21st century Governance

What does a 21st century party look like for…Governance?

Governance aka Party Rules. Love or hate them, they underpin how we as a party operate and are critical in the effective functioning of the party. But are the current governance structures still relevant to a modern, effective political party?

Many feel the current rules are designed to ‘stop the membership being naughty’.

That that the party is too determined by a set of rules which are used to control and prohibit, rather than enable members.

That disproportionate power is invested at the local, regional and national levels in those who know and can exercise the rules to the detriment of encouraging others to join and participate.

The best governance structures should always reflect and support our values. Our party rules must therefore be built upon a clear mission and vision which recognise that people find meaning through active involvement in politics and the ability to take action to improve their community, our country and the world. Our governance structures must therefore enable people to find that meaning as they become involved in the Labour Party and to see themselves as active members and supporters, not passive observers or controlled supplicants. Because as any organiser will tell you, passive observers don’t win elections.

This post is part of a series produced by LabourList and Labour Values.