Briefing:National Executive Committee & Disciplinary Committee Elections From: Karen Wilkie For attention of: All Party Officers Published: 17th December 2019 Last updated: 17th December 2019 Printed: 23rd November 2024 Other formats: Print The current three-year term of the National Executive Committee (NEC) ends in June 2020 and nominations are now open for elections to the NEC for 2020-23. Please read this briefing to see what your branch or party needs to do. For the 11 national and regional representatives and the Youth member, the process will be slightly different to previous NEC elections: Candidates may self-nominate After the closing date, branches and party councils may endorse a candidate in their nation or region. A list of candidates and form for endorsement will be sent to branches and parties For your branch or party council to endorse a candidate, you need to plan now to hold a meeting between 13 February and 14 March (see timetable below). The three seats open for women-only candidates will be Scotland and Northern Ireland, Wales and the South East The ballot will be in April by one member, one vote. Information for candidates, including the role of the NEC and who can stand, is on the main election page. Please make sure that all members in your branch or party council are also aware that: No additional printed materials may be circulated by the candidates or by others on their behalf. No candidate, or person on their behalf, may use access to the Party’s membership data to promote their candidacy. Party Councils and branches may only endorse a candidate from the confirmed list that will be circulated in the week beginning 10 February. NEC Election Timetable 18 December 2019 – Self-nominations open for the NEC and CPDC 6 February 2020 (5pm) – Closing date for self-nominations 13 February 2020 – Branch and Party Council endorsements open 15 March 2020 – Closing date for branch and Party Council endorsements 6 April 2020 – Ballot papers will be sent by email to all individual members for the regional and national seats and to members 30 and under for the election for the youth representative 4 May 2020 – Ballots close 5/6 June 2020 – Induction & AGM for new NEC, followed by the Co-operative Party Ltd AGM Co-operative Party Disciplinary Committee (CPDC) Election The Co-operative Party’s Disciplinary Committee (CPDC) is an elected body, separate to the NEC, which plays an important part in ensuring that the rules and standards of the Party are maintained. The CPDC has 22 members – two per region – and elections to the CPDC take place every three years at the same time as the election to the NEC. Members elected in 2020 (and at subsequent by-elections) will serve from June 2020 until the next CPDC is elected in 2023. The size of the CPDC has been increased for this election to help to ensure diversity on the Committee and we particularly encourage BAME, LGBT+ and disabled members to stand for election. Members who have relevant experience or training e.g. through their trade union are also urged to apply. Information for candidates, including the role of the CPDC, criteria and application form, is on the CPDC election page. Prospective candidates can apply online. Applications will be forwarded to branches, party councils and societies/affiliates to make up to two nominations. Nominees must have been a member of the Co-operative Party for five years; live in the nation or region for which they are seeking nomination; be a member of the body nominating them and not be a member of the NEC, MP, MSP, AM or member of staff. The election will be by party councils and societies/affiliates. Ballot forms will be sent in March CPDC Election Timetable 18 December 2019 – Applications open 6 February 2020 (5pm) – Closing date for applications 13 February 2020 – Branch, Party Council and Society/Affiliate nominations open 15 March 2020 – Closing date for nominations 27 March 2020 – Ballot papers issued to Societies, Affiliates and Party Councils 4 May 2020 – Ballots close Action Points Schedule your meeting to endorse an NEC candidate and nominate up to two CPDC candidatesThis will need to be between 13 February and 14 March (More) Encourage your members to stand Check that your members are clear about the rules See the NEC election page and check with Karen Wilkie if you are not sure what candidates or local parties may do (More) For more information Karen Wilkie Board Secretary Resources NEC Election page CPDC Election page