Balls proposes diversity fund for future MPs

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

Ed Balls has written a piece for the new Labour Values website today in which he talks about how he would renew the Labour Party at the grassroots.

Balls writes:

“This has to change. It needs a culture change at the top. The Labour movement is not there to be managed, it is a talent with a potential which should be unleashed. I strongly believe that the role of Annual Conference must be enhanced – not just as the sovereign body over rules and policy – but the place where we debate the big issues facing our country and how they affect working people.”

Interestingly, Ed Balls also proposes a ‘Diversity Fund’:

“I am proposing the establishment of a Labour Party Diversity Fund. For every pound we raise as a party, from whatever source, we should set aside a given percentage for investment in the fund. Even just a few pence in every pound could make a real difference to those that need help to stand, and would give a voice to those who struggle to be heard.”

And, indicating that he ‘gets it’ Balls writes:

“It would be an irony if, having said the Party needs to listen more and open up, that I then offered my own detailed prescription and asked members if they agree with it. I want to hear from party members and supporters about how we should improve this process.”

Read the full article here.