I am a councillor for Bromborough, on the Wirral, near Liverpool.

I was elected as a councillor in 2018 and, since then, I have been a big advocate for all units of the party working in tandem. For the first time in a long time, a proactive approach is being taken in engaging the Labour Group with the Local Campaign Forum (where I am a Delegate). This has led the way to collaborative working, including Wirral Labour Party’s own manifesto development. This is something we should see more of in the Labour Party.

My Jewish great-grandparents fled fascism in Europe. There should be no place for antisemitism, Islamophobia or any form of racism in our Labour Party. We live in a diverse society and world. We need much more understanding and much less hostility – not least because Black Lives Matter.

Party members are hungry for fair and just disciplinary processes worthy of our trade union, Labour and co-operative values. Labour must hold free and fair internal elections.

The Labour Party can be a fabulous and supportive family. Don’t Leave, Organise!

NEC Local Councillor Representatives election

Backed by the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour Councillors, I am standing to represent local councillors in the current NEC elections. I was well supported across the Labour Party in the NEC constituency party section by-elections held earlier this year – with 118 CLP nominations and 46,150 members’ votes.

I am standing for election with my brilliant comrade, Councillor Matt White.

Matt was previously chair of Haringey Council’s Pensions Committee and Board. He has recently become the cabinet member for Corporate and Civic Services.

Matt has campaigned successfully against the privatisation of land and mass demolition of council homes in Haringey.

Since being elected as a councillor, Matt has worked collaboratively to change Haringey’s approach: to build council homes at council – rather than so-called ‘affordable’ – rents; insource services; pay care workers the London Living Wage; and increase Council Tax support.

As chair of Pensions, he worked for decarbonisation and community wealth building in council investments. Now in cabinet, his priorities are insourcing and ethical debt collection.”

We are campaigning to:

  • Build on our proud socialist traditions in local government, while organising and agitating for new alternatives to failing capitalism.
  • Argue for common ownership of the means of production, distribution and exchange.
  • Fight to democratise politics and the economy, including campaigning for Open Selection at all levels.
  • Support the work of socialist MPs, trade unions and the wider socialist movement, acting as a conduit for socialist values in local government.
  • Build on the multi-generational, multi-racial, class-based movement inspired by Jeremy Corbyn.

The Socialist Campaign Group of Labour Councillors

Since its foundation at the beginning of April, many councillors from all over the country have expressed support for our aims, demonstrating a clear and urgent appetite for socialism in local government.

Labour councillors can play an important role in fighting against the destruction wrought by a decade of Tory austerity and four decades of neo-liberalism.

Instead of being prisoners to remote technocratic visions, we can build on the ambitious class-based programme unleashed by Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership.

As Tony Benn once said, those asked to wear the red rosette ‘are not just here to manage capitalism but to change society’.

We need nominations

Local government candidates need at least five Labour Groups to nominate them.

In October, thousands of Labour councillors across the country will receive their NEC ballot papers.

I urge supporters to contact their nearest Labour councillors – and urge them to nominate myself and Cllr Matt White at upcoming Labour Group meetings.

Jo Bird, Birkenhead CLP

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4 Comments

  1. As a fan of centralised planning I find it difficult to support your desire to democratise politics and the economy, including campaigning for Open Selection at all levels. The country that has taken this the furthest is the USA with localised election for positions such as the sheriff and prosecutor. it has also led to gerrymandering by the Republicans as local boundaries are changed frequently bu locally elected representatives of that party

    1. Hi Antony
      Isn’t the trick to decide what services and aspects of the economy require centralised planning and what is better devolved to Regions or Cities? And couldn’t this be determined democratically? Transport needs both national and regional planning. Education can be more local. The NHS has both national. regional and local components. The same discussion applies with local government.

  2. I have been an elected Parish Councillor for three years. Unlike Jo, I receive no financial reward for my services to the community. Parish and Town Councillors are unpaid but nonetheless many of us provide a valuable, voluntary service and perform every bit as diligently as our wealthier counterparts who sit on local authorities. Isn’t it time the work we do and the contribution we make to society was recognised for what it is by providing some kind of token payment – if only to cover expenses ?

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