By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk
The results of our “conference special” State of the Party survey are a mixed bag when it comes to the Refounding Labour proposals, with supporters seemingly divided over whether party reform reform has been positive or negative.40% of those who voted feel negatively about Refounding Labour, with 37% feeling positive.
However, when we asked readers how they felt about a selection of the specific proposals contained within the Refounding Labour document, the response was completely different. The vast majority of proposals were viewed positively by readers. Four of the seven proposals were viewed positively by more than 60% of respondents. The only two proposals that divided readers was registered supporters, narrowly backed by our readers (46% to 41%), and the abolition of LGCs, which was backed by 27% but opposed by 30%. This was dwarfed by the 44% who don’t know whether this is a positive or a negative move.
What this suggests is what we have been arguing for months now – these proposals are (by and large) positive, and can win the support of the majority of the party. However, hurt by a flawed process, which has led many members to feel ignored and in the dark as to what the exact proposals are, Refounding Labour could end up being less than the sum of its parts. It wasn’t transparent, communication with members was poor and thus many in the party felt that this was a typical party stitch up.
We were promised both “a new politics” and “nothing less then the refoundation of the Labour Party” – that means the way we do politics as well as the results both have to change – that was, after all, the “change to win” message that delivered Ed victory last summer. At present party members. don’t feel like they’re seeing that.
Yet when supporters see what the actual proposals are, they back them. That should be a salutory reminder for the party and the leadership – trust members. We’re not the enemy, and it’s time to stop treating us like it.
Results:
How do you feel about Refounding Labour?
Positive – 37%
Negative – 40%
Don’t know – 23%
How do you feel about the following party reform proposals?
Proposal Positive Negative Don’t know
| Registered supporters | 46.0% | 41.1% | 12.9% | |
| Affiliate status for Young Labour and the Association of Labour Councillors | 76.4% | 11.2% | 12.4% | |
| Flexibility for CLPs to organise their local structures | 78.5% | 9.9% | 11.6% | |
| Removal of LGCs | 26.7% | 29.6% | 43.7% | |
| Reduction of the minimum membership age to 14 | 72.2% | 19.6% | 8.2% | |
| Adding community campaigning to Clause 1 | 64.0% | 16.2% | 19.8% | |
| Contracts for Labour candidates | 64.0% | 15.7% |
20.3% |
The LabourList state of the party survey was conducted from Thursday 22nd to Sunday 25th September. 405 LabourList readers took part.
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