At the Co-operative Party we're proud of the of the contribution the LGBTQ+ community continue to make, both to our party and wider co-operative movement. We want that work to continue - want to play a part in it? Get involved and apply to stand for our Youth Committee elections.

As a member the LGBTQ+ Co-operators Committee you'll have an opportunity to raise the issues that matter to you whilst representing other LGBTQ+ people from your region/nation, you'll get the support from our Co-operative Party staff team to run events and be involved in future Co-operative Party conferences and as we look forward to local elections, Scottish Parliament elections and Welsh Senedd elections - you'll be part of that policy development.

Our LGBTQ+ Co-operators are already leading the way by prioritising encouraging more LGBTQ+ people to become active members of the Co-operative Party, supporting the promotion of more LGBTQ+ candidates internally in the Co-operative Party and for public office at all levels and facilitatating engagement between LGBTQ+ people in all parts of the co-operative movement to support appropriate practical and policy responses to the needs of LGBTQ+ communities

Interested?

Nominations have now re-opened for vacancies on this year’s Co-operative Party LGBTQ+ Network Committee. There are six places available and in particular we encourage applications from women, as four of these seats are reserved for women. If you are a member who identifies as LGBTQ+, then we would like you to put yourself forward for this committee. You must also have applied to join the Co-operative Party on or before 1 January 2025 and not be in arrears.

The purpose of the Network is:

• To support the recruitment and retention of LGBTQ+ members to the Co-operative Party and to encourage their participation in other Co-operative Party structures and the wider co-operative movement
• To support LGBTQ+ Co-operators to be active at all levels of organisation and representation
• To support the Co-operative Party to secure direct Co-operative representation in the UK, Scottish and Welsh Parliaments and all levels of local government and to promote the selection and election of LGBTQ+ members of the Co-operative Party as appropriate in accordance with the decisions of the NEC to promote the political policy of the Co-operative Party.
• To support, promote and to assist in the development of the Party’s campaigns and policies

The Committee is crucial to an active and engaged Network. They set the Network’s programme of events, campaigns and budget for the year and convene meetings of the network. Normally, the Committee will meet quarterly, online.

The Council will be elected UK-wide by all members of LGBTQ+ Co-operators.  However, no more than 3 candidates will be elected from a single region in England or from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

The Council will have a gender balance, with at least half of those elected that identify with a binary are women. There will also be reserved seats for Trans, Non-binary, BAME, (dis)ability, Youth (aged 30 and under), and Women.

Questions about the election?

Contact networks@party.coop

The information provided on this form will be used by Co-operative Party Head Office to facilitate the election as stated. This information will not be shared with local branches. The Co-operative Party will never share your information with anyone outside the Party without your consent.