We thought you might want to know a little bit more about our organisation – the Co-operative Party – and how we work with our sister party, the Labour Party, to build a society where wealth and power are shared.
What is the Co-operative Party, and how do we work with Labour?
The Co-operative Party is a political party. We stand candidates at elections at all levels of government – including local councillors, metro mayors, MPs, Members of Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly Members. We have 26 MPs – making us the 4th largest party in Parliament. We also have over 1,500 councillors all across Britain.
Since 1927, we have had an electoral agreement with Labour, meaning we only stand Labour and Co-operative joint candidates. Some ‘Co-operators’ you might recognise are Andy Burnham, Stella Creasy, and Chair of the Labour Party Anneliese Dodds.
Our candidates come from across the broad church of the Labour Party, united by their belief in the co-operative values of sharing wealth and power. We’re proud that 9 Co-operative MPs are in the current Shadow Cabinet, and indeed that Co-op MPs have served on every Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet for a generation.
If you're a Labour supporter, why should you support the Co-operative Party as well?
Last year, the Co-operative Party was the fastest growing Party in the UK. The Co-operative Party is an independent political party with our own NEC, membership and policy platform. We’re a grassroots party that is making change on the ground all over the country, running successful campaigns on everything from safer shopworkers to food justice at local, regional and national levels.
In a time of increasing polarisation and ill-will in politics, co-operators are getting stuck in and transforming communities from the bottom up. If you’re looking for a radical, practical political movement with ideas and energy – that’s us. Working in partnership, the Co-op Party and the Labour Party are bringing together the best of our practical traditions of co-operation and trade unionism to change Britain for the better.
What if you don’t support the Labour Party?
You don’t need to be a member of the Labour Party to be a member of the Co-operative Party. However, because of our electoral agreement, you cannot join if you are a member of a political party other than the Labour Party. If you live in Northern Ireland you can also be a member of the SDLP.
How to get more involved
If you’d like to financially support our amazing campaigns by becoming a member, you can join now from just £2.40 a month. You’ll be part of a movement with historic roots, be able to join to local parties, and have an opportunity to shape the national agenda through campaigns and success in the wider Labour movement.
Promoted by Joe Fortune on behalf of the Co-operative Party, both at Unit 13, 83 Crampton Street, London, SE17 3BQ, United Kingdom. Co-operative Party Limited is a registered Society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. Registered no. 30027R