The debate on party reform has only just begun

The Party reform debate was lively, but relatively well humoured. The leadership remained at pains to stress the desire to “mend not end” the union link (both Harriet Harman and Lord Collins made a point of using the phrase) and to stress Labour’s pride in our links to working people and the union movement.

Paul Kenny of GMB gave a barnstorming speech in defence of the union collective voice (while having a fairly clear dig at Progress at the same time, the Aslef motion may have gone away, but the tensions remain).

The debate was incredibly short, and – somewhat clunkily for a debate about hearing more from ordinary members of unions and the Party – was dominated by those who already have a pretty powerful voice. MPs Jonathan Ashworth & Dave Anderson both made good points from different sides of the debate, but it was better when we heard from delegates from Stevenage & Northampton who don’t have as many other opportunities to pitch in.

The debate is far from over. But we need to work to ensure the voices any reform would seek to empower are better heard as it continues.