Elections to the Co-operative Party National Executive Committee take place every three years. Members elected in 2023 will serve from June 2023 until the next NEC is elected in 2026.
The candidate statements are listed below.
The ballot will open on Monday 3 April and eligible members will receive a link by email to the online voting portal. If you are entitled to vote in more than one section, for example, your own region and Youth, please look out for separate emails. Voting will be online, with only those members for whom we do not have an email address receiving a postal ballot.
Voting closes midday on Friday 5 May.
Name: Chris Vince Gender: Male Region or Nation: East
Recipient of supporting nominations from: Waltham Forest Branch
I have been a member of the Cooperative Party for over twelve years and was former secretary of Chelmsford Star Cooperative Party. I was elected as a Labour and Cooperative Party Councillor on Harlow District Council in 2021 and am group leader, often writing to the press about issues effecting our town and our region. I am the current member of Cooperative Party NEC for Eastern region, and on the policy committee. I regularly attend as many branch meetings and party council meetings across the region as I can.
I supported the Cooperative Party’s ‘End Legal Loan Sharks’ campaign, have supported Cooperative Party events, including local and national conferences, speaking on various policy topics. I have represented the Labour and Cooperative Party in various elections including 3 General Elections, 2 Police (Fire) and Crime Commissioner elections and a European election. I am currently the membership officer for the Essex branch of Unison and the trade union link officer. I campaign for the Labour and Cooperative party councillors and candidates across our region. Last year completing 230 canvassing sessions.
I was previously a Mathematics teacher, teaching A-level Maths and Further Maths, particularly specialising in statistics. In my last teaching role I was whole school data analyst. I now work in the charity sector, supporting young carers. I am also a trustee for another charity. As well as being opposition leader on Harlow district council I am also opposition finance spokesperson and was previously a director of our local authority trading company.
I was first elected on to the NEC in 2020 and since then have taken an active part of it, both in person and via zoom when necessary. I have also taken an active part on the policy committee. I have continued to produce reports for members about what has been going on and actively engaged with local party councils and branches where possible and have been true to my word of trying to engage with members. However, I know there is more to do and would like the opportunity to continue to do this as well as ensuring that Co-operative Party policies and values are at the heart of the next Labour government.
A video statement is available here.
Name: Jeanette Dye Gender: Female Region or Nation: London
I have been the Chair of our local Co-operative Branch. I have been very active in elections. I have been an executive member of the Co-operative Party and attended many meetings. I have always been actively involved.
In Newham, the Co-operative Party is very active and joins the Labour Party for many activities. Being involved with the Co-operative Party in Central London, I have been to many meetings including Parliament.
I have lots of governance and financial experience, as I have worked in these departments and I have qualifications. University degree and many other qualifications, i.e. accounts.
I wish to become elected, as I have a lot of experience. I have a university degree and many other qualifications. I have always been employed as a director and have experience of governance. I have experience regarding accountancy. I have owned my own business. Therefore, I believe, I would be very capable of this NEC position. I would be truly dedicated in this NEC role, as I always put the Co-operative Party at the top of my agenda. The Co-operative Party is very important to me.
Name: Juemin Xu Gender: Female Region or Nation: London
I have had a wonderful experience in the Co-operative Party. In the conferences and trainings organised by the Coop London team, I shared my experiences with other members and learned from them. I learned about house retrofitting in the communities to improve insulation for old houses and other community based initiative to protect the environment and save energy bills. I enjoyed the experience in the Co-operative Party.
I always use a local business or choose a co-operative company whenever possible. I buy my groceries in the local shops, buy clothes in the nearby ethnic clothing shop operated by the BAME community and hire babysitters and child minders nearby. I’m actively considering to join a local credit union, which is a not-for-profit financial co-operative mutual fund owned by its members.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) in Psychology, MSc in Economics, MSc in Cognitive Decision-making, BEng in Industrial Engineering. Expert in international investment and artificial intelligence.
My vision for the Coop Party and the coop movement.
Promote employee-owned tech companies. High-tech firms frequently offer stock options to staff. With current layoffs in the industry, this is a good opportunity to push for employee co-operatives and unionization. Employee ownership can create a more stable and equitable workplace and help to ensure that the benefits of technological progress are shared more broadly. By promoting staff-owned businesses, the tech industry can demonstrate its commitment to a more sustainable future.
Co-operative housing management companies present another opportunity. Living in a flat offers affordable and energy-efficient housing, but managing common areas and maintenance can be challenging. A resident-owned co-operative management company can alleviate these issues and provide a more sustainable living environment. This type of management structure allows residents to take control of their own community and create a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient living experience.
Feel free to contact me via my website www.jueminxu.com
Name: Mandy Richards Gender: Female Region or Nation: London
I carried out the following activities in accordance with a co-operative agenda:
LONDON ASSEMBLY
GLA Candidate 2016 in West Central; 2012 in Havering & Redbridge
PARLIAMENTARY:
- Co-founded Labour Black Women’s Network (LBWN) [September 2011 - current]
- Secretary – Labour Friends of the Caribbean [2009 - current]
- [P/T] Research/ Parliamentary Assistant to:
- Dawn Butler, Brent South MP, Assistant Whip - Cabinet Minster - Youth Affairs [May
2009 – May 2010]
- Ian Davidson MP, Glasgow South West [April 2008 – April 2009]
CONSTITUENCY - HACKNEY NORTH & STOKE NEWINGTON CLP:
CLP EMF Women’s Officer 2017- current; CLP Trade Union Liaison Officer (TULO) 2014
– 2016; Chair - Clissold BLP 2011 - 2013: 2013 London Labour Regional Board - Ethnic
Minorities Officer Nominee: EMF Officer 2012; Council Candidate Panel 2011 – 2012 &
2015 – 2016; Elected Youth Officer 2007 - 2010 - Labour Group Observer for two years:
Elected to sit on the LCF & LGC in 2014, 2010 & 2008; National Conference Delegate
2007
As a Teacher Governor at a Sixth Form College in South London, carrying out my duties involves ensuring the college meets its purpose as a leading 16-19 educational establishment whilst complying with our own policies and the law. I always aim to act in the college's best interests, actively feeding into discussions regarding the effective management and responsible use of the colleges assets and resources. I make full use of the breadth of my professional knowledge and skills so that reasonable care is taken to ensure accountability to the student body and all stakeholders, as well as the wider community.
I have lived and worked in and around the diverse communities of London for over twenty years, including teaching in schools and colleges across the city and campaigning as a London Assembly Candidate in constituencies North and South of the river.
The daughter of a care assistant and foundry worker, I have devoted my working life to public service not only as a teacher, but also as a BAFTA winning journalist, youth justice caseworker and Labour & UNISON activist.
Between 2008-2012 I proudly coordinated the portfolio for Hackney’s Youth Parliament with a focus on local, national and international democracy. I facilitated a USA Democracy trip to Washington, where Young Hackney delegates made a life changing journey to meet and film Barack Obama on the last leg of his 2008 Presidential Election Campaign. The film is now a borough-wide Democracy teaching tool. Other assignments included the project management of large-scale community events, court-based advocacy on behalf of young people who have offended and their families in crisis.
Damaging government policies since 2010 have seen scores of public service cuts, homelessness rise to an all-time high, the proliferation of foodbanks and a resurgence of hate crime fueled by Brexit, spawning an oppressive social climate last seen under Thatcher. I believe passionately that with my background, experience and electoral recognition locally, I am well placed to assist the Co-operative Party NEC to proactively promote community cohesion, aspiration and growth by generating innovative policies that springboard development and increased prosperity for all.
Name: Nanda Manley-Browne Gender: Female Region or Nation: London
With over two decades experience of campaigning, I always support, promote and champion our movement’s campaigns; from making the case for employee ownership to tackling food poverty (especially holiday hunger) locally. I will continue being an advocate for positive and sustainable change.
With a strong background in helping vulnerable communities and people, as BME chair I have creatively helped to deliver difficult operational changes and better recruitment practices, advocate for vulnerable staff, and improve organisational culture.
• Training 40 BAME representatives to sit on interview panels
• Implemented mandatory equalities-based questions (to be asked on each interview panel)
• Secured £5K funding per annum for all network events and training
I am committed to strengthening relationships with local community organisations that are at the coalface in serving under-represented communities and groups.
I have over a decade of diverse governance experience through my roles within the NHS, education, local government and charity sectors respectively.
As Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living, I also have experience reviewing my council’s financial resilience work, to support our efforts to protect residents impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, I lead my council’s cost of living member working group, I co-chair my council’s responsible procurement sub-group, and I support the development of my council’s medium-term financial strategy.
I’m an NHS worker, Trade Unionist (GMB Union), Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living and an active Labour and Cooperative Councillor.
I am also a mother which I admit drives some of my priorities for this and future generations. I’m a school governor trying to support teachers and a new generation of children, like my daughter, to be the best they can be, while central government continues to swingingly cut school budgets. I founded and Chair an NHS BAME Staff Network, because only through engagement, diversity and inclusion can we help wider communities grow to be a safe and inclusive place to live and work. I know the reality of fighting for those values on the frontline and my track record is one of delivery. I will continue fighting to defend our NHS and schools from Tory cuts.
I’m a hardworking and dedicated community activist, from supporting local food banks to campaigning against racial injustice and I am passionate about tackling poverty, inequality and helping people; empowering them to effect change, influence decision-makers and have an effective voice within politics.
I know the iterative journey to promote co-operative and mutual forms of economic, social and voluntary organisation is not easy, however, I am running for NEC to help focus our movement and play my part in creating tangible and sustainable solutions.
We cannot achieve change and progression alone - allyship and support is crucial. As a collective, we can achieve great things.
Name: Shahina Jaffer Gender: Female Region or Nation: London
Interim Chair BAME Group
Candidate - North Bermondsey Council Election
GLA - Candidate London- wide 2021
Some of my experiences include volunteering at local group meetings and participating in co-op events and conferences, and serving on and attending committees that focus on issues such as sustainability, community development and racial equality. Through these experiences, I have developed a strong commitment to the principles of the co-operative movement, and believe that we have the potential to bring about positive change in communities around the world. By leveraging my marketing expertise and passion for co-operation, I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to the NEC as a committee member.
School Governor
Having served as chair of South Bermondsey ward and chair of the Co-op BAME group, as well as a London-wide GLA candidate in 2021, I am an asset to the Co-operative Party's National Executive Committee. My commitment to the co-operative movement and social justice have driven my political career and given me a deep understanding of the challenges facing our communities.
As a school governor and chair of South Bermondsey ward, I worked with local residents and businesses to improve the quality of life in the area. I also served as the chair of the Co-op BAME group, promoting diversity and inclusiveness within the Co-op party. My time as a GLA candidate allowed me to promote the Co-operative Party's ideas to a larger audience while also learning about good communication and engagement.
I am passionate about co-operation, mutualism, and social justice, and believe that the Co-operative Party is uniquely positioned to drive positive change. I am confident that my experience in various leadership roles and my commitment to these values will enable me to bring fresh perspectives and drive positive change within the party.
As a NEC committee member, I will be dedicated to making a meaningful and lasting impact by bringing my expertise and passion for creating positive change. Working collaboratively with my fellow members to drive meaningful progress and make a difference. Together, we can create a society that is fairer and more equal.
Name: Stella Creasy Gender: Female Region or Nation: London
Recipient of supporting nominations from: Ealing Branch, Waltham Forest Branch
Current Coop NEC Member
Labour and Cooperative MP for Walthamstow
Lead the campaign against Legal loan sharks and to support credit unions.
Current member for the Coop NEC
Former local councillor
I’m proud of what we have achieved together in the last three years on the NEC, including overseeing a substantial increase in coop candidates in all fields, the development of an independent complaints process and the management of the growth of the Coop through the difficulties of the pandemic. In the coming years as we face the prospect of a change in Government, and continued challenges in which mutualisation often is the answer, it is vital that we continue to build on these successes and show the policy and campaigns leadership our movement requires. Whether working with the Coop to continue the fight for fair finance and against legal loansharks , speaking up for childcare cooperatives, or helping ensure London’s diversity is represented in our membership, I’m determined to ensure that we continue to be at the forefront of leading the call for radical change in our country . As the Chair of the Labour Movement for Europe I am also the only candidate you can be confident will ensure that rebuilding a new, cooperative and progressive relationship with Europe is a priority for our Movement.
Name: Yaqub Hanif Gender: Male Region or Nation: East
Former Coop and labour party councillor in Luton. I have been the chair and currently the secretary for the Luton and Central Bedfordshire branch. I am also chair of the West East Anglia Coop Party council. Have attended and spoken at annual conference every year since 2010. An active trade unionist since 2005
Helped to arrange a mini conference for party members in Stevenage in 2018 which I also chaired. Undertook visits to Plymouth and Oldham councils to see what cooperative practices they were implementing in local government.
Member of the Luton Airport Board 2011-2015 (through Luton Borough Council). Currently chair of the West East Anglia Coop Party council. Member of the eastern region coop party board. Coop party delegate to the eastern region executive committee of the labour party. Treasurer of the Luton division of the National Education Union.
It would be a tremendous privilege for me to serve on the NEC of the coop party. I am a committed, long-serving and active member of the party, who has managed a successful and active local branch and party, served as Coop & Labour party councillor, developed cooperative policies for local government. For me personally, being a member of the NEC will be my only priority in serving the needs of all co-operators and, not to act as a springboard for other political ambitions.
Name: Hifsa Iqbal Gender: Female Region or Nation: West Midlands
Recipient of supporting nominations from: Amber Valley & Derbyshire Dales Branch, Central England Northern Party
As an active member of the Stafford and Stone branch of the Cooperative Party I have worked with John Boyle for many years prior to becoming a member. I have worked in partnership and cooperation with the Party and organised many charity and faith-based events over 15 years. These have included Oxfam fundraisers and interfaith events in the town centre. I strongly believe in the Cooperative Party values and bank with them since 2000 and shop in the stores wherever I can. Food security is a major Cooperative campaign issue and I am actively involved in local food banks.
I have been involved in activities encompassing the Cooperative ethos of partnership working, that have benefitted marginalised communities in the UK and abroad. These include :
“Lunch ‘n’ Lockdown – recipes from around the world”, a recipe book I collated and had printed during lockdown with all proceeds distributed to four different charities.
I raised a significant sum for money by doing a skydive for Oxfam , who subsequently invited me to visit grassroots projects in Nepal. Many of these post- earthquake initiatives were grass-roots cooperatives.
I have extensive governance experience which invariably includes financial oversight. My current roles include:
- Keele University Board Member
- Westminster Academy Governor
- Chair of Nisa-Nashim ( National-Jewish Muslim Women’s charity).
Previous governance roles have included :
- Governor of Cadburys College
- Governor Stafford College
- Founder of CACH (hate crime organisation)
- Trustee of the Peace Foundation
- Member of Staffordshire Police Authority
I have recently been asked to take on the Treasurer role for the Stafford and District Friends of Faith and was previously Treasurer of the National Cancer Conference for Self Help Groups.
I love the social activism of the Cooperative Party with the heart of all our ideas being the belief that we can have more prosperous communities through working in cooperation. I have spent all my working life in social activism. I am proud of my working-class roots. I have decades of experience working with different levels of society from grass-roots community development, homeless shelters, health, education, police and prisons. I have regional and national experience in education and policing and have worked nationally with Government and international charities. I have invested considerable skills and energy supporting local community causes that improve the quality of life for the vulnerable and build bridges between communities I am currently going through the Labour Party’s selection process and I am delighted to have received the Cooperative Party endorsement. Some aspects of the Cooperative Party that are important to me include: 1. Our campaigns around food justice, modern day slavery and housing 2. How we can raise the national local and national profile of the Cooperative Party 3. How we can continue to champion, support and encourage local initiatives that mitigate the impact of the cost of living crisis.
I have excellent communication skills that allow me to speak for those who often find it difficult to represent themselves and I see this as a duty. I have chaired and spoken at many national conferences and made many media appearances. I believe my skills and experience would be an asset on the NEC.
Name: Jamie McMahon Gender: Male Region or Nation: East Midlands
Recipient of supporting nominations from: Amber Valley & Derbyshire Dales Branch, Central England Eastern & Southern Party, Central England Northern Party, Lincolnshire Branch, North Staffordshire & Cheshire East Party, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire & Erewash Party
I currently serve on the Co-operative Party NEC, elected by local members to be your voice for the last six years. Serving on our NEC is the proudest part of my political volunteering. I serve as chair of the audit committee and chair of the rules sub-committee, ensuring our Party is well run.
I serve on the Regional Executive, have been Chair of my Party Council for a decade and Secretary before. I lead our campaigning activity to ensure we support our councillors and candidates and speak up for our Party at conferences and events across the wider Labour movement.
I was raised in the co-operative movement. From when I was a toddler, my dad worked at the distribution centre of the old Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich Societies and I’m proud to have family members with over 30 years’ service for the co-operative.
Co-operation has also always been at the heart of my career. I’ve worked to create mutuals and co-operatives, especially supporting threatened public services after years of biting cuts to protect vital services through co-operation. Accessing funding, developing business cases, and supporting the creation of mutuals and co-operatives to help our sector thrive.
In work, I am a leader supporting public services. Whether that is years of developing business cases, financial and service models, and governance to support mutuals and co-operatives or expertise from working across public services.
I have an MBA, including training in finance and accounting, and am a governance practitioner.
That is supported by my political volunteering. Six years on our Board as an NEC member, chairing our audit and rules committees, redesigning our disciplinary and investigations processes. Two decades of running local Co-operative Parties, serving on my LCF, the Socialist Health Association and on the Labour Party’s Regional Executive.
In all my political volunteering and working life, it is my service of our Co-operative Party as regional representative on the NEC that I am most proud of.
I’m proud to be local members’ voice and I’m proud of what we have achieved in my time on the NEC. Including:
1) Introducing Midlands Regional Conferences to bring members together and have their say. 2) Finding the money to create and keep Regional Organisers, so we can be more active and provide more support to branches and party councils than ever. 3) Leading the work to redesign our complaints and disciplinary processes. Making sure the Co-operative Party learnt the lessons of the MeToo movement, ensuring people can have confidence in a robust complaints process. 4) Chairing the working group and steering through the NEC the rules changes that embedded equal representation for women throughout our Party rules and saw Equalities Networks created and now sees them have representation around the NEC table. 5) Guiding our Party through Covid-19 as one of the most active parts of the wider Labour movement.
I believe the Co-operative Party is stronger than it has ever been.
We have the radical ideas that meet the moment and the organisational platform to deliver it through our growing membership, increasing number of councillors, strengthening Equalities Networks, and as part of a radical Labour and Co-operative government after the next General Election.
It would be my honour to serve again as your representative on our Co-operative Party NEC.
Name: Kindy Sandhu Gender: Female Region or Nation: West Midlands
Recipient of supporting nominations from: Central England Eastern & Southern Party, Lincolnshire Branch, North Staffordshire & Cheshire East Party, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire & Erewash Party
I am currently vice-chair of my local Coventry and Warwickshire Branch.
As Cabinet Member Education and Skills in Coventry City Council I am linking the local food justice programme and working in partnership with community supermarkets.
I have campaigned on how the cost of living crisis is affecting communities in Coventry. For example, I have campaigned on expanding access to free school meals.
https://labourlist.org/2022/08/expanding-access-to-free-school-meals-will-help-tackle-the-cost-of-living-crisis/
As a ward councillor I have been supporting local businesses and community groups to collaborate for revitalising the local High Street. I am currently consulting with residents on a liveable neighbourhoods pilot.
I piloted a social enterprise for BAME women – applying for funding to support vulnerable people furthest from labour market to gain skills and confidence.
As a senior manager in business, I built a fairer workplace by introducing democratic pay award process, flexible working and paternity leave.
I set up Coventry’s Green New Deal Group and held events with local people on their issues and priorities.
In pursuit of the sharing power and wealth agenda I have spoken on many platforms, most recently at the Fabians Annual Conference, about the need for diversity and inclusion in the climate agenda.
I have sat on the boards of local domestic violence refuge, Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, a housing association in Birmingham and Coventry. I also set up a local training provision in Coventry. My principles have always been to ensure that an organisation serves its service users and that the service users have a voice in decision making. As a non-executive I have had oversight of management accounts and Annual Account statements and have managed capital and revenue budgets in various senior management roles. I have gained PRINCE2 qualifications in both project and programme management.
I am standing for the NEC because I bring a passion for what I see as our shared values of fairness, inclusion and equality. I am proud of my track record in fighting for Social Justice, combatting racism, gender inequality, disability discrimination and homophobia. I have volunteered in domestic abuse and sexual violence charities for over 20 years to create safe spaces and services for women. I am a tireless campaigner and a winner. In 2018 I was elected as a Labour and Co-operative Councillor in Earlsdon, a ward that was held by Conservatives for 22 years and considered unwinnable. Earlsdon is now solidly Labour and Co-operative, voters having re-elected me in 2022. Although my father could not read or write, he prized education which is what got me out of poverty. As Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, I have seen how the education sector has been systematically stripped of funding. I have advocated for support of schools and communities through the cost of living crisis and increased energy costs. I have promoted a culture of collaboration across all schools in Coventry such that partnership working extends from early years provision to university education. I am working to embed the climate agenda within school curricula. I have campaigned for the inclusion of lived experiences and perspectives from diverse groups in society, to facilitate progress of the green economy. I would bring experiences of industry, voluntary and public sector roles to the role of NEC member.
Name: Louise Nixon Gender: Female Region or Nation: West Midlands
I have completed a lot of campaigns and worked hard to create positive change in our community. I have (with others):
Created a charity to support our hospital
Created a new playpark where local community groups filled the area with fruit trees
Created new parking areas
Created Litter Picks
Created Housing for the Homeless
Delivered food from foodbanks
safeguarded are local area e.g. campaigned to retain lollipop services
I have worked on the till ot our local co-op!
I have created a co-operative business with the Support of Stafford Chambers of Commerce
8 years experience as a local council
Stood for County Election
Created a business and have learnt about finance
Stronger Together (It doesn't need to be like this)
Name: Gender: Male Region or Nation: East Midlands
I've been delegate for the South East Region Council to the AGM, delegate for the South East Region Council to the Party Conference, and delegate to my local CLP. I've been keen on trying to build links between local Constituency Labour Parties and Society Co-operative Parties. Particularly for some historically blue areas with less Labour institutional presence, I've found CLP awareness of the local Co-operative movement and what it can offer is patchy. Having returned to my roots in the East Midlands, I'd like to continue building CLP awareness here as well.
As a barrister, I'm well aware of the power of collectively managed workplace - barristers' chambers are run by and for their members. As a Co-op Group member, I know the important role they place in communities - treating staff right, recognising their stake in the workplace, and keeping local people on board. I've been advocating for co-operative values across the Labour Party, and pushing for policies that allow workers to acquire equity in their workplace and recognition at board-level.
My professional practice deals with company, trust, and property law. Whilst qualifying, I spent two years running a volunteer organisation, Vocalise, where qualifying barristers would teach public speaking and advocacy skills in prisons - I know how to work with large organisations in difficult circumstances. As CLP Treasurer, I stabilised our finances and put together a campaign fund that saw a Labour mayor elected for the first ever time in Spelthorne.
This is a critical juncture. The incoming NEC members will face the ultimate test: whether the Conservatives can finally be beaten in a general election, and Co-operative MPs elected to government to make real change. On the one side is workplace dignity and fair pay. On the other side is the worst flatline in living standards since records began.
My overwhelming experience of Co-operators has been one of commitment, putting in thankless hours to shape policy and reform institutions. What we need to do now is take those policies to the people.
Whenever I talk about co-operatives and the Co-operative movement, I've never had a bad response. Even the bluest voters see the value in resilient communities and workers having a stake in business. It's a message that will let even the smallest Co-operative society crack the blue wall - I've seen it. But despite the nearly universal appeal of what we offer, awareness remains low. Co-operatives should be headline news, but they're not.
I am committed to changing that. As an NEC member, my focus would be on: - increasing new member numbers and membership engagement with accessible guides to who we are and how we work; - improving links with CLPs and offering Co-operative candidates training and support opportunities; - building an on-line best-practice toolkit and templates for successful local Co-operative campaigns; - stressing Co-operative branding and messaging in local government initiatives; and -building a proper war chest to fund Co-operative Parliamentary candidates.
Name: Abigail Marshall Katung Gender: Female Region or Nation: Yorkshire & Humber
Recipient of supporting nominations from: Leeds Branch, Barnsley Branch, Yorkshire & Humber Party
As a Labour & Co-operative Councillor, I thrive on our Co-operative principles of self-help, self-responsibility and solidarity. I am the Co-op Party Elected NEC member representing Yorkshire & Humber, the Leeds City Council Coop Food Champion tackling food justice. I am hugely involved in supporting local residents to set up housing/local associations to find their own solutions and voices within their community. I am a vocal voice for my region on the NEC on matters that are brought to my attention. I facilitate and speak at Coop events promoting our ethos and objectives. I promote Coop membership, especially for Councillors.
I am a member of the Coop NEC Policy committee which has been one of the committees I love the most. I have also been a member of the NEC CAC committee. I have been privileged to be invited to our regional council meetings and give NEC reports. I am a very active member of Leeds Coop branch and we have increased Coop Councillor membership for candidates standing as Labour & Cooperatives. There has also been an increase at the regional level too for our candidates, of which I am proud of.
I have been privileged to be part of several governance teams, such as, Leeds City College, Swarthmore College, Little London Primary School and my time on the NEC has given me some experience into the financial governance of the Coop party. I owned and managed my medical recruitment business for 14 years assuming the overall financial responsibility for its success. I have also been a financial director of the Nigerian Community Leeds. I have a degree in business education (Marketing) and a masters degree in Politics & International Studies.
It has been an honour and privilege to be the voice of Yorkshire & Humber on the Coop NEC since 2020. I am very proud to be part of the team who despite the bitter pandemic, have been able to build a strong strategic objective for the Coop party that has moved us from crises to cooperation. Our first face to conference since the pandemic was held in my city of Leeds and in the ward that I serve as a Councillor. It was such great delight to be on stage and welcome all cooperators to Leeds and proud of the success of the conference. I am a very focused and goal oriented Cooperative NEC Member and I thrive on teamwork and inclusivity. I love our socialist Cooperative model and certain I will continue to bring my passion and energy to the NEC and the region I proudly serve. I will continue to support the Party’s strategy and forward plans in consultation with the General Secretary and colleagues whilst ensuring I continue to remain a strong and invaluable voice in the Labour Party for our amazing Cooperative values especially in decentralization & International partnerships I have been a strong advocate of our Coop food justice campaign and the food champion in my city. I strongly believe that everyone should have the right to affordable, accessible, and nutritious food. I am keen to be re-elected to the NEC to ensure we continue to bring cooperative values and campaigns to every community.
Name: Christopher Olewicz Gender: Male Region or Nation: Yorkshire & Humber
I have been a Member of the Co-operative Party for six years and have attended national and regional conferences around the country.
In 2017, in co-operation with the Sheffield Co-operative Party, I revived the Sheffield Co-operator newspaper, which initially ran from 1923-1945.
I currently work for a Labour and Co-operative Member of Parliament focusing on, among other things, consumer issues.
I am a Director of Principle5 Yorkshire Co-operative Resource Centre, which seeks to raise awareness of the Co-operative movement in Sheffield and beyond.
For close to a decade, I worked for a Sheffield based charity which aims to create social enterprises to employ people with extra-support needs. In 2016 I devised and led a successful £237,000 crowdfunder to purchase the Gardeners Rest pub in Sheffield and take it into co-operative ownership with over 200 members.
I am an academic with a PhD in History and am increasingly focusing on the history of the US and UK co-operative movements.
I served as Secretary of the Gardeners Rest Community Society for three years from 2016-19.
I have served as a Director of Principle5 Yorkshire Co-operative Resource Centre since 2016.
I was involved in the development of several Sheffield based social enterprises.
Having been active in the co-operative movement for over five years and in the social enterprise sector for a decade, I believe that I have the knowledge and temperament to support the further growth of the Co-operative Party and the effective communication of its policies. If elected to the NEC, I will do all I can to engage and enthuse members and prospective member of the party to actively take up the cause of co-operation.
I believe that the co-operative ideal holds within it the potential to transform our economy for the better. We should be ambitious in the effort to double, treble, quadruple, the size of the co-operative commonwealth in this country.
The economic and social upheavals of our departure from the European Union, the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the cost-of-living crisis have combined to leave the UK uniquely exposed to world markets, and I believe that co-operatives of all kinds - be they worker, consumer, or self-help co-operatives, or co-partnerships, have a part to play in helping to protect individuals and communities from the consequences of this instability.
I also believe that the Co-operative Party has an important role to play over the next year in lobbying for the retention of consumer protections and food welfare standards which are under threat as a result of Conservative Party recklessness in the form of the The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill.
Name: Dennis Finlayson Gender: Male Region or Nation: North East & North Cumbria
Active lay member since joining…attended conferences in person in Borders, Wales and Leeds recently…also numerous online meetings locally and nationally as well as in person meeting of local branch in Hartlepool and Stockton…since moving to Tees Valley from Chesterfield Branch..promote cooperative party and related groups on extensive travel overseas and in academic conferences in North America and southern africa
Attended Coop Group and Central England meetings in Manchester and Chesterfield as well social events in person and policy discussions on various topics on line….e.g. international development and education….also attended cooperative international anniversary events in Manchester and in Rochdale for Cooperative College….invited colleagues from Ireland to the latter and also engaged with Tanya Noon for a variety of events for Fair Trade and other cooperative links in Chesterfield area
Since undergraduate days at Sheffield university have held Chair, Secretary and Treasurer roles for a variety of Educational, Political and Social Groups including treasurer of Chesterfield WEA, Aderdour Labour Party….during Miners Strike, Chesterfield Fairtrade for example.
Normally I would not put myself forward for any position given my age, but now that provision has been made for previously under represented groups I feel that my eclectic education, professional and international experience as well as my continuing contacts at a local level and especially with young people through open mike nights, for example, and wide ranging international academic contacts….I expect to attend events in Southern Africa, where I have worked extensively since the 1960s, and North America, where most of my family now live, ….allow me to offer a unique perspective on many issues of immediate concern to the Cooperative Party.
Name: Gary Booth Gender: Male Region or Nation: North West
Recipient of supporting nominations from: Barnsley Branch
Chair of Liverpool, Sefton & Halton Branch. Secretary of North West North Party Council.
Secretary of North West Regional Co-op Party. Current Member of the National Executive Committee. Former Chair of the Party's Disciplinary Committee. Vice Chair of the Party's Disciplinary Committee.
Former Chair of Co-op Group North West Counties Area Committee. Former Chair of Co-op Group Merseyside Area Committee. Former Member of Liverpool District Committee of CRS. Former Co-op Group Member Pioneer.
Former Vice Chair of Governors at Arnot Primary School, Liverpool. Former Governor at Alsop High School, Liverpool. Former Treasurer of Liverpool Walton Constituency Labour Party. Former Liverpool City Councillor.
During a time of rampant government corruption and a worsening cost of living crisis, putting co-operative values at the heart of politics has never been more important.
Although our Party has been around for more than 100 years, co-operation has always played a minor role in the way society has been run. It is time for that to change. People are crying out for an alternative; for a better, fairer way of doing things. That is why I joined the Co-op Party more than 30 years ago: to make the world a better place and it is why I would be honoured to continue serving you on its NEC.
There has never been a better time for proper co-operation, mutualism and its exponents and supporters must take this opportunity. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to campaign shape the society we live in and the way it is governed.
I’m really proud of the progress we have made so far. The success of Co-op Party campaigns like ‘Community owned Energy’, funding free school meals over the holidays and ‘Building Community Wealth’ shows that there is an appetite across the country for putting cooperative values into practice. I want to be your voice in helping to make that happen.
I would love to continue my work on the NEC, and I would be honoured to have your support.
Name: Gererd T-j butler Gender: Male Region or Nation: North West
None
Served a term as both vice chair and chair for Manchester mental health and social care nhs trust ppi forum
I am a 45 year old chef from manchester as above served both as vice chair and chair for the Manchester mental health nhs trust ppi forum. If elected I would do anything in my power to make peoples lives better.
Name: Grigore Donose Gender: Male Region or Nation: North West
IT knowledge,participation in member meetings .
Acceptance and solutions.
Governance idea for public.
I will speed up the rules approach to the citizens city to be pleasant artizanal and healthy public to make loction for young people.
Name: Ian Lindley Gender: Male Region or Nation: North East & North Cumbria
Northumberland board/council member for 5 years until 2015. Committed to principles of cooperation
Stood in Cumbria unitary authority election last May as co-op candidate
As above
I believe the cooperative and mutual model will be an increasingly important part of the mixed economy as people demand a more humane way of being. I want to help and be part of that success. I was a successful councillor (responsible for public protection and then Adult Social care and. Health as a cabinet member) of Northumberland county council for 12 years (replaced by a Tory four years ago)
Name: John Wiseman Gender: Male Region or Nation: North West
Positions held past
Former National NEC member OMOV 2009-2011
Co-operative Secretary Greater Manchester
Vice-Chair Warrington Co-operative party
Chair St Helens Co-operative party
Labour and Cooperative Councillor 2016-2021
North West North Party Council Committee Member
North West Committee Member
National Conference Delegate 2009-2011
Co-operative Group Member
Attending Co-op Group Training on Community activity
Director Amicus Union Trustee Committee
Call in and Audit Committee St Helens Council
BTEC National Diploma
Business and Finance
HND Business Information Technology - included finance
BSC (Hons) Business Informatics - included finance
As a long-term member of the co-operative movement, I have two simple principles. They are that we share the values of Owenism and secondly the principles of Socialism in our every day lives. The Rochdale Pioneers led the way on co-operation and working together collectively. As a party we need to look out for those who are most in need, especially with the cost-of-living crisis, and especially the attack on the least well off in our country. The gap between rich and poor widens, and we need to do something about it. Only through co-operation, collectivism and socialism can we achieve this. I have a history of being a committeed trade unionist and shop steward. I believe in equality for all and that we should have give everybody the chance to represent this great movement. I hope you can support/nominate me. In co-operation!
Name: Joyce Welsh Gender: Female Region or Nation: North East & North Cumbria
I am a Labour Cooperative Councillor. South Shields Cooperative Branch Secretary. Am Woman's Officer and Equalities Officer on North East snd North Cumbria Regional Party Council.
I represent South Tyneside Council on Cooperative Council's Innovative Network.
South Shields Constituency Labour Party Treasurer.
Tyne & Wear Pensions Committee and Investment Committee
I have been a Member of the South Shields Cooperative Branch for about 8 years. I Am Secretary of the Branch. I have been a Labour Cooperative Councillor since 2019. Am Branch Delegate to North East and North Cumbria Regional Party Council and have been for about 5 years. At present I am Women's Officer and Equalities Officer for the Regional Party Council. I believe I can fulfil any position that I am given as am a strong supporter of the Cooperative Party and am willing to work to represent the Party to my fullest capacity.
Name: Michael Bell Gender: Male Region or Nation: North East & North Cumbria
I've served as Tyneside branch secretary for six years and am currently branch chair. I have served as assistant secretary to the regional council for five years. I was also political education officer for the region, and traveled the region for four years in that role recruiting new members, at CLPs and public events. I have also served one full term as NEC rep for North East & North Cumbria
For the past fifteen years I have been the manager of a customer-owned co-operative bar. I have written articles about the co-op movement for Mutual Interest, a co-operatively owned online magazine. I'm a longstanding member of multiple credit unions, as well as many retail societies and small consumer co-ops. I have also been a vocal advocate, via my branch, for my local council joining Fair Tax, and staying in the CCIN
I've served on the executive of various local Labour Party bodies, in addition to my Co-op Party branch and regional council, and have ran a small business for fifteen years. I have also served a full term on the Co-op Party's own NEC, which is both a political party NEC and a co-operative society board. On the NEC I have served on two subcommittees - Disputes, and Rules.
After a term on the NEC I'm proud of the work we've done together, and of the contributions I was able to make. From helping to ensure our new independent complaints process protects our most vulnerable and marginalised members, to being a vocal advocate for more diverse representation on the executive itself
Here in the North East, this term saw the completion of a lot of work by many people, myself included, to reignite two inactive branches, and I'm glad to have built a good rapport with members across the region, and am grateful for invitations from branch secretaries
COVID has forced our party to modernise in the ways we communicate with members, and I would like to see that resources are created to help branches with things like hybrid meetings. I'm also proud of the levels of candidate support we give, especially in local elections, and I want to see that continue and develop as we gain more and more public representation
Looking forward, my priority is, as ever, a welcoming, engaging, diverse party. One which can work hand-in-hand with Labour, without ever compromising our independence. A party with a clarity of purpose that's informed by our strong values. If elected I'll continue to work for this just as I have these last three years
Name: Raja Adeel Asghar Gender: Male Region or Nation: North West
I’m comparison with profit-maximising investor-owned firms, cooperatives are considered better at, coping with economic crises.
Information not provided.
Name: Anne Rouse Gender: Female Region or Nation: South East
Recipient of supporting nominations from: Midcounties Gloucester & Swindon Party, Swindon Branch
I am currently chair of Surrey Co-operative branch and have stood for election locally as a Labour and Co-operative candidate.
I regularly attend the South East regional Co-op's meetings as a delegate and attended the Conference last Saturday in Gillingham which has left me feeling inspired to keep doing more for the party. I applied for a role 3 years ago but was unsuccessful.
I love the fact that Co-operative policies are so community based and hope we can push more of these ideas forward both locally and nationally.
I am currently working as an accountant in my own practice supporting mainly small businesses and fervently believe the national parties should be doing more to support them.
I was previously an advanced skills governer for several schools in Guildford- and was Chair of Governors at one for 7 years - I was a governor there for 16 years.
I am Chair of Trustees for a Surrey wide charity, having been chair at another charity which sadly stopped due to funding issues with the local authority.
I am also chair of the local GP practice patients group.
I hope you will consider me for a role on the Co-op NEC for the South East Region. I am fully committed to the party's values and believe that more of our policies should be implemented at both local and national levels. I am currently chair of the Surrey branch and following the recent South East Conference feel inspired to contribute to the party in any way I can. I am a partner in a small accounting practice which works mainly with small businesses and I believe this sector is under-represented nationally. I also was a Chair of Governors in a local school for many years and passionately believe that we must give everyone the skills they need to support their and our future. My love of education has inspired me to become chair of a Surrey wide charity which supports life long learning. If I am successful I will endeavour to work as hard as I can for the South East region and I hope you will consider me to be worthy of your support.
Name: John Courtneidge Gender: Male Region or Nation: South East
I was Convenor/Chair of the Lindon Borough of Bromley Co-operative Party Branch which I rejuvenated from Dormancy. Prior to that I was an active Member of the Welwyn-Hatfield Branch where we promoted three Motions to Annual Conference, all of which were accepted. One of my ongoing objectives is to get the Co-operators' Self Declaration reinstated on our Annual Membership Card. So that we remember our objective: The Co-operative Commonwealth. And Co-operative Commonweal.
National Guild of Co-operators Member, Co-op News Member, Group and Midlands Society Member. Established The Littlehampton and District Guild of Co-operators For Peace and The Common Good. I, annually, submit a paper to the UK Society for Co-operative Studies: the next two are on the Plan and Process for Co-operative Socialism as a means of bringing about our objectives of Co-operative Commonwealths and a global Co-operative Commonweal.
I was elected as a Labour Town Councillor in Hertford from 1995 to 1999. As part of that I was a Trustee of Hertford Museum. I've been a Trustee of LETSLinkUK and I've successfully run two businesses (a Smallholding Farm and a Garden Centre and Nursery) for which I ran the Finance and Marketing aspects.
'Co-operation is The Hope of The Word', as the mirror at the Ipswich Co-operative Education Centre states.
I strongly believe this and, a Quaker and former Office Manager at 'Peace News', I know that the world is desperate to hear our vision of The Co-operative Option: Co-operative Commonwealths, a global Co-operative Commonweal and our ICA Statement's Co-operative Values and Principles.
To achieve that we need a Vibrant and Purposeful Democracy. One of which we can be proud.
That is why I am standing for election to our Party's NEC.
Yes, I have objectives of my own but, in this rôle, they are secondary to supporting and giving good councel to our Party's Structures, Processes and Elected Representatives.
To that end, I point to my rôle as the Labour Candidate for Parliament in the Bromley and Chislehust Constituency, where we successfully moved the Labour Vote from Third to Second Place. And, so, thwarting UKIP's ambitions in that, its Target Seat.
Thus my underlying aim is the election of a True Labour and Co-operative Government at the next (and subsequent) General Elections.
A Government that will be true to ICA Principle Seven: 'By policies approved of by its Members of The Sustainable Well-being of its Communities'.
Name: Junab Ali Gender: Male Region or Nation: South West
Recipient of supporting nominations from: Midcounties Gloucester & Swindon Party, North Somerset Branch, Swindon Branch
I have been a Labour party member for nearly 18 years and nearly 10 years as a member of The Co-operative party.
I was the first Labour and Co-operative party Swindon Borough Councillor and first ever Labour and Co-operative Mayor of Swindon 2018-2019.
I was the first Labour and Co-operative candidate for Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner.
I was a Labour and Co-operative party European Parliamentary candidate in 2013
I am a member of the branch executive committee and local party council.
I attended the Co-op party Conference 2022 in Leeds as a delegate.
I am a member of the Co-operative Group.
I bank with the Co-operative Bank.
I try to support many kinds of cooperation work locally like;
. Co-operative Energy
. Co-operative Council
. Co-operative Housing
. Co-operative Health Care
. Co-operative transport
. Co-operative bus service
I have been a Borough & Parish Councillor for nearly 15 years and I understand very well the governance, openness, and transparency of holding to account the different departments of the council with budgets of £100s of millions.
I was the Chair of Wiltshire and Swindon Police Crime panel, holding the Commissioner to account for his management of the police force and management of the police budget of £100s of millions.
I am a Trustee of Wiltshire Community Foundation where we manage nearly £30 million in endowment and give millions of pounds in grants each year to 5,000 plus charities.
Dear Colleagues
I would like your support to be the next NEC member for South West England. The Co-operative Party’s movement and commitment to building a society in where power and wealth are shared, is the value at the heart of everything that I do. I live in Swindon, Wiltshire, South West England. I have my family and business in Swindon. I have been a self-employed entrepreneur since the age of 18.
. I was the first Labour and Co-operative Swindon Borough Councillor and the first ever Labour and Co-operative Mayor of Swindon (2018-19). . I was the first Labour and Co-operative candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire. . I was a Labour and Co-operative party European Parliamentary candidate in 2013. I have a hunger to serve the people of Swindon and South West England. In my role as councillor, I have worked hard to engage with communities and deliver real outcomes for the people I represent. Those are the true values of the Co-operative party, and those are the values I represent. I want to bring this passion and commitment to the role of Co-op party NEC.
I look forward to your support and VOTING for me as your next South West Co-op party NEC member.
Kind regards Junab Ali Member of The Co-operative Party
Name: Lucy Naylor Gender: Female Region or Nation: South West
Recipient of supporting nominations from: Exeter & Devon Branch, Plymouth Branch
I am Secretary of the Somerset Branch, which I revived, and was proud to represent at party conference in 2022. I am an active member of the SW Peninsula group.
As Chair of Somerset’s LGC I enthusiastically promote Cooperative values and we work closely together with Labour on policy and candidate development.
I am a Labour and Cooperative Parish Councillor for my home village of Williton and in 2022 ran as a County candidate in my area, the first ever Co-operator to do so.
I am a member of the West Country Labour and Cooperative Farming, Fisheries and Food group.
I am a member of the board of the Somerset Community Credit Union. The board oversees the management of the Credit Union and provide strategic oversight and monitoring of accounts and procedures, abiding by FCA regulatory guidance. As part of that I collect long named roles such as Consumer Duty Champion and Deputy Money Laundering Reporting Officer. I also support and promote the development of good financial practice and the cooperative movement.
My duties as a Parish Councillor, where I am also a Charity trustee, and my role on the Board of the Credit Union give me direct experience of governance and financial responsibility. Through a long career in Senior Management in Local Government I held roles that involved significant statutory and audit responsibilities.
I have a Post Graduate Diploma in Management.
I am a Somerset based member of the SW Peninsula Party which does amazing work across our area with strength in depth across elected roles and policy work. We are paired with the SE region in this election. Two very different areas. I believe that a representative from the Peninsula area would ensure a fair balance.
It is great to see the party growing in numbers. What we need to ensure is that party structures and communications grow and develop to support this. I see this is a key strand of the work that the new NEC team will need to work on over the next three years. Communication is key to everything we do. If elected I would build strong and regular links with ALL the party units within the region. I would be open and accessible and an active link to the main party, elected and staff, enabling everyone to feel properly involved and listened to and supported in their work.
I am passionate about equality and inclusivity and it is important to me that we have an party where all members can grow and contribute. There is much we can do in terms of policy and grassroots campaigning work to strengthen and grow our party. Building a system to support and enable this is my second key aim.
I am a professional, efficient and approachable. I build strong teams and networks and work well within them.
Please vote for me as your SW NEC Representative.
Thank you
Name: Nikki Barton Gender: Female Region or Nation: South West
Recipient of supporting nominations from: Bristol Party, North Somerset Branch
I have held many roles in our Party including Chair, Secretary, and currently South West Equalities Officer. I enjoy joining my colleagues in the many fundraising, and campaign awareness meetings we have in the Bristol area. These include Tollpuddle and Pride. I have represented our Branch as a delegate to our many Conferences, regional and national and to the Labour and TUC conferences.
I am a member of CWU/Unite and was Branch Secretary/Chair and was a member of the National Committee during my previous employment with BT.
I was very pleased to be selected for our Women's Network Forum and have also been a representative on our National Disciplinary Committee.
I have sat on many Committees and Boards in my roles as a Councillor and a Co-op Party member. These include various Finance and General Purpose Committees and currently am a member of the Severnside Drainage Board F&GP Committee, my Council F&GP Committee and I am a Trustee and Governor of several external boards. Good governance is important in every company. The leadership the Board provides should steer the company, providing oversite and scrutiny of the company's long-term goals and ensuring it is equipped to achieve them.
I have been a Co-op and Labour party member for many years and work actively within my Branch. For the past 8 years, I have held the post of Clevedon Labour/Co-op Party Town Councillor since 2015. Before then I was a Bristol City Councillor and am now Alderwoman. I hold seats on many community groups and Trusts and work full time in carrying out my Councillor and civic duties. My position has always been to promote jointly the benefits and services of both the Co-op Party and Labour Party and to encourage residents and groups to be aware of and support our many policies and campaigns. I am proud to support, and promote the election of our Co-op candidates and to promote our policies and many campaigns.
Name: Savneet Bains Gender: Female Region or Nation: South East
Local elections – 2019, 2021 and 2022 – Teller duties, canvassing, door knocking, campaign committee room management, telephone canvassing and organising resident meetings to boost labour/Cooperative support.
I have participated in GC meetings, EC meetings, manifesto workshop and canvassing training to discuss the manifesto and suggested ideas on how we can help residents get through this cost-of-living crisis that the country is currently facing and also how we can still provide services to the residents cost effectively.
For the last year, I was a part of the Slough CLP standing as the political education officer. I attended a number of different meetings that were set up by the CLP to meet local residents in different communities and discussed their concerns and educated them on the labour/Cooperative policies and values. In addition, I used videos on WhatsApp as a medium to educate CLP members on policies.
I am currently the Health and Safety Link Governor for a Primary School
I am driven by a passion for creating a fairer and more equitable society. I believe that by working together and prioritizing the needs of all members of our community, we can build a world that is sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous for generations to come.
Our party is founded on the principles of cooperation, mutual aid, and fairness. We understand that the challenges we face as a society can only be solved by working together, and that everyone must have an equal opportunity to succeed and thrive. Our policies focus on creating a sustainable economy that works for everyone, investing in our communities, and promoting social justice and equality.
I have a proven track record of working collaboratively to achieve positive change. Whether it be advocating for better public services, promoting sustainable development, or supporting local businesses, I have always put the needs of the community first. I am confident that my experience, passion, and commitment to cooperation make me the ideal candidate.
If elected, I will work tirelessly to bring our party's vision to life by providing a strategic direction for the party. I will prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable members of our society, and I will always strive to promote fairness and equality. I will work to build a greener, more sustainable future, and I will be a strong advocate for our communities.
Together, we can achieve great things. I ask for your vote so that we can continue to build a better future for all.
Name: Charlotte Carson Gender: Female Region or Nation: Northern Ireland
I became a member of the Co-operative Party several years ago after joining the Labour Party in 2015. I was Chair of my Labour Party branch in Lewisham from 2017-2020. I moved back to Belfast in 2020 and joined the SDLP. I was an Assembly candidate in the elections last year and I am a council candidate in the elections this May. I have taken training with the Co-op Party even though we are not allowed to stand as Co-op candidates in Northern Ireland. I have attended Co-op Party events at Labour Conferences over the years.
I am passionate about co-operative housing and I lived in a co-op in London for seven years. On returning to Belfast I have been involved with the Co-housing movement here. I'm a member of my local co-op supermarket and my children are members of the local Credit Union.
I was a school governor at a Lewisham secondary school from 2015-2019. I sat on the District Comittee for my trade union, the National Education Union, in Lewisham 2015-2019 and I currently sit on the Northern Ireland District Committee for the NEU.
I am a mother, a teacher, a feminist. I became a member of the Co-operative Party after joining the Labour Party in 2015. I was Chair of my Labour Party branch in Lewisham from 2017-2020. Then in 2020 I returned to live in Belfast and joined the SDLP. Although we can't stand as Co-op candidates here, we can still support our members with training and preparation for holding public office. If elected to the NEC, I will contribute to the development of our candidate training programme. I stood for election last year in the Assembly elections and I'm standing again this May in the local council elections. I was fortunate to be selected for the 2019 cohort of the Jo Cox Leadership programme and benefit from training with the Labour Women's Network. I am keen to support women and people from under-represented groups to access training and support for candidacy.
I founded the Feminism in Schools Network in 2016 through which I organise annual conferences to support young campaigners. I've been active in my trade union for over a decade, serving as a school rep for the NEU and a member of the District Committees in Lewisham and NI.
If elected, I'll use my skills and energy to build the profile and membership base of the Co-op Party here in NI. The Co-op Party and the wider co-operative movement presents an opportunity to reach across our sectarian divide to support and empower our communities and build faith in collective action.
Name: Tony McMullan Gender: Male Region or Nation: Northern Ireland
Recipient of supporting nomination from: Northern Ireland Party
Member of the Northern Ireland Party Committee/Council for 10 years. Vice-Chair for 2 years , 2014/16 & Chair 2016/23.
Co-opted Member of National Executive Committee 2017/23.
Former member of the Northern Ireland Members Council of the Co-operative Group.
Ministerial Appointee on Northern Ireland’s largest Health Authority - EHSSB
Former Chair - Audit Committee EHSSB
Former Chair of Oxfam Ireland
Former Board Member Oxfam International
Current Chair of War on Want
Former Chair of the Centre for Global Education
I am passionately committed to providing the young people of Northern Ireland the opportunities which I never had. That is engaging in real politics rather than the negative , sterile , sectarian politics that Northern Ireland has endured for far too long. I could have joined any of Northern Ireland’s 20 + Political Parties. I chose the Co-operative Party because I love its passion , its values , it’s deep rooted committed to building a shared future for everyone. I want to see Labour/Co-op candidates stand in elections in Northern Ireland building on the historic Co-operative movement there is here in areas such as the Agricultural sector. I have organised a number of Co-op Party NI Conferences over recent years brining key representatives from the Co-op Party Nationally , Irish Labour reps & a wide variety of people in Credit Unions , Housing , Manufacturing , Academia to speak on our platforms. I want to have the unique opportunity this election gives to be the first directly elected member from Northern Ireland on the Party’s NEC. I don’t promise the Earth , I do promise to work hard for every member living in Norther Ireland. Your voice will be heard for the very first time on the same level as members in England , Scotland & Wales. It would be an honour to represent you.
Name: Ruth Hall Gender: Female Region or Nation: Scotland
Since becoming a member I helped launch a branch within Essex, and upon moving to Scotland in 2019 I was elected to the National Executive Committee, and its Vice-Chair. I have also served on the Scottish Co-operative Party Executive, and been Secretary from 2022-23. I have twice stood as a Labour & Co-operative candidate in local elections.
I have chaired Co-op Party meetings and panel session and in 2022 Chaired the Party Conference in Leeds.
In 2022, I organised a photo call with the Party's elected MSPs in Holyrood in support of Sir Mark Hendrick's Bill.
My involvement started working for The Co-operative Group in 2004 until 2019, and since 2017 I have been elected to The Co-op Groups National Members' Council.
I am a Trustee for the UK Society for Co-operative Studies and run their social media, I am also a Trustee for The Co-operative College.
I work as a Regional Engagement Officer for a Scottish Co-operative Party elected representative to the Scottish Parliament, and am a member of the Cross Party Group on Co-operatives. As part of my role I help to promote co-operatives and their campaigns.
I have experience of being a Trustee for UKSCS, a completely volunteer led charity, and as such am involved in all governance decisions made by the board. I sit on the Co-op Party National Executive's Audit and Risk committee, and the same for The Co-operative College. I have undertaken training on understanding financial reports and management accounts in my role with The Co-op Group's National Members Council, to aid with holding the Board to account.
My name is Ruth Hall and I am asking that you consider re-electing me to the Scotland seat on the National Executive Committee.
After moving to Scotland in 2019 I was elected to the NEC and subsequently as its Vice Chair, for all 3 years of my term. I have also taken up a role in the Scottish Co-operative Party Executive, and its Secretary from 2022-23. During this time I have supported in the Scottish Parliament, Local Government and Westminster selections, seeing more candidates apply and stand than ever before. We now have more elected Councillors and Members of Scottish Parliament than we have ever had before in Scotland.
I have had the privilege of working with other members of the NEC to see the formation of the Equalities Advisory Committee, and chaired the first joint meeting between the two committees. In 2022, I was honoured to Chair the Annual Party Conference in Leeds ensuring the work of co-operators in Scotland was showcased, and speaking to its policy work.
Outside of the Party, I am elected to The Co-operative Group's National Members' Council, a Trustee of the UK Society for Co-operative Studies and The Co-operative College and a member of the Scottish Parliament's Cross Party Group on Co-operatives.
I am a passionate co-operator who works to promote co-operatives and their campaigns. To increase awareness and grow the movement. I would love to continue the work I have been doing with the NEC and ensuring co-operative voices in Scotland are heard.
Name: Mary Wimbury Gender: Female Region or Nation: Wales
Current Co-operative Party National Executive Committee member for Wales and member of Policy Committee. Member, Wales Council of the Co-op Party and former Treasurer. Former Labour & Co-op Parliamentary candidate. Wales Co-op delegate to Welsh Labour conference for a number of years. I've been a regular attender at my local branch and the Wales Council for a number of years before joining the NEC. As a Westminster, Welsh Assembly and European Parliament candidate I've sought to promote Co-operative values and what they mean in terms of community involvement and empowerment.
I can remember as a child we collected the "divvy" or dividend from our local store and now my closest shop is a Co-op where I regularly shop. I actively seek out coops and mutuals in other areas of my life too, e.g. energy and banking, as well as always trying to put my co-operative principles into practice and develop consensus in my work (predominantly social care policy) and my political activity. I'm currently on an advisory group looking at feasibility for a co-operative franchise model of domiciliary care.
I am Chief Executive of a not for profit organisation, responsible for governance and finance reporting to our Board. I previously ran a UK-wide registered charity with similar responsibilities but also meeting the statutory reporting requirements of the Charity Commission; I am now a trustee of that Charity. I also chair the statutory North Wales Regional Partnership Board for Health and Social Care grappling with the complicated governance of bringing statutory and non-statutory organisations together. I have been a General Election Agent and on the board of UK, Wales and local organisations.
As the current Wales representative on the Co-operative Party NEC I work to ensure what is happening in Wales, and the good work of our Labour & Co-operative Government, is reflected in our all our activities, while keeping members in Wales informed and enabling them to influence what is happening at a UK level.
I report to branch officers in Wales via the Wales Co-op Council and have attended all branch meetings where I've been invited. As a member of the UK Co-operative Party Policy Committee I've worked to ensure our policy consultations better reflect the devolved nations and have spoken at UK Co-operative Party conference, and elsewhere, about what an incoming UK Labour Government can learn from Wales.
I'm proud of what we've achieved over the last few difficult years: more Welsh Labour and Co-op councillors than ever before, our largest ever Senedd group and real input into the manifesto and programme for government and a growing bilingualism in the Welsh Co-op Party's activities. At a UK level the Co-op Party has built and strengthened its Equalities Networks and implemented an independent disciplinary process to deal with discrimination and harassment.
I'm standing again to build on this work. I'm passionate about the difference co-ops and co-op values can make. As a party we have a real opportunity to empower local communities, workers and consumers and we must seize the opportunity. I’d be grateful for your support – diolch yn fawr / thank you.
Name: Ahmad Khwaja Gender: Male Region or Nation: East Midlands
As I have only recently moved to Leicestershire from Essex and have previously not been a member of the Co-operative Party , I am currently learning and I have been participating in various co-operative Training Zoom meetings
None at the moment but hope to get more involved.
I was a Board member of a NHS Trust board and Chair of its Audit Committee. I was also a Board member of Essex Police Authority and a member of the Finance Committee of a School Governing body
My name is Ahmad Khwaja. I am a former Civil Servant, a member of the Labour Party and Co-operative Party and a Councillor at the Thurnby and Bushby Parish Council, Leicestershire. I came in politics in order to improve the working conditions and lives of my fellow citizens and myself - the society as a whole. I have made genuine and sincere efforts towards achieving the above objectives not only by means of my political and trade union activities but also through the medium of my voluntary activities which included- being a magistrate (JP), trade union side member of an Employment Tribunal, Non- Executive Director of a NHS Mental Health Trust, Member of a Police Authority, as Chair of a Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Chair of Association of Voluntary Services, School Governor, Founding member and Chair of an Ethnic Minority Forum and Founding member and Chair of a “Community in Harmony” organisation. The purpose of the last two organisations being to generate an environment of friendship and harmony between people of different colours, faiths and origins. Being a member of the various organisations as briefly detailed above, I have been able to make a small contribution in areas of justice and equality, law and order, mental health, policing, education and bringing people of different colour, faith or of no faith together. May I ask for your support so that I may continue in my above aims as part of this organisation.
Name: Arooj Shah Gender: Female Region or Nation: North West
Campaigning has been at the heart of my career in politics & as a coop member. The most successful campaigns are those that talk directly to the issues that local people need & want addressing and that can only come from driving an ongoing culture of engagement and cooperation between politicians and those they represent. As a result many of the local campaigns I have led have focused on the issues that make the most difference in areas like Oldham and elsewhere – those addressing poverty and disadvantage, those supporting the most vulnerable & those which aim to bring communities together.
I have contributed party conferences, events and campaigns not limited to but including:
Unlock our High street
Coop Local Gov Conference
Coop Diverse Councils
Coop Bame Event
National Campaign Days
As leader of Oldham Council I was responsible for ensuring the council set a balanced budget whilst distributing well over £200 million across statutory and non statutory services that local people rely on and expect from a council.
I also ensured that services were distributed fairly across all communities.
In my capacity as leader I also chaired the Council's Cabinet and executive functions ensuring that all decision making is taken in line with legislation.
As a strong woman in a community where women were not (and are still not!) celebrated I am perhaps, at times, too vocal about the issues facing women and inequalities in general.
I became the first Muslim female Council Leader in the North of England when I was selected to Lead Oldham Council in May 2021. Prior to this I was the Statutory Deputy Leader (3 years) and Cabinet Member for Covid Recovery – the first in the Country to hold this post – for 12 months.
As a woman I felt I was already at a disadvantage but as a Muslim woman even more so. Those two things shaped my every interaction I had in my role as Leader and in my political career so far.
My decisions and actions were scrutinised and questioned to a greater degree than my counterparts. In particular the motivations behind decisions were often attributed to my race/religion.
My background, despite being similar to other working class politicians was subject to more scrutiny and speculation. I am held to account, not only for my own actions, but those of my family and friends and those of the wider Muslim community.
I have the lived experience and skills together with my passion and ongoing commitment to tackle inequalities , support the BAME community and to deliver fairer outcomes within and throughout the Cooperative family.
Name: Carole Johnson Gender: Female Region or Nation: South West
Labour Cooperative Party member
Labour COUNCILLORs Group Chair 2020-21
Labour Group BME Officer 2019-21
Labour Group Women’s Officer 2019-20
Chair of Equalities and Communities 2018-2021
Rt Hon Deputy Lord Mayor 2020-21
Deputy Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities and Public Health
COUNCILLOR - MEMBERSHIP,
Commission on Race Equality
Growth and Regeneration Scrutiny
Overview and Scrutiny Management Board
People Scrutiny Commission
Public Safety and Protection Committee
Avon Fire Authority
Gambia And Avon Fire Service in Partnership
Diversity and Inclusion Cohesion and Equalities (DICE) AFRS
Bristol Women's Commission
UHBT Governor
WECA
Scrutiny Committee of Corporate Parenting
Member of Growth & Regeneration Scrutiny Commission
Labour Cooperative Experience
I have also gained extensive experience including a strong awareness of policy and procedure, which I’d use to support community groups and campaigns, and ultimately utilise in government.
I have plenty of experience attending branch meetings and reporting on all council activity undertaken, campaigning with branch members on local issues and supporting policy discussions.
Developing links with all parts of the community is a special interest of mine
As Cllr I have advocated for individuals for those who cannot represent themselves whilst helping to identify realistic and effective solutions,
I am well experienced in governance of schools and chairing of non-executive directorship of community interest companies and charities serving as School Governor for 4 different schools so far.
As sitting COUNCILLOR - MEMBERSHIP OF OUTSIDE BODIES: Magistrates Deputy Bench Chair for Avon and Somerset• Labour Group Chair• Interim Chair St Pauls Carnival Community Interest Company* Adoption West Scrutiny Panel
Currently Inclusion and Diversity Magistrate for the Southwest Region and Vice Chair St Pauls Carnival CIC. Trustee for Brigstowe Charity and Co-Chair and Trustee for Bristol Women’s Voice and Champion for GAFSIP Gambia and Avon Fire Services in Partnership
I began political campaigning as a single mother of two small children. and I’ve remained active as a campaigner on equalities, environmental, peace and poverty issues, defending the NHS, and promoting the Living Wage. I relish being immersed in community work and public service as a city leader local COUNCILLOR and with national issues through Labour and from my experience. Serving as school governor for 4 schools and hospital; governor for UBHT. I have also contributed to our community as a social worker, primary school teacher, school governor, hospital governor and magistrate. My strengths are within my many years of experience on the ground, campaigning on the issues which matter most to our constituents. I am natural communicator and well placed to relate to people of all demographics, especially those who share my working-class upbringing and those who, like me, celebrate the diversity of the constituency. An experienced Labour Group COUNCILLOR’s Chair, Women’s officer and BAME officer also Community Activist Championing local issues for children’s families, young people, the elderly, adoption and fostering and issues relating to domestic violence and equally qualified through life experience with a hands-on approach. I consider myself to be caring and compassionate with a strategic and pragmatic approach – an innovative and cutting-edge city leader. This has meant that I met people from all walks of life with many challenges. This has been enhanced by my own lived experiences as a black woman of faith who is also a single parent of two young sons.
Name: Cecile Wright Gender: Female Region or Nation: East Midlands
I am a former Chair of the Cooperative Party’s BAME Network. During my term of office I worked with members and the Officers to develop initiatives and activities to engage and expand the Network and organise events to raise its profile and influence. For instance, the Network hosted national events such as ‘Black History’ season, training opportunities for prospective local and parliamentary candidates and organised events with MPs and members of the NEC to address Network members.
I have worked with both the National Party and local Party to raise issues concerning inequality faced by the BAME population and the need to ensure that this is area is embodied in policy. In addition, I have raised the need for the Party to tackle issues of underrepresentation within the structures. I worked in synergy with other Equality Networks in the Party.
I have been a delegate at both regional and national conferences.
As for a former Vice- Chair of Derbyshire Mental Health Trust. I was collectively responsible with other Trustees for the governance, finance, policy making /implementation at the Trust.
As a longstanding member of the Co-operative Party and my local Party I wish to stand for the NEC BAME position. I would bring extensive knowledge and experience to this role. As a previous Chair of the Co-operative Party BAME Network I worked with members, Officers, and the NEC to raise issues within the Party concerning representation and access for BAME members. These issues remain crucial particularly ahead of the local elections and the forthcoming General Election. The Party offers an influential platform for facilitating societal change, particularly in relation to key socio-economic issues which blight the lives of the BAME population in Britain. I would work with the NEC to ensure that this area is embedded within policy formation and implementation. I would wish to play a key role in the proposed consultation on the efficacy of the use of the BAME label. In this regard it would be essential to consider the extent to which the agreed group definition reflects shared interest in achieving equality and equity by eradicating racial discrimination against non-white British people. In addition to my Co-operative Party experience, I have stood for NEC elections in the Labour Party, served on the National Constitutional Committee, including Officers roles at CLP level(e.g. BAME/Women’s Officer, Vic- Chair) and served on the NEC for the University and College Union (UCU). Finally, I would work with the NEC and Party Officers to promote and deliver Co-operative values and principles. I would welcome your support. Professor Cecile Wright.
Name: Gregory Roberts Gender: Male Region or Nation: West Midlands
Fringe speaker and panelist at several national conferences
Interim Chair of the BAME Network Steering Commitee: 2018 - 2020.
Chair of Working Group on COVID-19 BAME Recommendations.
Co-Chair, BAME Cooperators - 2020 -2022
Member, BAME Cooperators Council 2023 - present
Canvasser and Campaigner with party candidates - 2019
Branch delegate
Speaker at numerous cooperative societies and party events 2017 - present
Trustee, Cooperative College, UK.
Member, International Cooperative Working Group.
Founder/Chair, UK-Caribbean Advisory Group on Cooperatives and Social Enterprise.
Columnist - writing articles promoting the cooperative movement
Consultant working in the area of cooperative development, including housing cooperatives.
Podcast interviewee and discussant on cooperative and BAME issues
Lead Governance Consultant, Caribbean Training, Education Centre for Health (C-TECH), Jamaica
2. Cooperative development strategy and governance, Gida Housing Cooperative, Ubele Initiative, London.
3. Governor with responsibility for Finance, Hawthorn Primary School, Birmingham, West Midlands
4. Strategy and Finance Lead Consultant, StrateJ Global Consulting Limited.
I am seeking your vote to be the BAME representative on the National Executive Committee of the Coop Party.
I have had the privilege of serving as Interim Chair of the BAME Network, 2018 - 2020. During this time, we installed representatives for the the different regions, appointed policy committees and conducted several national BAME network conferences and meetings - in-person and online.
In 2020, during the dark days of the COVID-19 Pandemic, I chaired a working group that consulted widely and together we generated a set of comprehensive policy recommendations for health, housing, employment and other areas that are of prime importance to our communities. This was the first and only set of Recommendations by any political party that came specifically from Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnicities. It showed that together we can make ground-breaking achievement.
In 2020 -22, I was asked to serve as Co-Chair of the network and more recently, elected as a member of the BAME Network Council. I am currently a Trustee of the Cooperative College. I cherish these opportunities to serve.
I believe that BAME Cooperators deserve to have their views, concerns and aspirations accurately and vigorously expressed at the highest levels of the party.
As your BAME representative to the NEC, I will commit to work with every BAME Cooperator, the BAME Council, our allies and other cooperators to increase BAME representation, visibility and participation at every level of the Cooperative Party.
Name: Iram Woolley Gender: Female Region or Nation: London
I get frustrated when hear about bureaucratic barriers and whilst members implement risk management in Social Care and High St case studies, and so I supported members in our weekend zoom conference.
As a delegate and Executive committee member, I attend borough meetings and continue to contribute to promote long-term social responsibility.
I encourage councillors to become Labour and Cooperative, and sign up new members within my 50:50 Parliament network, and undertake training specifically BAME voices and within the Labour Party networks.
I truly believe in the transformative power of co-ops to make a genuine difference, for people and communities.
I get angry and feel sad when I see deep inequalities BAME communities are facing.
From NHS wait times to get an appointment being no 20 in the phone queue at 8am.
I’ve channelled my energy to engage with our members I have led the T-shirt competition for our coop women. Many are fearful of going online and reporting abuse, for standing up for what’s right. I provided training. I supported Stella Creasy campaign against the treatment of child Q.
As an Olioer we’re ending food hunger campaign, demonstrates my commitment to ending food poverty.
Vote for Iram Woolley
For nearly 4 years, I have served as a School Governor, sitting on the Finance and General Purposes committee.
Additionally, I am an active member of the Ealing Schools Forum, where I contribute on the discussions of finances of schools in the area. Our recent OFSTED visit resulted in a ""good"" rating, we are confident that with a graded inspection, we would achieve ""outstanding"".
As Lead for UNICEF RSSA, I am proud to share that we have been awarded the silver award. I have completed topics such as GDPR, sexual harassment awareness, equality diversity and inclusion, and unconscious bias training.
I will be a fierce advocate for BAME communities, with my track record of success in advancing social justice and equality, and a deep commitment to making a positive difference in people's lives.
In addition to being an anti-racist campaigner, I have a unique superpower: I can speak four languages fluently.
If selected to NEC Cooperative Party, I will focus on three key priorities:
Fighting discrimination and prejudice: I am committed to ensuring all our events have genuinely diverse speakers and we use our platforms to amplify diverse voices, as 70% who identify as BAME were surveyed in 2020 and felt they were represented at Conference, compared with 70% attendees with disability and 77% of women.
I will work to promote and deepen Cooperation in BAME communities, and that everyone should have the chance to achieve their full potential. There was at least ‘one BAME’ speaker everyday, in conference in 2020. I accept the challenge of increasing this number.
We have to become truly reflective of the communities we serve.
Supporting education and skills development: I understand as a woman of colour the importance of focussed on Black History Month, by providing training mentoring inspiring BAME and report back to members, amplifying how coop BAME can overcome 26 common barriers within politics and increase seats at the table as I do in 50:50 Parliament.
In conclusion, we will ensure our BAME active membership are encouraged and inspired in our Cooperative Party. If selected, I’ll be accessible and transparent.
Name: Jasbinder Dehar Gender: Female Region or Nation: West Midlands
I am the BAME officer in Wolverhampton. We are having a new co-operative nursery opening in Spring Vale. I am actively engaged with our neighbouring region and collaboratively work with the labour party to make this world a better place for our people. Community cohesion and community togetherness, Celebrating all cultures and faiths, embracing diversity.
I am the chair person of Interfaith Wolverhampton, a Rotary Bilston Member and a soroptimist. I am the founder of Sisterhood of Women.
I am a member of Midcounties
I am an elected Wolverhampton councillor for 9 years, I sit on the West Midlands Fire & Rescue Board, I am also the chairperson of Collaboration & Transformation Committee.
I am the Chairperson of Interfaith Wolverhampton on Holocaust Memorial Day which Interfaith in Partnership with Wolverhampton Council deliver, as the chair person of Interfaith Wolverhampton i always read the commitment."" We shall never forget"" we also celebrate all faiths and religions, Vaskhi, Diwali, Edi, Black History Month. Community Cohesion, Community Togetherness.
I am Bilston Rotary member, a member of Soroptimist Wolverhampton. I have B.A. Special Needs/Inclusion i work in education.
I am standing for the NEC to bring a fresh perspective, As a BAME member i want to embrace and celebrate, culture, Diversity, community cohesion, community togetherness, united and one. I believe that there is huge opportunity for the Coop Party to influence politics in the west midlands. The party offers real life solutions to the problems we face across the region. If elected to the NEC i will work on climate change, Modern Slavery, and food poverty.
Name: MD Pervez Sazzad Qureshi Gender: Male Region or Nation: London
I am genuinly inspired by the activities of the Co-operative Party. I have attended in a number of training organised by the party, even in Covid lockdown, the party was so active of organising various seminars, training, petitions and demonstrations. I feel, this party is one of the most active party to raise awareness of the challenges our community and country is facing in our everyday life. The leaders and speakers of all the events I have participated was highly knowledgeable in their area of speciality. I feel at home while I participate in party activity.
I have been involved in co-operative movements throughout my life. I am involved in Spitalfields Small Business Association (SsBA) a social enterprise, which provide business premises to startup and small business. I have been with this organisation for over 23 years. We had provided various training projects and charity projects over the years. Hence, trying to establish co-operative values in our community. I also lead a property investment company, this is structured like a cooperative.
I am a company director for over two decade. I am a director of a property investment company, a property development company and a funeral service company. At present I am the finance Director of our company. I am also the Chair of Governors and Chair of Finance Committee of Thomas Buxton Primary School, where I am a governor for over 23 years. At SsBA, as General Secretary, I have a major role for overseeing the finance of our organisation.
I have been a community businessman and activist for over three decades. I have served in various business, charity and community organisations for a number of years. The experience I have gathered has equipped me to serve in various role in any organisation. For my Funeral Service contribution during Covid-19 pandemic, I have been Awarded British Empire Medal by HM The Queen. I am of a British Bangladeshi origin. As a member of the BAME community, I fully understand the values, everyday challenges, cultures, inspirations and aspirations of individual communities. Therefore I feel that, I am well equipped to represent BAME community at the NEC of Co-operative party.
Name: Qamar Rashid Bhatti Khan Gender: Male Region or Nation: West Midlands
I am an active member of the Co-operative party West Midlands branch through attending meetings and participating in debates and discussions.
I supported my local Councillor as a Cooperative Party candidiate at four local council elections.
I have worked closely with the colleagues within the Cooperative Party and campaigning jointly in favour of supporting the retail business in city and town centres against the challenge of large scale supermarkets.
I have campaigned extensively for sustainable foods and against platsic packaging.
I have worked towards fairness and openness for diverse workers and those from BAME Backgrounds.
I held join campaigns with the Cooperative Party when I was a member of the TUC Black Workers committee.
I have served as an elected member of the Manufacturing Science & Finance's National Executive Council as it's first member of colour and Chaired its National Race Relations Committee.
I was an elected member of Labour's West Midlands Regional Board
I was a member of Labour's National Policy Forum
I bring to the Cooperative Party’s NEC existing and extensive experience of campaigning, activism and governance in the BAME area over the course of the past 20 years. My work in the diversity and BAME space spans from 1982 when I was a youth activist in inner city Birmingham. The Handsworth Riots threw me into community work and seeking to bring people together from diverse backgrounds and at a time of great difficulty for the city. I progressed to working closely with Birmingham’s Race Relations Unit and then nationally with the Trades Union’s Congress’s Race Relations Committee ultimately finding myself elected onto it. I have served as the following elected member positions from a period of 1982 to 2006. This acts as a reference to my ability to be elected, representative and experienced at governance at a national, regional and city level: 1. Chair of Manufacturing Science and Finance Union’s National Race Relations Committee 2. Chair of Manufacturing Science and Finance Union’s Midlands Race Relations Committee 3. Member of the Manufacturing Science and Finance Union’s National Executive Council 4. Member of the TUCs Black Workers Committee 5. Led Peace & Reconciliation Talks after the Handsworth Riots of 1985 and 20105 . 6. Chair of the Asian Resource Centre in Lozells Birmingham from 1985 to 2006 7. Member of the Labour Party’s National Policy Forum from the West Midlands 8. Member of the NPF’s Economy & Welfare Commission 9. Member of the Labour Party’s West Midlands Regional Board
Name: Rizwan Jalil Gender: Male Region or Nation: West Midlands
I am a Co-operative and Labour Party councillor and also elected on to the national BAME Co-operators council as well as the Sandwell branch Co-operative liaison officer.
I engage with Co-operative values and share the policy's with residents I represent and play a part in getting involved in co-operative events. Please visit my blog on the co-operative website about the south Asian heritage month https://party.coop/2022/08/15/embracing-our-values-this-south-asian-heritage-month/
I possess a track record of excellence in working in engagement, scrutiny and board environments.
Member of the nominations committee at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust.
Sandwell Council Neighbourhood scrutiny committee member.
Member of the Sandwell Council licencing committee.
Member of Sandwell council standards committee.
Lead member on West Midlands Fire Authority representing Sandwell.
Former school governor for almost 7 years.
Former member of the Independent Appeals panel for Sandwell School Admissions.
Former elected Member of West Midlands Unite the Union Labour Party Liaison Committee
As a true Co-operative person throughout my experiences I have learnt about the importance of equality, diversity and unconscious bias. I have always promoted equality of opportunity for all and given every individual the chance to achieve their potential, free from prejudice and discrimination. I will work restlessly to champion the work of the co-operative movement I believe I have the willingness to build a stronger policy platform as a NEC member and have a depth of understanding of co-operative values. I will work with my co-operators to help turn Labour back into government.
Name: Shaida Mehrban Gender: Female Region or Nation: London
I became a member when I was elected as a councillor in Hounslow south ward in 2014. I started attending meetings and gradually realised how much work the cooperative does in and around the communities. I attended meetings and participated in certain areas of interest and what I felt should become topic to raise, discuss and take forward to the region. As a committee we collectively put forward ideas that we felt would be of importance to our residents. Discussions on gender equality, workplace predujices and balances along with pay.
I have taken part in flag flying, open discussions on what is important for the party as a whole and what from those topics outway in our borough. I attend the online meetings and the last one discussed Things like food banks, their future and warm places for our locals.
I have no qualifications on that in particular however shopping locally at coop stores helps as the money helps the coop grow stronger. I have had my own meat and grocery show, I have worked in retail and I am a property investor so a little on finance first hand and as far as governance is concerned I was a school governor and we discussed a lot of issues around governance
I would like to stand if it’s possible. I feel that I understand first hand of inequalities and gender, race and stereotype inequities. I understand first hand of menopause lack of tolerance for us females and especially as a young mum with childcare responsibilities it was very hard. Even at university, it was never understood that juggling children and university was a hurdle. I was a success story however many fail. I realise even now that colour and jobs especially for young mum is tough. I’ve been working with local families recently to address this. I was unable to take part in elections last year and won’t be able to till winter 23 by Labour Party Want to disclose this from the start
Name: Brahma Mohanty Gender: Male Region or Nation: London
I have served as my local Co-op Party Chair for the past three years, as well as previously being the Equalities Officer for the London Co-operative Party Council (for which I am currently an Auditor, and my branch's delegate). I was recently elected to the BAME Co-operators Committee (on which I serve as Co-Secretary), and to the (dis)Ability Network Committee. I previously stood as Labour and Co-operative candidate in the local elections in the London Borough of Harrow in 2021, and 2022, as well as being a PPC in Surrey Heath in the 2019 General Election.
I have campaigned previously for Labour and Co-operative figures including my local MP Gareth Thomas, my AM Krupesh Hirani, Annelise Dodds MP, and also for Simon Lightwood in the Wakefield by-election. I also co-ordinated many doorknocking and phonebanking activities to help candidates, as well as organising campaigning activities to increase/improve accessisbility for members. I was a delegate for the London Co-operative Party to the National Co-operative Party Conference 2022 in Leeds, as well as having participated in the Candidate Development Programme. I have also been admitted to the party's Parliamentary Pannel Programme.
I have extensive professional experience in the business, finance, research, and consulting fields. I also have a stellar academic background, having graduated from prestigious universities in both the UK and US, as well as having an MBA (distinction-grade). I am currently a trustee for local charity supporting disabled residents, as well as sitting on numerous committees both in the Co-op Party and externally including my CLP (as Disabilities Officer), Disability Labour, Open Labour London Region, GMB Race, GMB Ability and the TUC Race Relations Committee.
I am honoured to stand to be your (dis)Ability NEC elected representative. My passion for co-operative values was influenced growing up in Manchester/Greater Manchester; the birthplace of the co-operative movement. The principles developed by the Rochdale Pioneers with a commitment to equality and fairness, inspired me to learn more, and join the Co-operative Party. Being BAME and disabled, I have faced many setbacks. Whilst I was able to overcome these through a supportive network, this isn’t always possible for everyone. That’s why I passionately advocate for greater access and representation, whether as my CLP’s Disabilities Officer, or on the committees of both Disability Labour, the Co-op Party’s (dis)Ability Network, and GMB Ability. I have furthered this by standing as a candidate in both General and Local Elections, not allowing my OCD/Anxiety Disorder to be a barrier. On the NEC, I want to be integral in furthering the party’s commitment to diversity and reprsentation at all levels, and identifying and supporting talented candidates. I will be a strong and effective representative for disabled members, amplifying their voices at the top. I believe the Co-operative Party (and Labour) are the greatest vehicles for progressive social change and a time of great uncertainty, this is vital. As we look towards a role in a future government, we must make sure that we continue to channel the values of the Rochdale Pioneers and as the (dis)Ability NEC member, I will work tirelessly to make sure that nobody is left behind.
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BrahmaMMohanty Twitter:@BrahmaMMo Instagram:@real_brahmam
Name: James Sheward Gender: Male Region or Nation: London
I have regularly engaged with my local branches, Wandsworth and Hammersmith & Fulham, during my six years of membership of the Party. I have successfully passed through the Party's Candidate Development Programme designed for local councillors and MPs. I have ensured that I bring the Party to the attention of senior Labour Party figures including Sir Keir Starmer when speaking to the Labour Leader as the BBC freelancer covering his election count in Holborn & St Pancras in 2019.
I am a member of the Co-operative retail store and have joined its Funeralcare programme. I have endorsed co-operative values and public policy when covering election counts for the BBC. I am a contributor to Co-operative Party's programme of online events for its members including those with senior Labour frontbench figures. I bring the Co-operative Party to the attention of my fellow executive members on the Fabian Society Education Policy Committee.
I am a sitting member of the Fabian Society Education Policy Committee responsible for attracting frontbench figures to engage including Bridget Phillipson speaking and receiving our policy manifesto for her consideration. I am a former Trustee of national charity Epilepsy Action having been elected twice by members who regularly contributed to its discussions on disability and a former Director of SELCE, the South East London Community Energy helping the company secure renewable energy projects and deliver fuel poverty advice. I reported into Government on the Carbon Trust'as annual £70 million spend as its statutory report on a monthly basis.
I think I should be elected to the Co-operative Party's National Executive Committee based on the fact that I am a senior career professional who has served as Roy Hattersley's House of Commons Researcher when he was Deputy Leader of the Party. I regularly liaised with his frontbench team including Alistair Darling and Barry Sheerman as well as senior members of the Shadow Cabinet Corridor including Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. I have stood to be a councillor for the Labour Party as a election candidate for Westminster City Council in 2000. I am a current member of the Fabian Society Education Policy Group responsible for attracting members of the frontbench and senior stakeholders to speak. I regularly attend the Labour Party Conference and support election canvassing including the Party's successful 2023 by-election in West Lancashire and Hammersmith & Fulham local elections in 2022. I have supported the work of my local Co-operative Party branches in Wandsworth and Hammersmith & Fulham and completed its Candidate Development Programme. I have championed disability rights as a Trustee at Epilepsy Action where the Equalities Act recognising the condition as a disability is known about.
Name: Joe Watkinson Gender: Male Region or Nation: East Midlands
I joined the Co-operative party 2013, passionate about how co-operatives make a difference every day.
I will bring to the role my experience of currently serving as a member of the parties dis(Ability) Network executive since 2020, sitting on the Equality Advisory Committee representing the network, advising the NEC on disability Issues within the party. As a part of this work, I helped to advise and co-chair the first Equity Conference.
I am also currently serving on the East Midlands Regional committee and on the Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and Erewash Party Council executive since around 2016.
Since my first job I’ve been a co-operator and community activist, working for a Co-op group store, giving me a great foundation to continue over 15 years later.
From my local community engagement, foodbank collections, and raising money for a number of charities, to laying a wreath on Remembrance day on behalf of the party and ensuring co-ops remain visible and at the center of local life. I'm a proud member and support the great work of the Co-operative Group, Central England Co-operative, and Revolver.
I Chair my local tenant and residents association and have done several other executive roles previously. I am also on Disability Labour National Executive as Deputy Vice-chair, and previously served as the Membership Secretary. Within the Labour party, I am on the regional executive as a Disabled Representative.
Previously I have worked as Company Stage Manager, managing multiple budgets, and following different rules of procedures. I have worked at Experian for 5 years, where I have first-hand experience working within the Financial Conduct Authority rules and protecting Personal Data under GDPR.
Our party has been a beacon of hope and leading positive change. These elections are an excellent opportunity for Disabled members to have their voices heard and acted on.
If elected, I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that disabled members are heard, bringing my lifelong experience as a young carer and caring for my twin-brother as an adult with disabilities, fighting against barriers and disadvantages faced by too many of us. I will work to increase the Party's efforts to raise and champion the issues we face, and to do whatever I can to eliminate the structural inequalities.
As someone with Dyslexia, as well as having Fibromyalgia and a spinal condition, I know my disabilities are a part of who I am, but they aren’t what has defined me.
Brought up on a council estate in a single-parent family, I worked at my local Co-operative to save to go to university.
All this has shaped me and makes me uniquely qualified to see both sides as a carer and as someone with disabilities.
I believe that disabled people have a strong voice and deserve their seat at all levels, especially at the top table.
‘Nothing about us without us' is the principle that not only guides me, but I know is embodied in the core values of our party.
Please vote for me to represent you on the NEC and follow in the great work of our fellow co-operators in the fight for equality.
Name: Kristian Brown Gender: Male Region or Nation: North East & North Cumbria
I have done several training courses over the years from candidate information, to canvassing coaching
I have ran to be a candidate for Hendon Sunderland
I am currently at university of Sunderland doing my second year of a Bsc in health and social care, with the idea of going on to counselling.
I believe that Britain needs bringing back from the ongoing corruption currently prevailing over politics, MPs need to be held to account, and we need to move Britain from 5 in the table of corrupted countries, according to the FEI and WEF, both considered Britain as being close to a dictatorship. It is time the people spoke and pressed home it's opinions upon this, wealth distribution needs to be made fairly activated, people need to be lifted out of poverty, and the ability of the NHS needs to be improved, with all loans Need to be combined and centralised, freeing up needed funds for front lines.
Name: Michael Jewkes Gender: Male Region or Nation: West Midlands
My experience as a co operative party member really revolves around the work ive done as a disability officer, as the Disability Officer for North Warwickshire and Bedworth. I have led a successful 2-year campaign for North Warwickshire Borough Council to set up a disability forum.
this has been successful and we are just awaiting start dates for our first meeting.
I have also set up ‘Man Cave’ men’s mental health hub.
I've worked in conjunction with our local labour party to successfully campaign for a disability forum in north Warwickshire, along with working alongside both the local labour councillors and our local parish hall to set up a men's mental health hub and a community social group (warm hub) in polesworth, also I am looking towards setting up a CIC in order that we can expand the work we do within the local community
my only real governance experience is again within the labour party as disability officer, education officer and also as branch chair of the north warwickshire north branch of the labour party, however i am always willing to learn and eager to take on new challenges and work with more experienced members to learn the ins and outs
Over the past 18 months as the Disability Officer for North Warwickshire and Bedworth CLP I’ve helped achieve our goals of becoming much more public-facing via social media. Few now ask what a Labour Party Disability Officer does, through our regular constituency updates. I have led a campaign for North Warwickshire Borough Council to set up a disability forum. This has recently been confirmed successful, and we are just awaiting start dates. I have also set up ‘Man Cave’ men’s mental health hub. Another first for our area. Here men can come and discuss their mental health issues with a professional or just sit n have a cuppa and a chat. I’m have also led a team in the organising of warm banks in Polesworth in the hope we can help both the local disabled community and those who need it most. I have worked closely to engage with statutory and NGOs to improve the understanding of services to disabled people along with explaining to the services how they can better engage with us. I have joined several working committees with the local government and the Police, looking to improve life chances for all. If elected to the as the NEC (dis) Abilities representative, I will push for more councils to listen to disabled people by setting up their own disability forums. This ensures that we can all cooperate to create a society where disabled people have the same opportunities, particularly in local government, as everyone else in our community.
Name: Philip Blundell Gender: Male Region or Nation: North West
I am a a member of the Regional Disability Committee
I am Fellow member of the Association of Accounting Technician 23 plus years I hold Masters in Human Recourses Merit Level, member of CIPD and Medication Accredited by Civil Mediation Council
i am on the regional and national disability committees for Unite The union I am also the Labour party CLP Disability officer and i am The Chair of the County Labour party Local Government Committee and the Chair of Preston Labour Party Local Government Committee
I have made a commitment to help change and improve people’s own lives through co-operative solutions. I am dyslexic with learning disability, and mental health problems, this has given me the drive to work with others in true partnership to find solutions that work and are sustainable. We need to change the system rather than oneself, and this means genuine co-production. My values are deep rooted in our cooperative values. For me it is important that we provide a safe space to discuss key issues and a voice, supporting, promoting, and assisting in the development of the Party’s campaigns and policies. I believe that the NEC plays a central role in supporting Branches and Members to make a positive difference for our communities. We have come a long way, but the journey has just begun. Vote for me and we can continue to make that difference.
Name: Sandra Wilson Gender: Female Region or Nation: Northern Ireland
I was a Cooperative and Labour Party Councillor in Cambridge City Council from 1991 - 1995 I was Chair of the Housing Benefit Review Board.
I applied to be a Cooperative PPC in 2004
I have served on the Northern Ireland Party Council since 2010
I am a committee member of the (dis)Ability Network Committee, on my second term.
I have written blogs for the Network and Pioneer articles.
I have been on the Women's Network Committee since 2020 and am currently the Committee Secretary
I organised events for the Network and chaired the IWD event in 2021.
Whilst in Cambridge I was involved in the Cooperative Development Agency. Since living in Northern Ireland have been actively involved in community inclusion work, embracing and promoting Co-operative ideals in Northern Ireland, I participated in The International Fund for Ireland’s Community Leadership Programme enabling me to promote cooperative ideals in my wider community.
I am a member of the Co-operative Society as well as an ‘owner’ of the Co-operative football team Lewes.
I am currently studying for a Degree in Taxation and deal with large business accounts as part of my day job. I have extensive experience with governance of voluntary organisations through my community work. I had a senior governance role as a National Council Member of my union which has now become part of Community Union, a Co-operative Party affiliate. I act as auditor for the Northern Ireland CLP and I assist charities with their Charity Commission reporting requirements.
As the (dis)Ability network representative on the NEC, I will act to facilitate all members’ involvement within the Party and its campaigns.
Using my experience to assist the Party embrace strategies that enable all members, to engage at all levels; as well as giving those who, like me designate (dis)Abled, the ability and confidence to put themselves forward and to fully participate.
I will work constructively with all NEC members to develop policy and processes that include people currently excluded by the medical model of disability. As well as positively enabling their engagement and activity by ensuring the social model of disability is at the heart of everything we do.
I will ensure that ALL aspects of ability are considered: -Mental -Physical -Emotional within planned activity and political engagement by the Party or membership.
Pushing this into the wider political consciousness, so barriers are understood and removed. Having this seat is an important and helpful change, truly embracing the co-operative ideal of sharing power.
Of all the equality groups, those in the (dis)Abled network are the most disadvantaged in society, most likely to be surviving on benefits in unsecure housing. If elected I will advocate and promote policies and campaigns that increase understanding and empower.
Also this equality seat is the one that crosses the whole spectrum of identity. I take this responsibility extremely seriously and I will work hard to ensure that changes are seen during my term of office.
I ask for your support – together we achieve.
Name: Tony Cooper Gender: Male Region or Nation: South East
Stood as joint labour and co-op candidate for kent county council elections in 2021. Attended various online and zoom meetings
Supported others holding public office or standing by oranising leafleting
Former chair of finance Ilfracombe Town Council
Set up a couple of credit unions
If you elect me I will work in co-operation with others to ensure descisions taken by the Party and its Policies include reference and reflect the needs of members with a Disability. As well as monitor their relevance and effectiveness.
I will also highlight those needs on new intiatives so that Disabled members are able to participate in the party as widely as possible, including supporting existing networks to grow and helping new ones to be devolped for the benefit of all.
I fully support and endorse the party having a Disability Policy Manifesto which reflects and caters to the needs of Disabled members and peopleqq which can be adopted from day one in Government.
Name: Ashley Halstead Gender: Male Region or Nation: South East
During my time as a member, I have been a delegate to South East Labour Regional Conference, Co-operative Party AGM, and Co-operative Party Conference.
I have been a member of the LGBTQ+ Co-operators committee since its official inception in October 2021. I took over as Chair of the committee in October 2022.
I am a member of Co-op Group, Midcounties, and Southern Co-operative.
From 2018-2022 I was on Rushmoor Borough Council’s Corporate Governance, Audit, and Standards Committee and had a reputation for thorough scrutiny of the statement of accounts and of internal audits conducted. I aim to apply the same level of standards to my work on the NEC if elected.
I have been a committee member of LGBTQ+ Co-operators since October 2021 and Chair since October 2022. During this time I have worked hard to build an all-encompassing LGBTQ+ policy document which is currently before the NEC’s policy sub-committee for consideration. I have also put plans in place to double the number of prides we as a party support this year; helping to increase our prominence as a party amongst the LGBTQ+ community. I want the Co-operative Party to be the most LGBTQ+ friendly party.
I have built up some collaborative projects and events with LGBT+ Labour and LGBTQIA+ Young Fabians to ensure we have a united front within the Labour & Co-operative movement in relation to LGBTQ+ rights. As the LGBTQ+ rep on the NEC, I would seek to expand the collaboration across our movement to ensure a Co-operative voice and insight into policy discussions and documents.
As a member of the NEC, I would seek to promote the implementation of more LGBTQ+ policy into the party’s platform and for our representative to Labour’s National Policy Forum to pass on. Furthermore, I will be pushing for the installation of LGBTQ+ discrimination definitions (e.g. transphobia, acephobia) to ensure we rid our party of any LGBTQ+ bigotry. Finally, I would like to see more support for LGBTQ+ candidates in selections and elections, in the form of mentorship programmes and training.
If you have any questions regarding my candidacy, please reach out on Twitter: @Ashley_Halstead or email ashley.labour@hotmail.com
Name: Patricia Hannah-Wood Gender: Female Region or Nation: North West
Currently, I am vice chair of the Pendle and Burnley Branch, also I sit on the North West North committee of the Party.
I have stood as a candidate for the Co-Op Party in recent elections, namely as the candidate for Pendle Hill Division of the Lancashire County Council elections in 2021.
I promote fair trade activities within my position as Town Councillor within the Council and also within my church family.
I am currently Chair of one of the committees for Nelson Town Council, I am also one of the signatory's for the council.
I would like to promote the inclusivity of the Trans community within the Co-Operative movement. I am a firm believer of full inclusivity of ALL citizens in society. My ethos is fairness, understanding, empowerment, commitment, trust and knowledge. Communication is the main tool within our armoury, we must be able to communicate to get agreement on policies. I firmly believe that we must re-establish a fair trade system, that safeguards the prices of all goods for both suppliers, but more importantly, the consumer. I would like to promote a true reflection of the diversity of not only the party, but also the country as a whole. One of my aims is to consign the phrase ""Conversion Therapy"" to the history books, as I am completely against this practice in any form, and against any individual.
Name: Ellie Ormsby Gender: Woman Region or Nation: London
After a decade of Labour membership, I joined the Co-operative Party in 2021. I had come to the realisation that the only way to put Labour’s values into practise, is by sharing not just wealth, but power.
Today I’m the Labour and Co-operative Councillor for Lancaster Gate in the City of Westminster. I coordinated a herculean campaign effort which resulted in me being the first Labour councillor to be elected in my ward within a council which is Labour controlled for the first time. I am on the Co-operative Party’s Parliamentary Panel and the Co-op's Chris Herries' Development Programme.
Within our administration in Westminster City Council, I am the Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement, Deputy Whip and Armed Forces Champion.
Within these roles I’ve been excited to bring my Co-operative values to life, I have:
-Encouraged our administration to sign the ‘Council’s for Fair Tax’ declaration.
-Set up the ‘Queensway Task Force’ to empower residents to ‘unlock our high street’.
-Revised our responsible procurement strategy to ensure a focus on community wealth building.
-Created an insourcing framework for outsourced spend.
-Considered how we can use participatory budgeting in the next budgeting cycle.
-Supported local co-op food pantries.
In terms of governance experience, I’m a member of the Council’s Children, Adults, Public Health and Voluntary Sector Policy and Scrutiny Committee. I also hold a position in Westminster North CLP’s Executive Committee as Women’s Officer. I was previously Chair of my university Labour club – the largest university Labour club in the country.
In terms of finance experience, I am the council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance and Procurement and developed the strategy to manage the Council’s £500m of outsourced spend. I am an economist by academic background and hold the ACCA-X certification in management accounting and bookkeeping.
The Rochdale pioneers were born out of a food crisis, where producers bulked out produce for the poor with sawdust, gravel and chalk. After 12-years of Tory rule, in one of the most centralised countries in the world, the situation is just as dire, as we face a new litany of crises hitting the poorest the hardest. The Co-operative movement has never been so relevant.
Our values should form the centrepiece of any future Labour Government. We need our Party to remain the Co-operative movement’s voice within national politics and continue working in partnership with our sister party. With my extensive experience within the Labour Party, I will be best place to be able to continue to mature our near century-long partnership.
Moreover, the Co-operative Party needs to remain at the forefront of local government. As a Labour & Co-operative Councillor I see the difference having Co-operative representation within our Labour group has delivered for residents. I’ll be able to bring my experience to the NEC and support local branches, members and councillors to drive change in their local communities.
Finally, our youth members are already doing incredible things for the Co-operative movement nationwide. I would do everything to support, empower and showcase their successes. Practically, to enable youth engagement, I will continue to build on the good work done to date and push for financial support, training and increased representation for our young members.
Get in touch at ellie@ellieormsby.co.uk or @ormsby_ellie. I’d love to hear from you!
Name: Tina Bhartwas Gender: Female Region or Nation: East
Having joined the Party in 2019, I’m proud to have been involved at all levels serving as Branch Vice-Chair, Party Council Delegate, Youth Committee Vice-Chair and as a Labour and Co-operative Councillor. I have contributed to Co-operation Live events, writing for the blog and Pioneer Magazine. Since 2020 I have served on the Youth Committee recruiting members, delivering policy consultations and organising events including a youth summer school. As Vice-Chair I have ensured a smooth transition to elections in line with other equalities networks. As the youth member of the Equalities Advisory Committee I recently led our inaugural Equalities Conference.
I am a regular attender of A Co-operative Region events in the East of England keen to discuss coops and the Coop Economy and make the connections to spread co-operative ideas in my local area. Locally I have collaborated with co-operatives such as Create7 and Black Squirrel Credit Union to promote the work that they do and encourage participation. Also I have been a member of the Coop Group for the past 4 years and participate in their events.
I have been a Trustee at the North Hertfordshire and Stevenage Centre for Voluntary Service for the last 4 years serving as the Vice-Chair for a year. As Vice-Chair I put in considerable time and effort to input between meetings and ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation in line with our strategic aims and goals. Being a Trustee has provided me with a good understanding of charity law, company law and other relevant legislation. I have received training on both good governance and financial planning from the Hertfordshire Community Foundation.
Having served on the Co-operative Party's Youth Committee since 2019 and as Vice-Chair for the last year and the Youth Committee member on the Equalities Advisory Committee I am now putting myself forward to further this work as the Youth Rep on our NEC.
During my time on the Youth Committee I have:
-Recruited new young members from across the Co-operative Movement including through attending events such as the Co-operatives UK Youth Conference -Delivered two policy consultations on the ‘connecting communities’ and ‘health and social care’ policy processes -Organised a youth summer school, fringe events on issues such as climate change and socials so young members can come together -Wrote an article on how young people can participate in the political wing of our movement for ‘The Pioneer’ -As Vice-Chair I have helped ensure a smooth transition of elections to the youth committee which has meant we are in line with other networks -Led on the Inaugural Equalities Conference on behalf of the Youth Network and reported back to annual conference
If elected to the NEC I will:
- Ensure young members' concerns and ideas are heard. - Champion young members around the country. - Bring back subsidised, in person weekend political education events and the youth summer school. - Work to grow our youth membership. - Push to improve safeguarding and accessibility.
For an energetic and experienced Youth Rep on the Co-operative Party’s NEC vote Tina Bhartwas!
Follow my campaign on Twitter - @TinaBhartwas or Instagram - @TinaBhartwas_!
Name: Celia Hibbert Gender: Female Region or Nation: West Midlands
I am current elected member of the BAME Cooperative
I've attended several conferences
Hosted many successful events on behalf of Cooperative
Championed several Cooperative Party campaigns like Food Justice Campaign
Recruited new members
Served as the WestMidlands Cooperative Party Regional Equalities Officer
I recently co organised and hosted the launch of food justice campaign for people living with Diabetes.
I've helped in feeding into our international policies and a few other policies.
Promoted the idea of Cooperative regionally, nationally and internationally.
I have worked with various Coop Officers on various levels.
I am a Member of the Governance committee for Wolverhampton City Council and one of the Directors for National Bus Users UK. I'm a current Councillor and we are involved in allocating/scrutinising/reviewing millions of budget for running Wolverhampton Council.
I was a committee member for transport for WestMidlands Combined Authority helping to scrutinise projects, finances, and resource management.
I'm a Trustee for Penn Almshouses where I'm part of scrutinising the both financial activities plus general activities
My name is Cllr. Celia Hibbert.
I'm a Mum, a Wife, a Community Activist, a Local Councillor and a Cooperator.
I am an active elected Labour & Co-operative Councillor who gained a Tory Seat in 2018 and increased our majority by 15 times this year. So when we talk about the gains/record number of Councillors the Cooperative Party has attained, I'm one of this positive statistics.
There's no doubt, the NEC has achieved so much by widening the diversity of this body and holding our movement to account on all levels but I believe it is time to usher in some fresh hands - who will inject new ideas and ways of dealing with issues.
As a Labour & Co-operative Councillor, for 5 years, I've faced and overcame numerous challenges and I want to use my lived experience to help in strengthening our relationship with our membership and the wider public.
I'm accessible, hardworking, motivated and genuinely interested in progressive measures to ensure inclusiveness, diversity and thoroughness
Academically, I hold a Masters in Sports Science and a Bachelor's in English. As a former Professional Footballer, I put to good use my experience volunteering regularly especially in Community Sports Engagement
I will work relentlessly to ensure that we are open, transparent, and a trusted body.
I have the skills, personality, time and commitment required.
If elected, I will serve in the best interest of people not self.
Name: Jackie Jones Gender: Female Region or Nation: Wales
I stood in the local council elections in 2017 & 2022 as a Co-operative and Labour Councillor, same for the Senedd elections in 2021 and as an MEP in 2019.
I have been an active member of my branch for 6 years, and have been on the Wales Council for several years. I am currently Chair. I am on the SOC as well. I have given speeches at conference, including the fraternal address, chaired panels. I have worked with Cwmpass (The Co-operative Centre) at conference.
At women's, Wales and national conferences I seconded motions on cooperative values, spoke to motions and led delegations. I pushed to get more local councillors in Wales to stand as Labour and Co-operative in the last elections. I have worked closely with the Wales organisor and Senedd members. I have been active in stopping modern day slavery since 2010 and have written and advocated across the globe.
I ran an office as MEP and was in charge of all finances for several members of staff and office expenditure. This included dealing with officials queries, staff pay, pensions and expenses claims in 2 different countries, using 2 different systems.
I have been a Governor of 2 schools (primary and high school). As such, I have undertaken all training, including finance and governance.
At university I undertook training on grant expenses and was part of a team reporting finances to the EU Commission grant portal.
As union representative I negotiated with management.
I am standing for the NEC position as elected local Councillor. I am standing because:
Experience. I stood as Labour and Co-operative candidate in several elections (2017, 2022 local council, 2019 European and 2021 Welsh Parliament). I am Chair of the Co-operative Party Council Wales and branch Vice-Chair. I am a great campaigner. The NEC will provide direction to win the next general election. I am a strategic thinker and love to plan a successful campaign. Co-operative values and principles are needed now more than ever at all levels of governance, especially local. Our communities are suffering after decades of cuts that have impacted on services. Embedding and infusion values and solutions into our local communities requires strong, committed action and policies. I want to help achieve these goals. Working in partnership with existing cooperatives, we can provide solutions that work for all. I’m committed to growing the number of people standing as Labour and Co-operative representatives, especially councillors. We need everyone working together now and when Labour wins the general election. I am UK Labour representative to Party of the European Socialists (PES) Women. As former MEP for Wales and exec of Labour movement for Europe, I am committed to ensuring the UK has a closer relationship with Europe in key areas – trade, rights, educational opportunities... If you give me your support, I will do all I can to grow the membership and spread the cooperative message. Let’s get campaign ready to win the next general election.
Name: Emma Monkman Gender: Female Region or Nation: East Midlands
I have been asked to speak at various Co-operative Party events as I am an Environment Academic, with a specialism in Community Renewable Energy.
I am a member of the Central England Co-operative Society Party Council and for the past year I have been the Equalities Officer for my local Branch.
I recently attended the Co-operative Party Conference in Leeds (October 2022) and was left feeling impressed and empowered.
For the 3 years that I have been a member of the Co-operative Party I have been developing my understanding of the Party, it's policies and procedures.
In 2021 I stood as a candidate for the Derbyshire County Council elections as a Labour and Co-operative Candidate.
This year I will be hoping to retain my seats on Belper Town Council and Amber Valley Borough Council, but this time as Labour and Co-operative.
I have been a Trustee for several Charities. During my time as a Trustee for the British Red Cross I was a member of the Governance and Audit Committee.
I am now Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors for Long Row Primary in Belper, and Chair of the Resource Committee.
In 2021 I founded a Charity (Belper Youth Sports) which I now run.
I am a member of the Finance, Governance and Staff Committee for Belper Town Council which involves precept setting for the Council's annual budget.
During the last 4 years I have been a candidate in 4 elections. I won 2 and lost 2. I am a very proud local Councillor and am passionate about local government and what can be achieved. Since being elected I have created a Flood Watch Scheme (for which I am Lead Flood Warden), overseen the installation of electric vehicle charging points in several carparks, overseen delivery of a Carbon Plan for the Borough Council, created a Childrens Charity and been Mayor of Belper. As a local Councillor I have enjoyed getting to know the people I represent and being able to help them. I consider that an honour. My Nephew says ""If you can help people, why wouldn't you?"" Makes sense to me. I would now like to put my experiences into the Co-operative Party to ensure it remains first choice for people who want to stand up for their local community, like I do. At one of my first Co-operative Party meetings someone referred to those present as Co-operators and I realised I had found my happy place. I believe passionately in community. The sense of belonging and empowerment that comes from working together to get things done. I would like to be elected to the NEC to co-operate for you and with you, to get things done. Thank you.
Name: Helen Dennis Gender: Female Region or Nation: London
I have been a committed Co-operative Party member for the last 12 years, actively engaging on key campaigns and participating in my local Southwark branch and at London regional events. I have been a Southwark councillor since 2015, standing as Labour & Co-operative in 2018 and again in 2022. In my role as councillor I have sought to promote co-operative values, and proposed the motion which signed Southwark up to the Modern Slavery Charter. I have actively promoted community-led housing solutions in my ward, supported our local food co-op, and secured Asset of Community Value status for a local pub.
As Cabinet Member for Social Support and Homelessness, I chaired our Southwark Community Support Alliance during the COVID pandemic, with the intention of sustaining a community led response to local poverty. I also pushed forward implementation of the Residential Care Charter, building on our early commitment to the Ethical Care Charter. In my most recent Cabinet role, I announced our intention to create a Community Energy Fund, supporting our Climate Change Strategy & Action Plan, working with local groups to reduce carbon emissions. I am also a long-standing Fairtrade campaigner and led the Fairtrade Foundation's trade policy work from 2017-2019.
For 7 years, I was Vice-Chair of Christians on the Left (formerly the Christian Socialist Movement), a Labour Party affiliate organisation. Through this role, I undertook a range of governance functions, including helping steer us through a strategic review, and regularly reviewing our accounts and membership strategy. I was also a Trustee of a local community church (Restore Peckham) for a number of years, and through my role at Fairtrade, a trustee of the Trade Justice Movement, participating in strategy development, recruitment and fundraising discussions.
Throughout my 12 years as a Co-operative Party member, and the last 5 years as a Labour and Co-operative Councillor in Southwark (8 years in total as a councillor), I have used my voice and role to promote co-operative values, in both policy and local action. I have worked nationally on Fairtrade and tax justice, and as a ward councillor I have supported community-led housing solutions, secured Asset of Community Value status for a local pub, and championed our local food co-operative. I was proud to propose the motion that signed Southwark up to the Modern Slavery Charter, and now as a Cabinet Member, I have proactively sought to push forward our work on the Residential Care Charter (building on the Ethical Care Charter), and on Community Energy. I have enjoyed working with other councillors to develop and deliver co-operative solutions, and I am delighted that there is an opportunity for us to be represented on the Co-operative Party NEC.
As the Labour Party develops its policy platform ahead of the next General Election, it is essential that both councillors and co-operators are key contributors. If elected onto the Co-operative Party NEC, I would seek to maximise opportunities for councillors and other elected representatives to feed into policy and campaign development. I would work with you to explore ways to further grow our membership, to bring more colleagues along with us as Labour and Co-operative, and to strengthen the connection between elected representatives and local branches.
Please vote for me!
Name: Paul Sweeney Gender: Male Region or Nation: Scotland
I joined both the Labour and Co-operative Parties on leaving school and have been fully committed to the Labour and Co-operative movement ever since. My first experience of active campaigning was in 2009 during the Glasgow North East By-Election. I have been highly active in the movement across numerous election campaigns and have also promoted Co-op Party values through my previous job with Co-operative Development Scotland and as an elected parliamentarian at Westminster and Holyrood.
I am convener of the Scottish Parliament's Cross Party Group on Co-operatives and vice-convener of the Cross Party Group on Credit Unions. In both I lead the Parliament's agenda to promote the growth of the co-operative economy in Scotland. I recently spoke at the first Scottish workers' co-operative summit, looking at how to grow this important aspect of the co-operative economy.
I have sat numerous boards and trusts, which have required awareness and knowledge of budget processes and financial controls. I also account managed industrial firms at Scottish Enterprise and controlling the award of state grant support. I have also served as Shadow Public Finance Minister in the Scottish Parliament, scrutinising Scottish Government budgets.
I have served as a Co-operative Party MP and MSP since 2017, and have demonstrated a firm commitment to upholding the values and policies of the co-operative movement in parliament. I have effectively promoted co-operative campaigns in parliament across a wide range of issues such as modern slavery in supply chains, transport, and reform of the banking system.
I currently convene the Cross Party Group on Co-operatives in the Scottish Parliament which leads the Parliament's agenda to promote the growth of the co-operative economy in Scotland. Areas of co-operative growth that the group has explored includes home energy retro-fitting as a solution to the cost of living and climate crises, student housing co-operatives, town centre regeneration and ownership of commercial premises.
I also recently spoke at the first Scottish Workers' Co-operative Summit in over a decade, looking at how to grow this important aspect of the co-operative economy. I was also the Scottish lead in supporting Mark Hendrick's Bill, and now look forward to ensuring it is successfully implemented across Scotland and the wider UK.
In line with our party's commitment to the constitutional reform of the UK, it is vital that the party has representation from a devolved legislator on its National Executive.
I am committed to promoting co-operative ownership models in all sectors of the economy and therefore would be eager to drive this as a member of the Co-operative Party's National Executive Committee.
Members need a dynamic voice on the NEC - I will be that voice.
Name: Philip Glanville Gender: Male Region or Nation: London
As a Co-operative elected Mayor I've regularly reported back to my party branch and supported it to grow. I've held a dedicated Hackney Co-operative Party manifesto workshop and a joint Cabinet policy meeting with the national party. I've spoken regularly at Co-operative Party events, campaign launches and conferences. I've worked to grow the number of local co-operative members and councillors, ensured that there were co-operative manifesto pledges in each local manifesto, supported big national campaigns led by the party including Modern Slavery and Right to Food, passed Co-operative Party motions at Council meetings and created a Co-operatives Champion.
I have actively supported the campaign to maintain the link between the cooperative retail movement and the Co-operative Party, opposed demutualisation of building societies and worked with CLES, the Democracy Collaborative and spoken at a Future is Public Conference to advocate on the role of municipalism and co-ops. I led the work for Hackney Council to become an official member of the Cooperative Councils' Innovation Network as well as supporting Locality. I support local co-ops and social enterprises in Hackney including Hackney Co-operative Developments. I am a member of the London Community Credit Union and Co-operative Group Member and customer.
I've been the elected Mayor of Hackney since 2016, before that I was a Cabinet member for over five years and a local councillor since 2006. My role as Mayor includes oversight and political leadership for the council's capital and revenue budget. I previously worked at a small HIV charity - the National Aids Trust, where as part of the campaign team I led their activists network. I have also served on the following boards: Shoreditch Trust, London Legacy Development Board, London Health Board, LGA EEHT, London Councils and Hackney Pensions Committee and Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission.
I’m standing for this new role, to bring the voice of the Co-operative Party in power to the centre of our party. We need a Labour Government, elected on a Manifesto with co-op values at its heart, building on our record in communities and Town Halls across the country.
I’ve been a member since 2016 and proudly the elected Labour & Co-operative Mayor of Hackney. Our co-operative values have not only defended our borough from Tory austerity, but delivered an agenda of fairness and common decency.
I delivered on those values from day one – paying all our staff London Living Wage, signing the Ethical Care and Modern Slavery Charters, becoming a Social Enterprise borough, insourcing over £14 million of services and delivering the highest number of council apprentices in London.
We’ve put co-operative value in the way we work – using learning from the pandemic, working with mutual aid groups and local community organisations to build a better Hackney. It’s why we set up our community energy fund and joined Co-operative Councils Innovation Network.
We’ve put these values in our campaigns, recently passing a Right to Food motion following our support of the Co-op Party’s food justice campaign, creating a Cabinet Member for Food Justice and champion for Cooperatives.
We’ve grown the number of co-operative councillors, and have a thriving Co-operative Party Branch.
I want to continue this work at a national level; growing and supporting our movement to ensure cooperators are empowered to put their values into action.
Name: Zahid Chauhan Gender: Male Region or Nation: North West
On the doorstep and as the Chair of CLP, I have been a tireless campaigner for my colleagues, the TUC and indeed the ideals of the Co-operative Party. I have supported priority campaigns including Modern Day Slavery where we secured local petitions and street stalls, and ensured the council adopted the Co-Op Party MDS charter.
I was also the lead member in establishing a not-for-profit home care company, which although strictly a co-operative, it is a Community Interest company which reinvests surplus funds and pays it’s 550 at least the Real Living Wage.
My role within the NHS necessitates that I be a listener and advocate, often for people at their lowest ebb. My employment ethics include involving all staff in the decision-making process and a full commitment to career progression, particularly for trainee Doctors and apprentices. I was previously board member for the MioCare Group, their primary focus is on delivering high quality outcomes and making the most effective use of their resources. Being a Community Interest Company means that any value they create is reinvested to continuously improve services, develop staff and enrich the communities they serve.
I am CEO of BARDOC, which was one of the first GP Co-Operatives formed in 1996, ensuring that out-of-hours health care remains in the hands of proper voluntary sector organisations. I believe in putting people before privatisation or profit.
I have a wide range of knowledge of public service as a GP, current Councillor for Oldham Council and former Cabinet Member serving on Oldham Council.
The whole essence of my career so far as a Councillor, community activist, national health campaigner, and proud member of the NHS, has been to help reduce inequalities and promote unity within our communities.
I believe, work, and live the mantra, “together we are stronger”.
A movement of such history, contacts, and influence to help get things done, it is what I can bring to the Co-Operative Party that most motivates and encourages me.
I believe I have the leadership qualities to bring people together, promote collaboration, get voices heard and crucially enact changes that benefit all, making ours’ a society where human beings and sound principles are indeed more valuable than mere profits.
Twitter - @ChauhanZahid Website - www.zahidchauhan.co.uk
I have been a Co-op Party member for 22 years and in that time I have also been a Union rep. I have attended many conferences and have represented the Society at the Co-op Party Congress. As a Union rep I worked hard with colleagues in the Union and the Co-op Party to highlight the Union’s Freedom from Fear campaign
I have also been elected to serve on the National Disciplinary Committee of the NEC.
Having worked for Midcounties Co-operative for the last 27 years in retail I believe I have the insight and work experience to represent and understand how the retail societies work.
Through those years I have been a Union rep. This included working with the other societies on the National Wage Committees.
As a director of Midcounties for almost nine years I have been able to attend numerous conferences, taking part in many conversations with co-operators from across the movement and participating in work shops on a wide range of co-op matters.
As a director for Midcounties Co-operative I have been involved with the Governance Working Group and served on a special committee to uphold and enhance the values and principles of the Society.
At the Society we explain to all our colleagues and members what our values mean using the DOES acronym – Democracy, Openness, Equality and Social Responsibility.
We as a Board scrutinise and challenge management on the financial performance of the Society every month and approve annual budgets and longer term business plans.
I would like to be elected to the NEC as the Co-operative Retail Societies’ representative. The 27 years I have spent working for Midcounties Co-operative in retail leaves me with a great understanding of how our retail societies work. I have also served as a trade union rep with USDAW representing colleagues and attending many conferences. At my local USDAW branch we asked the Society to remove all knives from the shop floor as part of the Freedom from Fear campaign. At the AGM for USDAW I had the pleasure of telling the conference that Midcounties no longer sold knives on the shop floor resulting in other retailers taking this action.
As a Director of Midcounties I have attended conferences including the Co-op Party Congress, the Co-op Retail conferences and Co-ops UK. I have also represented the Society on various of its committees, including the Governance Working Group and the MEC, and served as the Society’s representative on West Midlands Co-operatives and the National Consumer Council. I’m also on the National Disciplinary Committee of the NEC.
Having recently retired from Midcounties, I now have ample time to give this appointment the attention it deserves.
My experience, attending Board meetings, conferences and union meetings gives me the confidence to listen and understand everyone’s opinions while still giving people the respect, dignity and understanding they deserve.
Thanks again, I hope you'll give me the chance to serve you on behalf of the retail societies.
I have been a member for many years having attending Conferences and working at local level.
I represent the Subscribing Societies on the NEC and have attended the NEC meetings, Strategy Weekends and Conferences. I am on the NEC Rules Working Party and the Disputes Sub-committee.
I attend the Co-op Party Subscribing Societies Meetings, an important consultative opportunity which enables us to share ideas, initiatives and campaigns.
As a Member of my Board I have served on the following committees:-
I have experience in
I am a Trustee and former secretary of South Leics. Mobile Toy Library and on the Executive of a UK Peace Movement
Long standing member of Edinburgh Branch and member of the Party Scottish Executive Council. Currently a member of the Party NEC and Audit Committee.
Director of both Scotmid and Cooperatives UK, chair of both Audit Committees.
Earlier involvement in the credit union movement in Edinburgh.
I believe that the foregoing serves to confirm my ongoing commitment to the cooperative movement. I also believe that the cooperative movement and the Party continue to have major role to play in the UK.
Regular attendee at Co-op Party Conference, Regional CP Conferences, the Local Government CP Conference. Led workshops at Co-op Party Conference, have spoken at Regional Party Conferences on co-op development.
Member of a worker co-operative (Co-operative and Mutual Solutions) since 2002. Working as part of a team with start-up and trading co-ops: community renewables, pubs and shops, worker buyouts, asset transfers. Board member of Co-ops UK representing first worker co-ops and then Co-operative Development Bodies. Member and then Chair of the Co-operative Care Forum (CUK). Recently (2021) a member of the worker co-op negotiating team to form the new Federation. Have helped communities to raise £30m in community shares together with colleagues/partners in the last decade.
Have good knowledge and expertise in legal forms both company and society. Am conversant with co-operative governance, co-operative working and ensuring that members (whether worker, community consumer/other) are finally in control. Substantial expertise in financial modelling and financial management. I have been a Board member of Co-operatives UK first representing worker co-operatives and then Co-operative Development Bodies. I was a founder member of Preston Co-operative Development Network and am currently Society Secretary. I have been a trustee (and treasurer) of Migrants Support (Manchester). I am a committee member of Climate Action Preston and the Later Life Audio and Radion Co-operative. Masters in Business Admin, 1984
I am seeking election to the non-retail societies/affiliates category. My understanding is that Co-operative and Mutual Solutions (CMS) is the only Co-operative Development Body member of the Co-op Party and indeed the only non retail society member. Co-op Party membership is unequivocally retail co-op focussed. I am interested in understanding why (mostly smaller) non retail co-ops are not motivated to join the co-op party and working through how the Party might better serve them and develop an 'offer'. There are hundreds of worker co-ops, community co-ops, consortium, co-ops and multi-stakeholder co-ops which are part of a vibrant and growing movement BUT which are not currently tempted to join the Co-op Party. I would be keen to work with Party staff, NEC members to rectify this situation and to attempt to broaden the Party membership base.
I have been a Co-operative Party member over many years. Originally active in the Cambridge Party, I served there as a Party Council Officer. I am currently active in the Northern Ireland Party and have served as their Trade Union Officer. I have recently been elected as Party Council Secretary and convene their meetings, recording minutes and so forth. At a national level, I have served on the Disciplinary Panel of the Party. I have attended a number of Co-op Party Conferences and events and spoke at the last Party Conference on the importance of maintaining the trade union links.
I am strongly committed to the Co-operative Movement. I am a member of the Phone Co-op and Co-op Mid-counties. I have held office in the Oddfellows Friendly Society (a mutual) and am a member of their Credit Union. I also support football teams being owned by their supporters and am a member of (mutually owned) Lewes Football Club and have attended and spoken at their meetings. I believe that the significant increase in mutually owned clubs needs both to be developed and more widely shared. I also bank with Nationwide (a mutual) and am insured through the Co-op.
I serve on the NEC of Community Union and have responsibility for governance in that capacity. I am Past President of Voice Union, oversaw governance of that union before steering their transition into Community Union. As a National Officer for Voice, I was involved in the appraisal process of senior staff. In my wider professional life, I have line-managed staff.
In terms of church work, I am Servicing Secretary to two denominational charities; one with very significant capital. I have overseen the registration of both of these with the Charity Commission, work regularly with Trustees and have knowledge of compliance issues.
I am strongly committed both to the Co-operative Party, the Co-operative Movement and to the trade union movement. As a Christian Socialist and Co-operator, I have been an active trade unionist since age 17, and think it really important for the Party to have trade union affiliates. I hope to be the voice of the Co-operative Party to our affiliated unions and to bring trade union concerns to the Party.
Social ownership needs to be on the agenda of trade unions and with co-operatives we have models which are rarely advocated or tried by the unions themselves. The debate need to move beyond private versus state and instead to embrace creative way of looking at worker control, influence and voice. This is where our Party comes in.
Too often, cooperative solutions are ignored or only considered as a last resort for failing enterprises. This needs to be challenged by highlighting not only successful coops but also be presenting them to trade unions as a viable form of worker ownership (or at least influence) when too often their legitimate concerns are ignored.
At the very least, unions need to understand the co-operative alternative and the Party need to have the ability to make its case to organised labour.
Here is a win-win for both we need only the courage to make it happen!
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