What Does it Mean to be Labour’s Sister Party in 2024?

The partnership between the Labour Party and the Co-operative Party stretches back nearly a century. Just as trade unions established the Labour Party to give workers a political voice, the co-operative movement formed the Co-operative Party. Before their electoral pact, the Co-operative Party stood independent candidates and had its own elected representatives. This historic alliance has played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the UK, blending the goals of the labour movement with the ideals of co-operation.

In simple terms, the Co-operative Party is an independently registered and regulated political party with its own democratic structures and governance. The electoral pact allows for independent membership as well as joint membership of both parties. They have separate selection processes which, when aligned, result in a joint Labour & Co-operative candidate. This unique arrangement has allowed both parties to support candidates who are committed to social justice, economic fairness, and community empowerment.

But what does this relationship mean today, in 2024, after a historic Labour Party victory in the general election? While history provides context, there isn’t a playbook for what the Co-operative Party could achieve in this new political landscape. The recent electoral success presents unprecedented opportunities for the Co-operative Party to influence national policy and advocate for the values it holds dear.

Being in partnership with a much larger organisation like Labour can be challenging, especially when sharing candidates and elected representatives. However, the Co-operative Party is uniquely positioned to deliver on its founding mission from over 100 years ago. The principles of co-operation—mutual aid, democratic governance, and community focus—are more relevant than ever in addressing contemporary issues such as economic inequality, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion.

In a political system that favours a two-party structure, explaining the relationship between Labour and the Co-operative Party can be complex. Despite potential challenges, I feel confident within this relationship. The Co-operative Party has grown in numbers and confidence, at one point being the fastest-growing political party in the UK. This growth reflects a growing public recognition of the importance of co-operative principles in creating a fairer and more resilient society.

Not long ago, joint elected representatives were few and far between. Now, nearly 1 in 4 Labour representatives are also Co-operative. This includes the majority of Welsh MSs, including the First Minister, a majority of Scottish MSPs, including the Scottish Labour Leader, most metro mayors, Police and Crime Commissioners, and over 1600 councillors. We’ve just seen the largest number of Labour and Co-operative MPs elected to Westminster, many of whom will serve as Ministers and Cabinet Ministers. This significant presence in government positions the Co-operative Party to effectively advocate for its policy goals and collaborate closely with Labour on key initiatives.

Ahead of the General Election, the Labour Party published a manifesto with strong commitments to the co-operative movement. The Co-operative Party worked with Labour to focus on four key areas: increasing the number of co-ops, leveraging co-operatives in the fight against climate change, saving community assets and high streets, and improving retail worker safety. Each of these priorities has been included and adopted in the manifesto, showcasing the influence and integration of co-operative principles within Labour’s broader policy framework.

Looking ahead, the Co-operative Party aims to double the size of the co-operative and mutual sector, produce 8GW of community-owned renewable energy, establish new community ownership on high streets through a new community right to buy, and more. These ambitious goals highlight the potential of co-operatives to drive economic and social progress. By expanding the co-operative sector, we can create more inclusive and sustainable local economies, empower communities to take control of their resources, and foster a stronger sense of solidarity and mutual support.

Moreover, the Co-operative Party’s commitment to tackling climate change through community-owned renewable energy projects exemplifies how co-operative principles can address global challenges. By decentralising energy production and promoting local ownership, these initiatives can reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and enhance energy security. This approach not only aligns with environmental goals but also strengthens community resilience and economic independence.

As Labour’s sister Party, we must maintain our ambition and commitment to promoting and defending the co-operative movement in all its forms. The future holds significant potential, and we are ready to seize it. The Co-operative Party’s vision is not just about expanding numbers but also about embedding co-operative values deeper into the fabric of society. We aim to create a future where co-operatives are a mainstream part of the economy, where communities are empowered to shape their destinies, and where the principles of democracy, equality, and mutual aid are at the heart of all we do.

In conclusion, the Co-operative Party’s role in the new Labour government is a testament to its enduring relevance and potential. By working together, Labour and the Co-operative Party can create a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all. The journey ahead is filled with challenges and opportunities, and we are committed to making the most of this historic moment to advance the co-operative cause.