Following the closing date for nominations to for the remaining vacancies for the networks steering committees, there is now a ballot for election to the BAME Co-operators Council and the Women’s Network Steering Committee.  Ballot papers have been emailed to members of both networks and the ballot will close at 5pm on Monday 1 March.

Candidates have been informed that they may promote themselves on social media e.g. Facebook, twitter etc., but cannot distribute any other materials, printed or on-line.  Posting in forums such as the Co-operative Party Members’ Facebook group is allowed, so long as this is limited and not used to criticise other candidates.  Posting in other channels that are not open to all members (e.g. the Co-operative Councillors’ WhatsApp Group) is not permitted.

Candidates may not use access to the Party’s membership or networks data to promote their candidacy, nor may any other member do so on their behalf.  To be clear, this means that no-one (candidates or otherwise) may use access to the party’s membership data to promote a candidate.  This is to ensure a level playing field for all candidates and to protect members’ data under GDPR.  If you are a Party Officer or elected representative or have access to the Party’s membership data (for example, for your branch), you must not use to promote candidates, nor must you pass it on to anyone.

Please contact me if there is anything you are not sure about.