| Operation Democracy Watch
At the 2003 AGM of Save the Labour Party it was agreed to set up Operation Democracy Watch to encourage members to look out for breeches and distortions of the Party rules by Party staff or members. Particular areas of concern must be around the manipulation of Party Conference, the conduct of local Labour Parties and the selection of candidates for various types of elections. It is important to keep an eye out for abuse /twisting of rules in the on-going round of Parliamentary selections. Clearly there is the possibility of breaking rules outright, of bending the rules and of loopholes in the rules becoming apparent. Since the STLP AGM we have been invited to participate in the cross-organisational Labour Rules Working Group convened by the Network of Socialist Campaign Groups which is looking to identify and to prioritise potential changes in the Party rules which would enhance the rights of Labour Party members and affiliated organisations. Therefore we are suggesting that as part of this exercise STLP members might like to propose desirable rule changes to be taken to the LR working group. Of course STLP itself is constantly on the look out for ways in which the Party rules need reforming in the interests of providing better opportunities for members to participate in policy-making and Party management. These could be incorporated in our model contemporary resolutions for Party Conference. May we suggest that perhaps STLP members might like to obtain a copy of the Labour Party rule book ? You may be able to borrow one from your CLP Secretary. Alternatively you can phone the Party Headquarters on 08705 900 200 or write to them at 16,Old Queen St., London SW1H 9HP and purchase one. If you have internet access you can download a copy from the Labour Party Website www.labour.org.uk. To gain full access to this website (which we recommend ) you need to register and this includes providing your Party membership number. It will be much easier to spot problems and to propose amendments if you have a rule book to hand. Please find attached a pro forma to assist you with your democracy watch. Completed forms should be sent to Gaye Johnston, Secretary, Save the Labour Party, 20,Winterley Drive, Huncoat, Accrington, Lancashire BB5 6UE Or e-mail: gribo@onetel.net.uk SAVE THE LABOUR PARTY-OPREATION DEMOCRACY WATCH 1. Details of a breach of Labour party rules. Please state the number and reference of the rule broken and details of circumstances: 2. Details of an instance of Party rules being interpreted unusually. Please indicate rule number and details of circumstances. 3. Loopholes in party rules which have been used. Please give details including the rule interpreted. 4.Suggested amendments to Party rules to be considered by STLP/ passed to the Labour Rules Working Group. Post to Save the Labour Party 20, Winterley Drive, Huncoat,Accrington, Lancashire BB5 6UE or e-mail: gribo@onetel.com Thank you |
| Save the Labour Party |