Region : North East & Cumbria

Co-operative Party Experience

I currently represent North Cumbria and the North-East on the Co-operative Party National Youth Council, working alongside other members of the committee to improve the network and create a space for young party members, and give them a bigger voice within our party. Having been a member of the Co-op Party since September 2024, I’ve attended numerous Co-op events such as the Summer School and the 2025 AGM, and campaigned for multiple Co-op elected members including Anneliese Dodds MP.

Co-operative Movement Experience

Aside from being a member of the Co-op Group, my main involvement with the co-op movement has been striving to put co-operative values into practice by building networks, leading campaigns, and strengthening member participation. From co-chairing Oxford University Labour Club to helping launch cross-university initiatives in the form of the European Publishing Scheme, I’ve shown how people collaborating, sharing responsibility, and taking part in grassroots organising can deliver positive impacts, both personally and professionally.

Governance Experience

As Co-Chair of Oxford University Labour Club, I co-led an 18-person committee, and of a society with several hundred members. I worked to reform our alumni engagement, planned and oversaw more than 35 events, and assisted in the writing of a balanced budget. I learned invaluable lessons in team working, co-governance and effective representation. I also have governance experience presenting strategic recommendations to charity leadership through Oxford’s “Making a Difference” programme, and developed strong operations skills as Admin Officer at LabourList.

Election Statement

I am standing because I believe young members – especially young Northern members - deserve a strong voice at the heart of the Co-operative Party. As a newer member myself, I will bring fresh energy, new perspectives, and a determination to represent the Party’s values.

My time as North Cumbria and North-East Representative on the Co-op Party National Youth Council has shown me the potential of young members in our party. With many newer members, and more young members than ever, it is vital for the co-op movement that their energy be harnessed. Getting young people interested in co-ops has been a key part of our campaigns, particularly the work being done to get co-ops on the curriculum. On the NEC I would aim to reflect those new and young members ideas and perspectives.

But I would crucially be the North Cumbria and North-East representative, and would ensure our region has a voice around the table. Cumbria has been my home for the last decade, and I am committed to being a proud voice for it. I already do this for Cumbria and the North-East on the Youth Committee; I would make sure the same was done on the NEC.

I have been a campaigner, a leader, and a team member; all experiences that make me well suited to a committee role. So if you want to see the North well represented, youth voices heard, and a fresh perspective introduced, please consider voting for me.

X: @mhairibeken | LinkedIn: Mhairi Beken

Region: North West

Co-operative Party Experience

Attending online and in-person meetings, understanding the role or improving solutions to have a common success.

Assessing how accessible it is for most interested people and other activities in general such as planning or what needs to be added to the community.

Respect for the community a model that is seen from many people in the party.

Co-operative Movement Experience

The program is very well completed, sometimes you can't add anything extra, but being from the first days I can see how the perspective has evolved in recent years, with real leaders, speakers and many others.

I want to allow myself to contribute with other development projects and reasonable planning in the coming months.

Governance Experience

Every leader has something to show, but by continuing on the same program we will see how we are all in the first place.

So the plan that we would like to improve is that we understand and we need housing for every family in the United Kingdom in the next 20 years.

Election Statement

I am interested in continuing the evolution of the movement in the United Kingdom. To contribute to what can be accessible so that we can have many members.

I develop all the projects in the movement myself, and together with party collaborators.

Region: North East & Cumbria

Co-operative Party Experience

I was a Darlington Labour Councillor from 2011 to 2015 and joined the Co-operative Party in 2013. I became Secretary of the South Durham and Darlington Branch and delegate to the Party Council in November 2014. I am currently Treasurer of the NENC Party Council and Chair of Tees Valley Branch. (I proposed that branch reorganisation to better reflect the reality of the Tees Valley Combined Authority as the key political unit in this part of the North East.)

Co-operative Movement Experience

My direct experience of managing a co-operative body was with a group of Housing Co-operatives. In the 1970s, I chaired Neighbourhood Housing Services, a secondary co-op, which received funds from the Housing Corporation for the refurbishment and management of 400 rented houses and flats in South Liverpool. I was a tenant of Canning Housing Co-op for 15 years until moving to Darlington in 1990.

I am a Co-op Group member and Co-operative Bank account holder.

Governance Experience

I have led two Companies Limited by Guarantee in receipt of regular Arts Council funding, from 1978 to 89 and from 1993 to 2008. I served as Chair of the UK branch and, as UK International Representative, as Treasurer and Committee member of the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (ASSITEJ) at periods between 1989 and 2011. From 2013 to 2025 I have been a Trustee, Secretary and Treasurer of a Community Centre (Registered Charity 504606) and am currently Chair of DOVES, a forum of volunteer bodies looking after green spaces in Darlington.

Election Statement

I believe that all Party members should be drawn into active participation in the Co-operative movement. I am willing to set up a forum for the region where members can consider and organise the creation and management of co-operative bodies of many kinds. I have the time and means to visit all parts of my region to offer encouragement and support for new ventures.
I have experience of creative organisations, domestic and international, and know that many difficult situations may already have found solutions elsewhere.

The Co-operative Movement in the UK has seen both success and decline. Our Party should lead in reigniting faith in practical co-operative solutions to the many challenges facing the majority of UK citizens – from weakened public services to rising prices.

From Housing to Education and Social Care, Co-operatives can be a better way to provide services in partnership with those who need them.

I am old enough to have lived through several wrong turnings in our political life and wish to offer that experience to fellow co-operators as we build a humane society for all.

Region: North West

Co-operative Party Experience

I was a founder member of the Co-operative Party in Knowsley some 40 years ago and have been a continuous member since then.

For many years I have been a Co-op Party delegate to Knowsley Constituency Labour Party General Management Committee.

Co-operative Movement Experience

I worked with the housing co-operative movement on Merseyside for several years, helping to establish housing co-operatives in Liverpool and Knowsley.

Subsequently, I was Chief Executive of the Wales Co-op Centre (established by the Wales TUC), setting up worker-owned enterprises across Wales.

I was winner of the ProShare Award Champion of the Year Employee Share Plans 2023.

Governance Experience

Member of Labour Party National Executive Committee 2016-2024.

Labour MP for Knowsley for 37 years, during which time I served as a government minister in the Home Office and Northern Ireland Office and sat on several committees, including the Intelligence and Security Committee (which oversees the security agencies) and the Public Accounts Committee. I was a member of the Speaker’s Panel of Chairs, and acted as Temporary Deputy Speaker.

I have been a trustee on charitable boards, including as Chair of Knowsley Skills Academy and am currently a trustee of Shakespeare North Capital Campaign

Election Statement

It would be a great honour to serve on the Co-operative Party’s NEC. I would endeavour to use my experience in the co-operative movement and Labour politics to further the cause of co-operation.
With a Labour government committed to the principle of co-operation, the opportunity exists to re-invigorate the traditional co-operative institutions and develop new models of community control. I believe my experience equips me to pursue these goals with commitment and enthusiasm and would be grateful for your support.

Region: North West

Co-operative Party Experience

I have been an active member of the Co-operative Party for many years, having organised and run stalls for the Party at the Co-operative Youth Summit as well as Wirral Pride events. I presently serve on the LGBTQ+ Co-operators Council, having previously been Chair. I’m currently a Labour and Co-operative Councillor for Seacombe Ward on Wirral, having been elected in 2023, where I regularly speak up for co-operative priorities in both Council and Labour Group meetings. I am also Chair of the Wirral Co-operative Party and serve as Delegate to the North West North Party Council.

Co-operative Movement Experience

I am actively involved in the co-operative movement, including working as Policy Officer at Co-operatives UK, where I work with co-operative businesses to influence public policy and promote the positive impact of co-operative businesses to government. I am a member of the Co-operative Young Members' Group and serve on Co-op Group’s National Members' Council, scrutinising and holding the Board to account. I am an active member of various types of co-operatives, ranging from large-scale to independent co-operatives, and have recently helped organise a Pride Stall to promote a variety of different co-ops in Merseyside.

Governance Experience

I am elected Councillor on Wirral Borough Council, where I currently serve as the Labour spokesperson on the Constitution and Standards Committee. Having been on the committee for the past 2 years, I have also previously served on the Audit and Risk Management committee and deputised on the Regulatory and General Purposes Committee. Outside of Council, I serve on Co-op Group’s National Members Council. I am Vice-Chair of the Membership committee, where I work with other members to scrutinise the Board and Executive, input into strategy and safeguard the values and principles of the co-op.

Election Statement

I’m standing to represent England North on the NEC. Born and raised in the North West, the birthplace of our movement, and working for Co-operatives UK, I bring connections and involvement across the co-operative movement and our affiliates, co-operative policy knowledge, and experience as a Labour and Co-operative councillor. I want to help our Party work with this Labour Government to seize the opportunity to grow our movement.

I am passionate about ensuring our Party continues to educate our friends in the labour and trade union movement about co-operative values and use Principle 6 to support a range of co-operative businesses. From community-owned pubs to saving local sports clubs, these priorities demonstrate how co-operation strengthens communities and can defeat Reform and the far right.

As a young, disabled, and queer member of the Party, I am committed to working closely with equality networks so that lived experience shapes both our policies and how we operate. Young members are the future of our Party and movement, and I want to support initiatives to grow membership among young people.

If elected to the NEC, I will:
-Regularly report back to members.

-Collaborate with equality reps and networks to strengthen their voice and impact.

-Support Principle 6 outreach and engagement across the co-operative movement.

-Ensure the Party actively engages young members as the future of our movement.

-Continues to push for bold co-operative solutions to our society’s challenges.

You can get in touch with me on Twitter: @tomlaing14

Region: North East & Cumbria

Co-operative Party Experience

I have championed the Co-operative Party’s values throughout my political and community work. In Sunderland, I have organised fundraising dinners and conferences, strengthening our resources and visibility. I know first-hand how the Party empowers Labour candidates, providing excellent campaign materials that have helped us win locally. As a councillor, I have worked to embed co-operative principles into decision-making, using the Localism Act to give communities a stronger voice. I want to take that experience to the NEC, ensuring members shape our movement nationally

Co-operative Movement Experience

I am a long-standing Co-op Group member with international and UK experience of the movement. Through study visits with the Co-operative Councils Innovation Network, I have seen how Mondragón in Spain and Emilia-Romagna in Italy embed co-operative values, and I plan to visit Cleveland, USA, home of the Evergreen Co-operatives. I have also visited the Scottish Parliament, spending time with Scottish Labour and Co-operative MSPs to see their work in action. On the NEC, I would use this experience to champion community wealth building and ensure the Co-operative Party delivers practical co-operative solutions.

Governance Experience

I bring extensive governance experience, including as a councillor on scrutiny and regulatory committees, ensuring accountability and shaping policy. I currently chair the Trustee Board of the North East Child Poverty Trust and serve as a non-executive director for a CIC, providing strategic oversight, risk management, and financial stewardship. My experience spans public, private, and voluntary sectors, always with a focus on transparency, strong decision-making, and delivering impact. I am committed to using this experience to strengthen governance, build trust, and uphold the values of our movement at a national level.

Election Statement

As a Labour and Cooperative councillor, I have spent my career putting co-operative values into action, campaigning locally to deliver for residents and ensure policies serve people, not just profit. I have organised fundraising events and conferences for the Cooperative Party, supporting candidates with practical guidance and high-quality resources to run effective campaigns.

Visiting Mondragon in Spain and Emilia-Romagna in Italy showed me how co-operative principles can transform communities and create sustainable local economies. A visit to the Scottish Parliament reinforced how co-operative approaches can influence policy and strengthen local decision-making. These experiences have shaped my belief that co-operation can deliver real, lasting benefits for people and communities.

If elected to the NEC, I will use this experience to support candidates, strengthen grassroots structures, and champion co-operative principles in every aspect of Party life. I am passionate about community wealth-building, empowering local people, and ensuring our movement remains vibrant, inclusive, and effective. I want to help the Cooperative Party continue to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, shaping a fairer, stronger society rooted in co-operative values.

Region: North East & Cumbria

Co-operative Party Experience

Ex committee member Northumberland

Stood as cooperative candidate for Westmoreland (unitary) authority in first election (Alston)

Stood as cooperative candidate for Morpeth Stobhill in election for Northumberland county council this year.

Co-operative Movement Experience

See above

Decades long membership and promotion via coffee mornings etc

Governance Experience

Ex Northumberland county cabinet member 2007 to 2017

Ex Tyne and wear fire officer

Chair of Numerous organisations including Stobhill community forum and Morpeth action group which I founded and remain successful organisations delivering benefits to the community

Election Statement

I am committed to the cooperative movement and feel strongly that this is the way to develop our mixed-economy system in a way that works for people and provides a balance workable within the system existent.

Region: North West

Co-operative Party Experience

As a Co-operative councillor in Salford and Women’s Officer in my CLP, I have worked to ensure that our Party reflects fairness, inclusion, and solidarity. I have served as vice chair of my ward and as a member of the Local Government Committee, giving members a stronger voice. I have written and presented motions on child poverty and gender inequality and spoken at the Women’s Conference to raise awareness and drive change. I am committed to ensuring that the Co-operative Party has structures that allow all members to be genuinely heard, especially BAME, disabled, LGBT, women, and pensioners.

Co-operative Movement Experience

I have been actively involved in the co-operative movement for many years through work with co-ops, social enterprises, and as a long-standing member of a credit union. As a trade unionist with Unite, Unison, and as former secretary of Community Union, I have represented members and defended fairness in the workplace. I also serve on the Disability Network Steering Committee where I work to ensure that disabled members’ voices are genuinely heard. I have campaigned on housing, disability inclusion, women’s empowerment, and tackling poverty, guided by co-operative values of fairness and solidarity, and I support stronger equalities structures for BAME, disabled, LGBT, women, and pensioners.

Governance Experience

I bring strong governance experience from my roles as councillor, Governor, trustee, and trade union representative. I have worked on local government committees where accountability and scrutiny are essential, and I have overseen safeguarding, compliance, and planning as a Governor. As a trustee, I have contributed to finance, policy development, and community projects. My work in unions has deepened my skills in representation and negotiation. I also serve on the Disability Network Steering Committee, which has strengthened my understanding of equality in practice. Across all roles, I have ensured that governance protects trust, delivers fairness, and upholds co-operative values.

Election Statement

I am seeking election to the NEC because I believe in a Co-operative Party that delivers fairness, equality, and opportunity for all. For many years I have served as a Co-operative councillor, trade union representative, Women’s Officer in my CLP, vice chair of my ward, and member of the Local Government Committee. These roles have given me the experience and commitment to represent members with integrity and strength.

As Women’s Officer, I have written motions on child poverty and gender inequality and spoken at the Women’s Conference to ensure that women’s voices are not ignored. I have also campaigned for pensioners who deserve dignity and fairness in later life and raised concerns about the impact of cuts to disability allowance. I believe strongly in the creation of equalities structures that ensure BAME, disabled, LGBT, and women members are not just represented but genuinely heard.

My record includes campaigning on housing, tackling poverty, supporting families, and promoting inclusion and mental health awareness. As a councillor, Governor, and trustee, I bring governance experience and a commitment to transparency, accountability, and fairness.

If elected, I will fight for stronger representation of members in the North, push for transparent decision making, and ensure that equality is built into everything we do. I will bring the perspective of a woman in office, the dedication of a grassroots activist, and the vision of someone determined to make the Co-operative Party a movement where every voice matters.

Yours in co-operation,

Chioma Mgbeokwere.

Region: North West

Co-operative Party Experience

I currently served as the Secretary of the Bolton and Bury Branch Co-operative Party, a role during which I helped increase our representation on Bolton Council. We have successfully grown from having a single councillor on Bolton Council to nine.

I'm also currently the Chair of the Greater Manchester Area Party, where I work to promote cooperative values and policies across the region.

Also I am a Labour and Co-operative Councillor for Breightmet on Bolton Council. In my role, I have championed the use of cooperative solutions, particularly in areas like housing and staff agencies.

Co-operative Movement Experience

My involvement in the wider co-operative movement includes a role on the Co-operatives UK Youth Advisory Group. Here, I advise on how to modernise and future-proof the movement, working to attract young people who share our values and ensure our continued relevance.

I serve on the Board of Directors for Hoot Credit Union. During my tenure, I have helped foster closer ties between the credit union and the local council. This relationship has been pivotal to Hoot's continued success and growth.

Governance Experience

My experience in governance extends beyond my local council. I serve on the board of directors for Hoot Credit Union, and also for YPO, the country's largest constituted public sector purchasing organisation. This provides broad insight into financial and procurement governance.

As a councillor, I chair the Planning Committee, a vital role where I lead the detailed consideration and debate on controversial new development. Additionally, my work on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Scrutiny and Overview Committee gives me valuable experience scrutinising regional policy and budgets. These roles collectively provide comprehensive experience in public and co-operative sector governance.

Election Statement

As a Party we need to do more. We need to increase our campaigning presence and ensure we are influencing government policy. It’s essential that we strengthen our evidence bank and messaging. Our policies create long-term change whilst also showing people immediate improvement. Whether it’s local pubs, credit unions or regeneration projects - cooperatives embed democracy and empowerment. We must work with like-minded organisations to create implementable policies that the government desperately need.

We cannot be afraid, if we are not being heard by the government, to share our ideas more broadly. This means utilising television, social media and publications within the progressive movement. People are fed up of feeling powerless and disenfranchised, which is leading to the rise of Reform. Co-operation is the way forward; prioritising people over profit.

We should identify sectors whose quality and effectiveness are impoverished by privatised models. Children’s Homes, Staffing Agencies and Student Accommodation, are examples of private markets that fail people. The quality of these services are increasingly poor, yet costs are extortionate. By demonstrating how cooperatives can change these sectors in the interest of the British people, we can give the government a tool to enact change.

I want to help our Party be a vision for change which this government and country needs. I am an experienced policy writer, implementer and campaigner through my roles as a Policy Officer for the Northern Housing Consortium and local councillor. I would be honoured to help the Party create meaningful change for the many.

Region: North West

Co-operative Party Experience

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. A member of a worker co-op: Co-operative and Mutual Solutions which is an organisational member of the Co-op Party.

Co-operative Movement Experience

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) and New Ventures Panel. Recently (2021) a member of the worker co-op negotiating team to form the new Federation. Society Secretary/Director of Preston Co-operative Development Network. An active member of The Later Life Audio and Radio Co-operative. Recently have become a Trustee of Co-operative and Community Finance.

Governance Experience

Have good knowledge and expertise in legal forms both company and society. Experienced in co-operative governance, co-operative working and ensuring that members (whether worker, community consumer/other) are finally in control. 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/Director. I have been a trustee (and treasurer) of Migrants Support (Manchester). I was a committee member of Climate Action Preston and currently an active member of the Later Life Audio and Radio Co-operative (LLARC).

Election Statement

I am seeking election to the NEC to represent England North. I have been involved in the co-operative movement one way or another for most of my adult life. The values of co-operation are more relevant now than at any time, an antidote to private capital and ownership. And yet co-operation is a best kept secret. Private business, social enterprises and charities appear to be the default whereas co-ops have a significant role to play in housing, transport, community services, energy, food production, social and health care and other areas. The movement has a huge opportunity to stimulate, encourage and develop co-operation in the next few years (and indeed longer) but particularly as the Labour government is committed to doubling the size of the co-op sector. Many communities in the North are not well served by public services and co-ops can enable local people to create self help solutions. Co-operation is a flexible approach which enables people to create their own jobs, communities to save/create services and/or to take over assets and small/micro businesses to collaborate. I am keen to work with Co-op party colleagues to promote co-operation.

Region: North West

Co-operative Party Experience

I have been an active member of the Co-operative Party for the past year and a half, working through the Greater Manchester branch to advance co-operative values and principles in our local community and beyond.

My experience has deepened my understanding of how the seven co-operative principles can drive positive change in our communities. From voluntary membership to concern for community, I have seen firsthand how these values create stronger, more inclusive political movements.

This foundation of active participation and grassroots engagement has prepared me to contribute meaningfully to the National Executive Committee's work in advancing the Co-operative Party's mission across England North.

Co-operative Movement Experience

Engagement in Co-operative Party events across Greater Manchester, helping to build awareness of co-operative values within our communities

Supporting outreach activities that promote the co-operative model and its benefits to local residents and businesses

Governance Experience

Through my involvement, I have gained valuable insights into:

The practical application of co-operative principles in political campaigning and community organizing

The importance of member engagement and democratic participation
How co-operative values translate into effective policy-making and governance

Election Statement

Extensive canvassing work for Labour Party candidates, directly supporting the Labour and Co-operative alliance that forms the backbone of our political representation

Door-to-door engagement with constituents, discussing both Labour policies and co-operative principles

Contributing to campaign efforts that have helped elect representatives who champion co-operative values in government

Region: North West

Co-operative Party Experience

I have been a member for over 20 years, and been V. Chair of Wigan and Leigh branch for 4. I am a member of the Gtr. Manchester Exec and currently its V. Chair.

Co-operative Movement Experience

Member of the Co-op Society and have had Co-op. Bank account for over 40 years. I am pleased it is now back in mutual ownership with Coventry BS.

Governance Experience

A Wigan Cllr for 25 years, Chair of its Highways and Works and Best Value Committees, leading the fight against CCT. A member of the LGC, chairing a committee. A financial officer in a national building company, largely site based. Wigan MP for 11 years, and Parliamentary spokesperson for SIGOMA, the LA body for Metropolitan areas. Since retiring from Parliament I have been a non-Executive Director of Wigan Hospital Trust, and Chair of Wigan Council's ALMO for its 23,000 council houses. I am currently Chair of Governors at a school in my former Council ward, and non executive Director of Age UK Wigan.

Election Statement

I have wide experience in local and central government, and in the voluntary sector which I will to make the Co-op Party a force in the Labour movement. The mutual sector is not just right in principle, but the best way to drive forward an economy which is both efficient and works for the consumers and workforce. The Government will set the platform to build a strong Co-operative sector, and I will work with the Party to make sure we seize the opportunity to cement co-operation in our society and economy.

Region: North West

Co-operative Party Experience

I’ve been a Co-op member for the last five years joining soon after I became a Labour Councillor. I am now an elected Labour and Co-operative Councillor on Hyndburn Borough Council. I’ve regular attended Co-op meetings, supported events, organised Campaign days locally, and attended Co-op conferences and panel events.

Co-operative Movement Experience

I regularly take part in the Co-operative moment campaigns. Sharing and talking about them on my social media and championing the policy changes at a council level. I was also lucky enough to attend Welsh Labour Conference and attended the Co-operative Panel event on housing. I was then able to communicate the work in Wales to my colleagues locally and nationally.

Governance Experience

As a Councillor I have a vast experience of Governance, both self governance and that of the council level governance. I’m currently working at the Society of Labour Lawyers and have been involved in policy making at a national level.

Election Statement

As a member of The NEC I would bring a blend of experience of local and national politics and a passion for the politics that the Co-operative party represents. I’ve got a long background in the community which led me to standing as a Councillor in 2019. Shortly after becoming a Councillor I was introduced to the Co-operative movement, and for me, it’s always felt like a political home - completely in tune with my own political ideology.

I enjoy seeing how the co-operative movements policies uplift communities, and promote social justice. I was particularly thrilled to see the recent campaign on removal of tax from sunscreen - I ran a local baby bank and every summer we gave out 100s of bottles of sunscreen to families that simply couldn’t afford them. It’s policy changes that make a real difference to people’s lives.

As a member of the NEC, I would advocate for policies that promote cooperative development, support sustainable initiatives. I would love to support member engagement, ensuring that we adapt to the changing political landscape while staying true to our core values - members should have a say in how we do that.

I’d love to represent you on the NEC drawing on my own experiences as that of the local community I see and speak to everyday to champion positive change and push forward policies that just make sense for us all.

Region: North East & Cumbria

Co-operative Party Experience

Long time Party member
Been active at Local and Regional level
Experience of supporting MP to election
Am now a 100 member

I have attended several Co op Party conferences and events.

I have given out Co op Party leaflets at election times

Co-operative Movement Experience

Experience of serving in Local Co operative Boards with Cumbrian Co op

Attended many Manchester based training courses

Am a member of Hills and Dales also have been member of South of Scotland Co op

Gathered in many new members at in store based events, training courses conferences and cookery demonstrations!

Spoke to many groups about benefits of working as a Co operative eg Markets, Care Groups and Transport

Governance Experience

Have been a Scrutiny (Adults Chair), Cumbria 9 years
Deputy Chair of Cumbria Health Scrutiny Board 9 years
National Committee member of National Health Governors
Am at present a Governor on Lancs and S Cumbria NHS Trust
Am currently Leader of Ulverston Town Council (5years)

Election Statement

I wish to promote the role of Cooperator locally, Regionally and National.

I see many opportunities for Co op Party work to help communities in this divide time in politics. I work closely with Christian and Muslim support groups.

Together we can bring people together to gain better future outcomes for us all, particularly young folk, marginalised groups in a calm and rational manner.

This Party can lead in delivering outstanding educational opportunities for Education whilst at School and beyond into all age groups.

This Party can help get those who want to become IT Literate as an enabling tool.
I have been a Labour and Co operative Cllr and have been pleased to introduce more to our ranks.
I believe our Co op members are the best of the best.

Please vote for me and let me join them.

Region: North West

Co-operative Party Experience

NEC Cooperative Party OMOV (Whole Membership) 2009-2011
Greater Manchester Party Secretary 2010-2012
Warrington Branch Vice-Chair 2009-2013
St Helens Party Branch Chair 2012-2019
North West North Party Delegate and Political Education Officer
Labour and Cooperative Councillor 2016-2021
North West Region Party Delegate
Bold Parish Councillor 2013-2019

Co-operative Movement Experience

Member of the Co-operative Group
Stood for District Committee and attended Governance courses

Governance Experience

Director Amicus Union Trustee Committee 2006-2009
Ellen Greenoe Pensioner Charity Trustee 2013 (Still in Post)
North West Miners Heritage Association Trustee (Until 2025)
Vice-Chair Governors Sutton High School 2004-2009
Vice-Chair Governors Sherdley Primary School 2004-2009
Governor St Annes Catholic Primary School 2004-2008
Governor Calderstones School 2016-2019

Election Statement

As a democratic socialist, trade unionist and co-operator, we need change within the Co-operative party and movement. We need to be more democratic, reporting back within our structures and making ourselves more accountable to the communities, societies and people that elect us.

Conference must be a sovereign body within the party, which must be listened and adhered to more often. It has been the case that many decisions on policy and structure have not been implemented. Policy setting must start with the grassroots members.

As a trade unionist all of my life, I have seen the importance of working with our comrades on collective decision making, shared campaigns and the development of the cooperative and ethical business model. We must not shy away from the work of the Rochdale Pioneers and the importance of collectivism in decision making and implementation.

The NEC must listen to the demands of members and activists. We must champion the work of our parish, metropolitan, town and county councillors, as they are our frontline. Training of our members must be a priority and the importance of Equality and Diversity must be at the top of the agenda. Teaching about our shared Labour Movement history, to our young people, is a way to build on the story of the co-operative movement. We must never forget 'United we stand, divided we fall.' Let us give hope a chance, and get more councillors at all levels and MPS to power, be 'wise' and nominate John Wiseman for the Cooperative Party NEC election.