This briefing sets out the Co-operative Party process for selecting candidates to stand as Labour and Co-operative Party in local government election

Introduction

The Co-operative Party exists to support the election of candidates who ‘support political action in pursuance of the Values and Principles of the Co-operative Movement’. We have a long tradition of working in local government, with hundreds of councillors in town halls across the country championing co-operative politics and helping build stronger communities.

In recent years, we have seen significant growth in the number of Co-operative Party councillors, which has helped raise our profile, delivered strong results on our modern-day slavery and food justice campaigns, community renewable energy and local ownership, community right to buy and safer high streets, and promoted local co-operative economies.

These guidelines set out the process whereby members of the Co-operative Party are endorsed to stand as a Labour and Co-operative candidate for local government elections.

The Rule Book states that the object of party councils is ‘to secure direct Co-operative representation on local bodies’, and they have an important role in increasing the number of Co-operative Party candidates and councillors and growing our work in local government.

1. Candidate eligibility

To be endorsed as a Co-operative Party candidate in local elections, candidates must meet all the following requirements:

i. Be a fully paid-up member of the Co-operative Party by the close at the point of nominations and be up to date with their membership fees.

ii. Be a member of a recognised co-operative society, as determined by the NEC. (This is a condition for membership of the Co-operative Party).

iii. Have been selected by the Labour Party to stand in a specific ward.

iv. Have applied to be a Co-operative Party candidate using the national application form.

v. Have agreed to the candidate declaration, stating that they will use the Labour and Co-operative description and logo on their campaign material and social media if endorsed.

2. Withholding endorsement

These guidelines exist to ensure that the relevant rules and procedures are applied and that selections are carried out in a fair and proportionate manner.

It’s important to remember that all members declare themselves to be co-operators and agree to accept the rules and to promote the policy and values of the Co-operative Party.

The Party should therefore start from the position that a Co-operative Party member who has been selected by the Labour Party, should be endorsed as a Labour and Co-operative candidate.

Endorsement should only be withheld under one of the limited circumstances set out below:

i. Where the candidate doesn’t meet one of the eligibility criteria set out above.

ii. Where the party council believes endorsing a candidate may bring the Co-operative Party into disrepute.

iii. Where there is evidence that the candidate has acted against the policy and values of the Co-operative Party.

iv. Where the candidate is subject to Co-operative Party disciplinary procedures or has breached the Rule Book (for example standing against a Labour candidate).

3. Multi-member wards

If a candidate is standing in an election where there is more than one seat to be filled or in an ‘all out’ election, all candidates must use the same description on the ballot paper.

If all candidates are endorsed by the Co-operative Party, they must use the Labour and Co-operative Party description (or Scottish Labour and Co-operative Party or Labour and Co-operative Party / Llafur a’r Blaid Gydweithredol’, as appropriate) on the ballot paper. If only some of the candidates have been endorsed by the Co-operative Party, then all candidates must use the Labour Party description.

However, regardless of what description is used on the ballot paper, all candidates who are endorsed will still be Labour and Co-operative Party candidates, and if elected will be Labour and Co-operative Party councillors. They can also use the joint logo on their literature, social media and other materials and receive support from the Co-operative Party.

4. Funding for Candidates

Being endorsed as a Co-operative Party candidate under these procedures allows a candidate to stand as a Labour and Co-operative Party candidate. However, it’s important to note that being a Co-operative Party candidate does not bring an automatic campaign donation from the party council, and many candidates will not receive a financial contribution to their campaign.

Party councils agree their own procedures for if and how they award funding in local elections – there is no requirement for them to provide any funding.

Party councils may decide to direct funding to certain candidates only, for example those in target wards, those who use or mention the Co-operative Party on their literature and social media, candidates who have a particular focus on co-operative policies in their campaign, or those who have been particularly active in their local branch. They may instead wish to support the wider campaign, for example by jointly funding a local organiser.

Contributions to candidates should be paid to the LGC or to the account of a relevant unit of the Labour Party. Campaign contributions should never be paid to the candidate.

5. Support from Head Office

Co-operative Party Head Office is available to provide support and guidance to party councils, branches and labour groups about the selection process and preparing for your local elections.

We can also arrange for a member of staff to come to a local meeting to discuss way of supporting members to stand for election, making sure that co-operative policies form part of your manifesto, and engaging elected co-operative councillors in the work of your local party.

6. Further information

For more information on these guidelines or to discuss amendments you would like to make please contact local@party.coop

For more information about local government and helping us grow the number and activity of councillors in your area contact local@party.coop

You can also find more information and guidance for candidates and local officers in our Local Government Hub at https://party.coop/local