A radical outcome for Refounding Labour?

By Simon Wright

There does not seem to be much enthusiasm for going back to our annual conference making tough policy decisions in front of the TV cameras. When Partnership in[to] Power was introduced, most party members accepted that it was necessary to move policy-making from conference to a body which was more private. The reason why there remains unhappiness is that the National Policy Forum has never assumed the importance and profile that we were told it would. Many, including past and current members, think it has been over-managed, invisible, sidelined and ignored. At the same time, Conference is unsatisfactory as it retains the format of decision-making but with no debates; this is partly why attendance is dropping.

A radical outcome of Refounding Labour would be to change the very nature of Conference but simultaneously to build the NPF into a truly meaningful body.

Conference could become a weekend event, for two days only – a powerful rally and side events, speeches from the leadership, celebration of our successes and messages to the nation. Policy seminars should still take place that bring together shadow government and party members. It could become a must-attend event for huge numbers of party members (and supporters) and would show the country that we have a vibrant political movement.

The remainder of the old Conference period could be taken up with a meaningful three-day meeting of the NPF. Real discussion and decision-making about real issues. We know the the NPF cannot be kept totally private so we make a virture of tweeting decisons and debates, allowing simultaneous online messages and contributions. Decisions taken will be analysed in the media (as they are during Warwick) but without such risk of public embarrassment when votes go against the leadership (as they must do sometimes). NPF membership might need to be larger and certainly much more visible to members with CLPs and affiliates fully aware of their NPF reps and influencing their positions.

The Refounding Labour outcome needs to be a defing moment at the start of Ed’s leadership, his Clause 4 moment. Only by proposing real change in the powers of the NPF and loosening up the controlling tendency of the party can he show his break with the previous era. Ensuring that party members can finally follow and track discussions at the NPF will mean they accept that it has been a worthy replacement for Conference. Once live discussions and debates have opened up online, there is no need to stop them between the (longer, more regular) meetings of the NPF but ensure that Labour is a vibrant discussion space where NPF members, party members and supporters engage in real debate and decide.

This idea will form part of the collective submission from Labour’s Socialist Societies executive.