remain in today's meeting and have left alongside Left comrades
I'm humbled to have been elected to represent Labour's members on its NEC
Thank you so much to everyone who voted for myself and the
#GrassrootsVoice
team!
This result is a clear message from our members for a socialist party, with democracy at its core, in order to win in 2024
The leaked report appeared to allege that party staff sat on anti-Semitism cases to cause factional harm, abused Black MPs and sabotaged the 2017 general election campaign.
We must know the truth of the weighty allegations in the report - Release the Forde Enquiry NOW.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Labour set to name and accuse five ex-staffers – Seumas Milne, Karie Murphy, Georgie Robertson, Harry Hayball and Laura Murray – of leaking an internal report. In response, the five are "considering bringing legal claims against the party":
I'm so angry about this whole campaign. Hartlepool began with imposing a shortlist of ONE, dreadful, Remain candidate running in a seat which voted 70% Leave
These election results are an absolute disgrace and responsibility for this lies at the top, not with the former leader
Solidarity Jeremy, thank you for inspiring me to fight for socialism and a better world.
I just donated to Jeremy's legal fund, donate here if you can:
#IstandwithJeremyCorbyn
always and forever 🌹
Concerned to hear of the return of Peter Mandelson to advise the Labour leader
This decision reflects a course of direction at odds with the members and at odds with the platform Starmer was elected on
For Labour to be a party of principle it must stand for peace, justice and human rights.
Tonight it didn't.
Well done to
@BethWinterMP
@NadiaWhittomeMP
and
@_OliviaBlake
alongside 15 other principled MPs for fighting for the soul of our party.
Solidarity with you all
Truth is a significant no. of powerful people inside the party spent the last 5 years burning it to the ground to destroy the prospect of a socialist leader winning for Labour and thought they could pick up the ashes, click their fingers and win again.
It doesn't work like that.
Labour MPs who called for a ceasefire only to then abstain, what is the point of being in parliament if you don't use your vote in line with your morals?
Hundreds of thousands of us march every week for Palestine, only 650 have the power to directly influence government policy
Disappointed that my NEC colleague seems to be celebrating something which has led to Labour losing control of a crucial city council
These resignations are a crisis for our party. Starmer must urgently apologise for his LBC interview that appeared to endorse war crimes in Gaza
I was gutted about brilliant Oxford Labour councillors Shaista and Amar resigning last week. But good riddance to these 6 ineffective Momentum hacks. They were never Labour, always Momentum.
The utter disregard and disrespect for elected representatives is something we will not put up with
The leadership is undermining the governance of the NEC, censoring debate, and ignoring our processes by doubling down on the removal of the whip from
@jeremycorbyn
Solidarity with the Palestinian people
The UK government must take action against Israel's sustained violations of international law
#SaveSheikhJarrah
#FreePalestine
Myself and 10 members of Labour's NEC have written to the General Secretary, urging him to respond to an unprecedented letter sent to him by 284 Party Chairs + Secretaries over 2 months ago
We've asked that he withdraws his guidance and responds to these hard working volunteers
I stand in solidarity with the NEU and their decision to advise teachers not to enter unsafe workplaces
Whilst proud to have put my name to this letter it should not have come to this, it's time for Labour to step up and hold this disastrous Tory government to account
Yesterday we should have been celebrating my gran's 94th birthday, instead we spread her ashes. Please take Coronavirus seriously, and please wear a mask. RIP❤️
Can't believe it's been over 2 and a half years since my union Unite invited me on a delegation to Palestine
It was the most eye opening, unforgettable experience of my life
I will always stand in solidarity with, and fight against the oppression of, the Palestinian people ✊🇵🇸
If Labour are going to consistently vote through government policy which would fall due to dissent of Tory MPs then they should be demanding concessions.
We need increased sick pay, the return of furlough, further NHS safeguards and more. Opposition is about applying pressure.
Keir on
#Marr
: “I do think these measures are necessary. Therefore we’ll be voting for the measures on Tuesday to protect the NHS and protect the public. We’re not going to tempted into playing party politics here – we’ll act in the public interest.”
In light of this new information, and in what will be a high-profile campaign with increased scrutiny of the candidate, we have called for the process to be reopened and a new panel to be convened with immediate effect
We are unhappy that the panel agreed to a single-candidate “long”-list containing only one white man
We feel this has denied local members agency over the candidate they select and goes against the party’s democratic principles and the fight for a more representative parliament
Socialist policies and democratic principles go hand in hand and I will pursue both unwaveringly
Here's why I'm standing to represent members on Labour's NEC 👇
In 2017 Labour increased its vote share in Hartlepool by 17%, uniting Labour / former UKIP + non voters around a left populist message
Today we lost a seat we held for 50+ years, because we stood for nothing
Starmer must change direction or he will drive Labour into extinction
Labour candidates should be selected by local Labour members
I've been attempting to seek clarity on the Liverpool Mayoral selection for almost a week now with no response
Members rights are being walked all over and NEC reps are being left unable to carry out their role
Understand that no previous candidate will be invited to apply. New nominations must by in by 12pm on 25 February. The ballots will be distributed from 8 March and must be returned by 12pm on 29 March.
Very disappointed to see this
Labour should be fighting for the working class, not a party controlled by big business and rich donors
Party direction and policy must be led by our members and affiliates - not a stitch up in a pre conference brunch!
Exc: Labour under Keir Starmer is offering wealthy donors "invite-only strategy updates"
It comes as he seeks to woo those alienated by Corbyn
Per brochure those who "give at the highest level" go on a "journey" including a welcome party hosted by Angela Rayner at conference
At Thursday's NEC meeting I reminded Keir Starmer that Jeremy Corbyn is a Labour member and a Member of Parliament
In the interest of party unity he must be reinstated as a Labour MP
Send this letter to remind Keir how you feel when this issue comes under review on Thursday👇
Thursday will be 3 months since the whip was not restored to Jeremy Corbyn by Keir Starmer
Starmer said he would 'review' the decision
Use our model letter to let him know it's time to restore the whip and unite the Party in opposition to the Tories 📧
Had there been any semblance of a democratic process, the questionable nature of this candidate may well have come to light before his selection
As it is, members have since contacted us about multiple social media posts which we feel are not in line with our values as a party
Yesterday's NEC displayed an astonishing set of priorities for Keir Starmer, who is spending more time attacking his own party than the Tory government - with shocking results for our party's electoral position, membership and finances
Read my update👇
Trans rights are human rights
At our last regional conference delegates declared this South East Labour regional policy by almost unanimously passing a motion in support of trans rights
I'll be raising Rosie Duffield's Times article alongside her online activity at our next REC
A huge thank you to Labour members for re-electing me to the NEC and congratulations to all candidates elected!
I'll continue to campaign for a genuinely transformative Labour government and internally democratic party
Here's to the next two years of fighting for socialism!🌹✊
Starmer claims to be a stickler for rules. But this is the 4th time the party has broken its own rule book, as amended by the members at last conference
Candidates should be selected and supported by local members not parachuted in by the leadership!
I've just been told that the entire executive of the Wakefield Constituency Labour Party has resigned in protest at the national Labour party breaking its own rules and refusing to allow local members to freely choose their own candidate.
A statement is being released shortly.
The way to end toxic factionalism in Labour is to completely democratise it
Fellow members (and leadership) must then simply respect that they lost said battle, entirely democratically, and move on to the next
Until this happens our movement will know no peace
Solidarity with
@LauraPidcock
✊as women in the movement we build each other up not tear each other down
When we disagree we do so with courtesy, we do not call each other names
That did not happen today, what happened was completely unacceptable, even more so from the NEC chair
On UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People we must redouble our resolve to stand unequivocally and unconditionally against occupation and human rights abuse and for the freedom of the Palestinian people ✊🇵🇸
Labour will describe its commitment to NATO as "unshakeable" and its support for the UK's nuclear deterrent as "non-negotiable" while setting out its core principles on defence and security in a speech on Friday:
ERGH😫🙄😭
This is the OPPOSITE of what I'm saying. Why should southern NEC members such as myself be deciding on the Labour candidate for Hartlepool? It's for the members in the constituency
We were told there would be a democratic hustings then they long-listed ONE CANDIDATE
Hugely proud to have the endorsement of
@johnmcdonnellMP
to be re-elected to Labour’s NEC
As shadow chancellor, John outlined a vision for economic and social justice that inspired so many, and would have addressed the deep inequalities and crises we face today 🏭🌳🤝
Angry, exhausted but not surprised
Report or not, Forde should still attend tomorrow's NEC meeting as promised. We were supposed to receive this report in 2020 and yet here we are 2 years, and an awful lot of money later and we still don't have it.
Is it wilful or incompetence?
NEW: Martin Forde QC sends letter to Labour NEC members saying the Forde Report cannot be shared at tomorrow’s meeting as promised but is “largely completed”, and says again that the delay isn’t down to political interference:
That the leadership is focusing on who released this shocking information rather than the report's content shows once again that they are putting factional attacks in front of genuine anti-racist action. Disgraceful.
No one should be forced to break a Labour Whip in order to vote against the authorisation of rape, torture and murder
Thank you to the peers who did but it should never have come to this
NEW: 18 Labour peers defy the whip to vote in favour of an amendment banning the authorisation of rape, torture and murder under the so-called 'spycops' bill:
Unite members, there's not long left, make sure to post your General Secretary election ballot off by 5pm today ✉️
And vote Steve Turner!
#TurnOutForTurner
I'm proud to have reported from every full Labour NEC meeting since I was elected 2 years ago
Below is my report from the most recent. Which, much like the weather, was a very heated meeting!
#Gemma4NEC
#FordeReport
The Labour Women's Declaration statement, by denying trans people the right to self-identify, contributes to the establishment war on trans people
The Labour Party, and those in internal or public office positions should reject its recommendations
No Forde, no reinstatement of the Whip, more unfair and cruel expulsions
Labour's leadership continues to ignore our calls for unity
Read my report on yesterday's National Executive Committee meeting here👇
Thank you so much to the 165 CLPs which have nominated me to continue to represent you on Labour's NEC
If elected I will continue to fight for
Labour to face the public with a transformational vision to improve society and a healthy democratic internal culture ✊
Cheers 🍻
Brilliant
#RichardforDeputy
rally in Crawley today, honoured to speak about why we must maintain our socialist agenda. Richard spoke brilliantly about his vision for our party and his three pledges:
🗳 Open Selections
🚉 New Clause IV
☮ Peace Pledge
Let's keep Labour Left ✊🌹
So pleased to have the endorsement of
@RichardBurgon
for the NEC
As Secretary of the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs Richard is a rare and principled voice for peace, socialism and anti-racism in parliament and the country
Thank you so much to the 277 CLPs that have nominated me to represent them on the NEC
If elected I'll fight for socialist policies that promote the interests of working class people and a democratic party that puts members at its core ✊🌹
I have written for
@labourlist
about why I want to represent grassroots members on Labour's NEC
I am standing with two main purposes: to maintain a progressive policy agenda going into the 2024 general election and to defend party democracy (Thread)
"Members are the lifeblood of our party. It is the volunteering of tens of thousands of members –their local campaigning, their door-knocking and their relationships with local voters- that roots us in every community"
We must defend party democracy, proud to have signed this ✊
An open letter to the Labour Party leadership from MPs, Lords, trade union leaders and NEC representatives calls for an end to "attacks on party democracy, legitimate discussion and the recent wave of suspensions."
The lack of action from the party, both regionally and nationally, regarding the trigger process in Poplar and Limehouse not only flies in the face of democracy and fair process but shows a distinct lack of care and humanity
The process must be halted immediately. Read below👇
Labour candidate
@gembolton
explains why
#MidSussex
needs a Labour MP. “I’ll work for good jobs with a real living wage and a strong economy by investing in ordinary people rather than just the privileged few” 🙌🏻👏🏻
WOW another 2 years!
Thank you so much to everyone who put their faith in me to serve for another term on Labour's NEC
I promise to keep being a strong voice for the Labour government to be principled in their policy and keep democracy at the heart of the party
As ballots close in 2 days I would like to once again say a huge thank you to the 277 CLPs which nominated me
Whether elected or not I won't stop fighting for our movement to remain grassroots, with members voices at its core and for fair and just internal process
Solidarity✊
"If equality, humanity, honesty and kindness is called Corbynism, then that’s all right with me"
Moving, and spot on article from
@LauraAlvarezJC
.
Read it and wonder what might have been had our party joined together to oust these evil tories.
Increasing corporation tax is popular, mainstream, sensible and in line with our voters' values
Labour should be supporting tax rises for corporations and a windfall tax when it comes to parliament next week
On whether voters would support or oppose a rise in corporation tax:
Support: 67%
Oppose: 10%
[2019 Conservative voters]
Support: 65%
Oppose: 13%
[2019 Labour voters]
Support: 76%
Oppose: 6%
Via
@KekstCNC
, 17-18 February 2021
In the context of a global pandemic, with the government having just lifted all restrictions in a terrifying experiment on the lives of the population, I cannot believe I have to go to tomorrow's NEC to respond to this 80s cosplay
Statement below on the proposed proscriptions👇
Looking forward to speaking at tonight's Stand Up for Labour Party Democracy rally
A few months ago myself and 4 others were elected to Labour's NEC on a platform of commitment to a socialist policy agenda and party democracy
Labour must not turn it's back on these values
A democratic sub-committee of the NEC found that Corbyn was not in breach of the rule book. The suspension of his whip flies in the face of our processes
Reinstate the whip and lets put this sorry business behind us
"This vote on Syria was the first time I had seen, after all the bombs and drones and allying with the United States, a Labour Party that could stand for what is right."
My piece on why Labour must be a party of peace, internationalism and solidarity👇
Happy to hear that
@RichardBurgon
is over the line and has enough MP nominations to go forward.
CLPs must support Socialist Campaign Group MPs in order to defend and extend the policy and party democracy gains we made under Corbyn's leadership.
Particular commiserations to my friends and comrades
@mish_rahman
and
@lara_eleanor
who worked tirelessly for members on the NEC. You will both be a huge loss
Jeremy Corbyn inspired 100s of 1000s into Labour and millions to vote Labour when we reversed a decade long slump in Labour's vote share in 2017
Our leadership must do the mature thing, get our house in order and welcome Jeremy back to Labour
Appalled by today's result.
Thank you to the phenomenal Diane Abbott for her endorsement to be re-elected to Labour's NEC 🤩
So pleased to have the support of such an inspirational trailblazer!
#Gemma4NEC
🌹
Huge thanks to everyone who came to help me launch my campaign today. Great to be joined by the wonderful
@TanDhesi
and
@fireylivs
. Rousing speeches and moving testimonials from activists as to why they're fighting for a Labour government, for the Many not the Few.
Labour must defend the sovereignty of countries to determine their own affairs, and uphold international law and UN treaties
We must always make the case that the party should oppose illegal interventions, whether in Latin America, the Middle East or elsewhere
Watch my speech👇
Not only incorrect but morally vacuous.
Attempting to appease the tabloid press by ignoring and minimising racism will still not gain Labour a fair hearing in the press and threatens to lose the party our next "red wall", the Black, Asian and minority ethnic vote.
I implore Labour MPs to ignore the whip and tonight vote with their conscience for a
#CeasefireNOW
How MPs voted on the Iraq war has never been forgotten and neither will this
You cannot put your career ahead of the lives of an entire population
Please end this slaughter
This family lost their child on the way to the south of the Gaza Strip due to the long way and hard conditions. What did the child do to anybody to die like this? Ceasefire now
This treatment of students as cash cows rather than human beings has been a disgrace
Solidarity with students trapped away from home, your health and happiness has been left to rot simply to benefit big corporate landlords and university profit margins
The suspension of the first black woman MP is disgraceful and it needs resolving now. Solidarity with Diane, restore the whip. Sign the petition below.
…
The 2017 general election took place 4 years ago today
Aged 18 this was the first election I ever voted in, proud to have cast my first ever vote for Labour after a campaign that was so full of hope for a better world💕
Thank you to every Labour member who has given up their time to campaign in these elections
Our members are the lifeblood of our party and that must never be forgotten🌹
Just WOW
Covid-19 cases have surged massively, daily deaths are on the rise, and all for a hospitality/economy boosting scheme which didn't even work!!
The incompetence... the lack of compassion and humanity of this government... it's beyond belief
So pleased to have the endorsement of Kate Osborne MP, who it was great to bump into at Tolpuddle this weekend!
I agree wholeheartedly with Kate that as the party born of the trade unions, Labour must stand shoulder to shoulder with workers ✊
🚨 Ballots are now arriving for the NEC elections🚨
Please support myself and the Grassroots 5 team for a transformative Labour government and democratic party
If you’re in South London, South East England or Wales vote in the following order to maximise our chance of success⬇️
Solidarity with these two former Labour Party staffers. No progressive party should treat it's female staff in such a disgusting way. I will be raising with NEC colleagues how we can ensure this never happens again
NEW: Two former Labour staff were asked to sign confidentiality agreements after making sexual harassment complaints about a senior official. Documents seen by the BBC show the women had reported the party official for "inappropriate" behaviour. Thread 👇🏽