Why are you Labour?

Why are you a member of the Labour Party?

I’d been a member for years when someone first asked me that question. On some level I guess I knew the answer, but no-one at any Constituency Labour Party meeting, canvassing session, conference – or even in the pub  –  had ever outright asked me the question. It was Arnie Graf – an American, rather than someone steeped in the party their whole life – who asked me. It was an obvious question, but one that had never come up.

It’s a shame that it’s not asked more.

Since then I’ve taken the opportunity to ask other people why they’re Labour, and what drew them to the party. The answers – from Ed Miliband, to MPs, Prospective Parliamentary Candidates (PPCs), councillors and grassroots activists – are rarely less than enlightening, and often have the potential to delight and inspire. Family, community, aspiration, pride, duty, giving something back – these are just some of the responses I’ve heard. And the reaction from those I’ve questioned is often the same as mine was when first asked – slightly taken aback perhaps, but glad to share their story.

It’s good to remember what it was that brought you to the Labour Party in the first place, and remember what inspired that – increasingly rare – decision to align yourself to a political party.

But it’s also fascinating to hear people’s stories too. Their answers go to the heart of what each person believes politics should be. It often achieves some of the most thoughtful responses, and helps to reveal what motivates people and where their passions lie.

Arnie Graf is a smart guy – because he asked me the most important question I’ve ever been asked as a Labour member – one that no-one else asked but which was staring me in the face nonetheless.

More people should ask, and answer that question.

That’s why it’s the theme of this year’s LabourList conference rally. We’ve got some of the best speakers from across the Labour movement coming to tell us why they’re Labour, what inspires them and why our movement matters. In an election year, there are few more important questions to ask or answer than the question that brought us all here in the first place. So whether it’s Owen Jones or Eddie Izzard, Yvette Cooper or Lisa Nandy – join us at Labour conference to hear why they and other great speakers are Labour, and share your stories too.

Go to our Facebook page or our events page to find out more.