Category: Speeches

  • Zakir Hussain Fayazi – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    Zakir Hussain Fayazi – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    The candidate statement from Zakir Hussain Fayazi.

    Candidate Statement

    Being a member of the party since 2017, it will be an honour to put my further efforts to help the party reaching their goal through this position.

    Best regards,

    Zak

  • Maryam Eslamdoust – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    Maryam Eslamdoust – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    The candidate statement from Maryam Eslamdoust.

    Candidate Statement

    I’ve been a Labour activist for 15 years and councillor in Camden for 12 years, leading campaigns against betting shops and strip clubs taking over high streets, and currently mounting opposition to increasing numbers of school expulsions affecting our most vulnerable children.
    As a BAME woman I’ve suffered racism throughout my life, so I know from direct personal experience that we must eradicate all forms of discrimination in our Party. I’m a lifelong equalities advocate and have used my voice as a councillor to speak up for those experiencing racism, disability discrimination and to fight for women’s safety.

    As Secretary to the NEC Equalities Committee, I oversaw set up of the Party’s National Women’s structures and National BAME structures.

    I have campaigned for Labour in every election and under every leader since 2008. The Tories are failing Britain, but it’s not good enough for us to think we can just coast into power. We need to offer socialist policies which give hope to voters and inspire Labour members and our affiliated trade unions.

    It is time for the Party to end this civil war and start laying into the Tory government, instead of our own members.

    FOR PEACE AND SOCIALISM!

  • Abdi Duale – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    Abdi Duale – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    The candidate statement from Abdi Duale.

    Candidate Statement

    Hi, I’m Abdi Duale,

    Vauxhall CLP member, Trade Unionist (GMB Union), former Labour Organiser (2017 – 2019) and former council candidate.

    My Labour roots stem from my parents who fled war-torn Somalia as refugees. They sought sanctuary in Ealing, where the Labour council provided them with a council home that changed their lives.

    The last Labour government lifted my family out of poverty thanks to the minimum wage and investment in education meant that I was one of the first in my family to go to university.

    As an active Labour member, I have a track record of campaigning for Labour candidates across the country. I’m a community activist, from supporting local food banks to campaigning against racial injustice. A black man has never been elected to Labour’s NEC and with your support, I hope to become the first.

    As a former campaign organiser, I know the road back to government isn’t easy. I’m running for NEC to focus our party on taking on the Tories, supporting Keir and Angela to make our party election-ready and winning the next election.

    I also recommend voting for Akehurst, Baxter, Singh Josan and Thomas.

  • Yasmine Dar – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    Yasmine Dar – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    The candidate statement from Yasmine Dar.

    Candidate Statement

    I’m standing for re-election to the NEC, to continue as a strong voice defending grassroots members, the lifeblood of our Party.

    On the NEC I have:

    •Been a strong supporter of popular, transformative economic policies and an internationalist foreign policy for peace, justice, and human rights.
    •Pushed for greater democracy, the long overdue publication of the Forde report and dynamic, inclusive equalities structures.
    •Fought for transparent, fair disciplinary processes based on natural justice.
    •Supported more say for grassroots members, including the right to select the candidates we want.

    My experiences as a BAME woman, a social worker, anti-racist activist, and Councillor have shaped my socialism and fuelled my determination to fight for a transformative Labour government. As the cost of living and inequalities soar and the devastating impact of Covid continues, it is time to step up our campaign against this vicious government.

    I support campaigns such as Black Lives Matter, a Green New Deal as well as maintaining a strong commitment to anti-war activism.

    I am proud to be supported by the Centre Left Grassroots Alliance, Campaign for Labour Party Democracy and Momentum. Please also support Gemma Bolton, Mish Rahman and Jess Barnard.

  • Gemma Bolton – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    Gemma Bolton – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    The candidate statement from Gemma Bolton.

    Candidate Statement

    I’m standing for re-election to Labour’s NEC to continue to fight for a socialist and democratic party which upholds the rulebook, decisions of its annual conference, and puts members and working people at its core.

    To win, Labour must fight for a socialist policy agenda in opposition to Conservative attacks on our jobs, health, shared values and living standards. We must oppose Tory austerity; support public ownership; a Green New Deal; a peace-oriented, independent foreign policy and fight rising poverty and racism.

    As an NEC member I have:

    – Worked to create new democratic Student and BAME structures
    – Produced detailed written reports of NEC meetings
    – Voted to return the whip to Jeremy Corbyn
    – Campaigned for the publication of the Forde Report
    – Opposed unfair proscriptions and expulsions
    – Opposed rule changes that weaken members’ rights

    I have fought for democracy and a greater voice for grassroots members at all levels of our party, including on the South East Regional Executive, Women’s Conference Arrangements Committee, and as co-Chair of the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy (CLPD).

    I’m proudly endorsed by the Centre-Left Grassroots Alliance (CLGA) including CLPD and Momentum. Please support the other CLGA endorsed candidates.

  • Ann Black – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    Ann Black – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    The candidate statement from Ann Black.

    Candidate Statement

    I’m seeking re-election after serving from 2000 to 2018 and returning in 2020, still committed to accountability, socialist policies and genuine party democracy. I am loyal to Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner, as to previous leaders. I’m a lifelong UNISON member.

    The party has to look outwards. As chair of the National Policy Forum I am focused not just on what a Labour government should do, but how to achieve that Labour government, with an inspiring vision and clear messages on equality, public services, workers’ rights and electoral reform.

    In 2020 I argued that local parties should receive a bigger share of subscriptions, and have already got £1,500 returned to every CLP. As a CLP secretary myself I understand the stresses on volunteers. I helped to revive the national women’s conference, and continue trying to reduce unacceptable delays within complaints and disciplinary processes.

    I judge issues on their merits regardless of faction. For instance I opposed expulsion for supporting organisations before they were proscribed, supported simpler selection procedures, but was the only representative to object to the NEC controlling parliamentary longlists and allowing candidates to spend £3,500.

  • William Stenhouse Bettles – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    William Stenhouse Bettles – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    The candidate statement from William Stenhouse Bettles.

    Candidate Statement

    I am a 22 year old from Buckingham working in the retail industry. I have struggled throughout life giving me a grit and determination to fight for what is right. I have a strong sense of justice and am infuriated by injustice. I seek to bring these characteristics as your NEC CLP Representative. I am a Christian and a member of the *Christians on the Left* socialist society. I believe Jesus Christ gave us the model for a fair, free and compassionate society. I am your choice if you want a candidate who is inspired by Christian Socialist and Social Democrat values.

  • Johanna Baxter – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    Johanna Baxter – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    The candidate statement from Johanna Baxter.

    Candidate Statement

    Labour needs to win power for the many whilst keeping true to our radical values. We need to offer solutions as well as solidarity – a credible radical alternative that creates jobs, tackles climate change, and invests in the health and education of our nation.

    As Head of Local Government for UNISON Scotland, representing 80,000 workers, I know the reality of fighting for those values on the frontline and my track record is one of delivery.

    I’m a Labour member of 26 years, a previous CLP Chair and CLP Secretary, a CLP rep on the Scottish Executive and active campaigner.

    It’s an honour to serve as your NEC Vice Chair and I have worked hard with colleagues to sort our complaints system, improve transparency and the training and support for CLPs to make sure we are match fit for the next election.

    I am committed to engaging with members and retain the record for visiting the most CLPs to provide reports of our work.

    I’ve never shied away from speaking truth to power and will work with everyone across our broad church to put Labour back in power.
    Please also consider Akehurst, Duale, Josan & Thomas.

  • Jessica Barnard – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    Jessica Barnard – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    The candidate statement from Jessica Barnard.

    Candidate Statement

    As a youth worker I have spent years supporting young people and families experiencing insecure work, devastating cuts to their community and denied a secure home.

    More than ever we need to take the fight to the Tories and deliver a socialist Labour government that tackles wealth inequality, putting people first.

    We must fight racism, stand for peace, global justice and real action to tackle the climate emergency.

    I am standing to ensure our party is led by working class voices who will stand up for the policies we need.

    I will be a strong voice for party democracy, accountability, the rights of our brilliant membership and for equality and liberation campaigns.

    As Young Labour Chair I have worked relentlessly to champion the voice of young members at one of the toughest moments facing us.

    I have lead campaigning actions across my region for years, served as a County Councillor in Norfolk, stood as a Parliamentary Candidate and am a dedicated community activist and organiser.

    I am firmly committed to trade unionist and socialist principles, and am proud to be supported by the Centre-Left Grassroots Alliance and Momentum. Please also support Mish Rahman, Gemma Bolton and Yasmine Dar.

  • Jose Alexander – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    Jose Alexander – 2022 NEC Candidate Statement

    The candidate statement from Jose Alexander.

    Candidate Statement

    I feel privileged to have served as a London Borough of Newham Councillor from 2010 to 2018. I am a Labour Party activist and have been a member for 21 years, including the Co-operative Party. I am a dedicated Labour Dialogue Team member who has was part of the National Phone Banking Task Force and received Best Practice Award. I am a Unite union member and was a former secretary with Remploy and promoted diversity and equality in the work place. I was supporting disabled employees and co-ordinated many meetings with Remploy management over an eleven-year period. I have shown dedication through Keir Starmer’s leadership campaign.

    Since 2003, I have been a dedicated campaigner for every election and hold experience of delivering projects to wider sections of the community. I would like to work with NPF to help elect the Labour government in 2024. If I am elected NPF for London Region, I would like to support and prioritise: Investment in education, the NHS and support climate change initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions by 2030. Invest in communities to help tackle cost of living crisis. Focus on a long-term strategy for energy supply sector to help vulnerable communities.