How policy is made

As a broad-based movement, with members from most walks of life, and expertise in many fields, Labour is well placed to know what is happening. It takes input from Socialist Societies, and from think-tanks in particular areas. Ideas arise from trade union members, as well as members of constituency parties.

All of this input is focussed to the National Policy Forum (NPF) who have the responsibility of creating a programme of action, embodied in the manifesto. The work of the NPF is supervised by the elected National Executive Committee. All are subject to the annual Conference, where delegates from constituencies and from Unions, as well a few from socialist societies. Conference tends to be a bit of a festival event for activists, as well as the final decision making body. Though not formally bound by conference decisions, the Party leadership are answerable, and are certainly influenced by its deliberations.

Each party member belongs to a parliamentary constituency party; and in normal times is allowed to nominate and select the candidate. The same is true of ward and division candidates in local government. Each constituency party hold regular meetings, either of a delegate General Committee, or more usually an All-members meeting, where ideas and events are discussed, and where elected representatives are expected to report. There are frequent social and fundraising events; no Labour Party meeting is complete without a raffle.

As well as contributing to policy, members are encouraged to join in with talking to the public, on doorstep events and street stalls; and now increasing getting involved with social media campaigns. As a registered political organisation, we are allowed to maintain a copy of the electoral roll, and to keep records of past voting intentions, on a confidential basis. Each leaflet and media output by law has to include an imprint, showing the name of the candidate and their agent, and the name of the printer, who are responsible for content. Election expenses are carefully controlled, and the agent will submit a return soon after polling day.