Since Labour currently has the time for reflection in its bid to reconnect with the public and prove it is once more a ‘people’s party’ we have the opportunity to look at how we end up with the people’s representatives we have. It has always been difficult to ensure that Labour’s political representatives were representatives in more than just name. [...]

‘Connecting to Win’ was an event jointly organised by Labour Values and Movement for Change at Labour Party Annual Conference 2011 in Liverpool. The aims of the event, in which 55 party members from all up and down the country participated, were to (1) share successes in developing our membership and working with our broader communities; (2) consider the challenges we face with this [...]

When I was the Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Aldershot at the last general election, I worked alongside local Labour councillors who practiced community politics. One example was when we jointly campaigned for the regeneration of Aldershot Town Centre, asking local residents how they wanted the town centre regenerated by Conservative-run Rushmoor District Council. I also worked very closely with Aldershot [...]

What a momentous few weeks for the Labour Party. No, not another post on Ed’s (bold and brilliant) leadership over recent days, hacks hacking or cops copping it; I’m talking about the thousands of responses submitted to Peter Hain’s Refounding Labour consultation, and this week’s important election of a new General Secretary for our party. Whether Iain McNicol or Chris [...]

With the re-launch of “movement for change” there are some important debates that need to be started within the party, but also a few that we really need to move beyond. We should stop debating whether community organising is an ends or a means, whether it is about winning elections or empowering communities.  It is both. People can prioritise and [...]

As a Labour man, I’ve been searching for the elixir that can heal the election defeat and rejuvenate the party. To my horror, on the journey to find that elixir, I’ve found I’ve started taking sips from the Tea Party. This has given me serious concern for my mental health. Even as I write this, I’m convinced I am in a lucid dream. [...]

We all know that the Labour Party needs to change. We also all know that at the last election, our campaign was massively overspent by the Tories, thanks to Ashcroft’s millions. In the last election, a Tory majority was declined. This could not have been achieved without the thousands of activists across the country. Today I call for a new [...]

Alex Holland, Labour Councillor in Brixton, writes in the New Statesman about the role of councillors, and how Labour needs to become a mass movement at local level.

Leading the way – How Labour can begin to reinvigorate social democrats across Europe‏ Across Europe, we are seeing the loss of influence of progressive, social democratic parties. It is time for Labour to be at the forefront of restating the values that re-engages those of us on the left.   This requires more soul searching and honesty than at [...]

The somewhat surprising news from one constituency is that people are joining the party again, a contrast with the common view of the continuing decline in membership. One activist has recruited 10 new members (against a target of 50! By the by, how useful is that target? Has he failed or has he succeeded? Is he more or less motivated? [...]