We have received four full draft constitutions, plus a shorter text – they are sorted by date of receipt. The full text is below.
To allow a clear and well-informed debate at conference, the LLA Conference arrangement committee has worked hard to produce a constitutional composite that
a) draws out what we believe are the common ideas in all four drafts, while
b) presenting the main differences as clearly distinct ‘Options’ that conference can vote on.
Click here to read the CAC’s procedural motion which will be taken first in the discussion on ‘Our Structures/constitution’ – if it is agreed, all four original draft constitutions will be superseded and we will continue to discuss the details of the CAC draft composite. If a majority votes against the CAC motion, we will debate the four original draft constitutions featured below.
O) CAC composite draft constitution – download PDF here
A) Labour Against the Witchhunt & Sheffield Labour Left – download PDF here
B) London Labour Left Alliance – download PDF here
C) Tees Labour Left Alliance –download PDF here
D) Dulwich LL – download PDF here
E) Merseyside LLA – download PDF here
O) CAC composite constitution
Download as Word file or PDF document
Note: “Common ground” is that regarded to be reasonably similar or compatible from all four main constitutional drafts submitted by Labour Against the Witchhunt/Sheffield Labour Left, Dulwich Labour Left, Tees Valley Labour Left, and London LLA, and also the smaller motion from Merseyside LLA. It is not possible to be exactly common, so some compromise has been necessary for practicality.
1) Aims
1.1 Common ground:
The Labour Left Alliance was set in July 2019 to bring together groups and individuals on the Labour Left in order to build a democratic, principled and effective alliance that:
- organises democratically and transparently;
- both supports a left leadership against attacks by the right, and is independent and able to criticise our left wing leaders when necessary;
- opposes racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and all other forms of discrimination and is consistently internationalist, a stance which by definition includes support for the democratic and national rights of the Palestinians;
- opposes attempts to conflate anti-Zionism with antisemitism and opposes the witch-hunt against the left;
- campaigns to radically transform and democratise the Labour Party and the trade unions;
- campaigns for open selection so that the Parliamentary Labour Party better reflects the views of the vast majority of members;
- supports and encourages struggles against austerity and all forms of oppression.
Amendment from Rotherham Left Momentum
The constitution should avoid referring to specific strategic aims or tactics that will keep changing, but should instead contain general fixed principles.
Therefore, amend section 1 as follows:
Delete “Aims” and replace with “Principles”
Delete:
- opposes racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and all other forms of discrimination and is consistently internationalist, a stance which by definition includes support for the democratic and national rights of the Palestinians;
- opposes attempts to conflate anti-Zionism with antisemitism and opposes the witch-hunt against the left;
- campaigns to radically transform and democratise the Labour Party and the trade unions;
- campaigns for open selection so that the Parliamentary Labour Party better reflects the views of the vast majority of members;
Replace with
- opposes all forms of persecution and discrimination, including racism and prejudice of all kinds;
- promotes internationalism, peace, and solidarity, and the democratic rights of all peoples, especially those suffering persecution;
- is an inclusive organisation that rejects unjust treatment or judgement of people, respecting natural justice and freedom of speech;
- promotes complete democracy and fully accountable working-class representation within and throughout the Labour Party and trade unions;
Procedural note: Vote for or against
1.2 Differences:
Option A:
The aims in our constitution should be expanded to include other political issues from the following options:
- “Free movement of people” [LAW/Sheffield LL]
Procedural note: Vote for or against
- “Campaigns for a disciplinary process in the Labour Party which is wholly based on natural justice and due process” [Dulwich LL]
Procedural note: Vote for or against
Option B:
Our aims should also spell out our vision of socialism:
Opposition to capitalism, imperialism, racism, militarism and the ecological degradation of the planet through the ruinous cycle of production for the sake of production.
We envisage a democratically planned economy and moving towards a stateless, classless, moneyless society that embodies the principle “From each according to their abilities, to each according to their needs”.
Commitment to achieving a democratic republic. The standing army, the monarchy, the House of Lords and the state sponsorship of the Church of England must go. We support a single-chamber parliament, proportional representation and annual elections.
We seek to achieve the full democratisation of the Labour Party. All MPs, MEPs and MSPs should be subject to automatic reselection. All elected Labour Party members should be expected to take no more than the average skilled worker’s wage. The Parliamentary Labour Party should be subordinated to the National Executive Committee.
We seek the replacement of Labour’s existing clause four with a commitment to socialism as the rule of the working class.
We support Labour as the federal party of the working class. All trade unions, cooperatives, socialist societies and leftwing groups and parties should be brought together in the Labour Party.
We shall work with others internationally in pursuit of the aim of replacing capitalism with working class rule and socialism. [London LLA]
Procedural note: Vote for or against
2) Structures
2.1 Common ground:
We encourage all those not already involved in local Labour Left groups to become active in one or help set one up. Our aim is to organise every single supporter in an active local or regional Labour Left group.
We welcome, on all levels of the organisation, those who have been unfairly or unjustly suspended or expelled from the Labour Party.
Individual supporters are requested to pay a minimum subscription to help secure the funding of LLA. Affiliation fees for individuals and groups to be set by the organising group.
Decisions on all levels are made by consensus where possible and by simple majority where necessary (not counting abstentions). Decisions should be reached as quickly as possible, allowing the discussion to be as thorough as possible.
LLA branches and affiliated groups are encouraged to communicate and form any collaborative ventures they wish.
We welcome national, regional and local groups, unions and individuals to become signatories of our appeal.
2.2 Difference: Political orientation/eligibility
Option A:
We want to organise within and also beyond the Labour Party to establish a broad-based socialist movement. [Merseyside LL]
Option B:
We expect all individual LLA supporters to be members of the Labour Party, and organisations to be politically oriented towards the Labour Party and actively engage with it. Other political parties and their members/supporters are not eligible to become signatories to the LLA. [LAW/SLL, Tees Valley LL, London LLA]
Option C:
LLA shall
be a broad left organisation composed of the those groups and individuals who
subscribe to its principles and who are:
a. Bona-fide Constituency Left Labour Party / Momentum groups
b. Labour Party branches or Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs)
c. Broad Left Labour Party organisations
d. Trade unions
e. Labour Party organisations representing special interests or particular groups of members, (eg BAME, Women’s groups, etc)
f. Individual Labour Party members [Dulwich]
Procedural note: They will be taken against each other as they are incompatible, with an additional option of ‘Neither’.
3) Organising group and steering group
3.1 Common ground:
The organising group meets at least quarterly. Meetings should be scheduled well in advance (at least one month). It publishes agendas, minutes, reports and financial overviews and may set up working groups. It discusses all motions and requests made by at least 10 LLA signatories.
The organising group comprises officers who are accountable to the OG. As a minimum, the following officers shall work together as a steering group:
- Secretary
- Chair
- national organizer
- treasurer
- social media and website coordinator.
Additional officers that may be included as the organisation grows, to be determined by the OG:
- Vice-Chair (or two co-chairs)
- Assistant Secretary
- Campaigns Officer
- Trade Union Organiser
- Membership and Affiliations secretary
- Media and Communications Officer
- Information Officer
- Campaigns Officer
- National Organiser
Where an officer position cannot be filled, the OG may co-opt a supporter of the LLA to the steering group – they will have speaking, but no voting rights.
The steering group produces regular minutes and work reports for the OG.
If there is a serious disagreement on the SG, the issue should be brought to the OG to be resolved.
The SG is in ‘permanent session’ and will discuss motions or proposals that have been submitted by any affiliate or a suitable number of individual supporters. Should the movers disagree with the decision by the SC, they can submit their proposals to the Organising Group, which will have to discuss it at the earliest opportunity.
3.2 Difference: How is the leadership elected?
Option A [London LL]
- An Organising Group is elected at Conference
- Conference decides on the size and functions of the OG
- The OG elects its own officers
Option B [Sheffield LL]
- The Organising Group is made up of representatives from all the affiliated groups
- The affiliated groups can change their representative/s at any time
- The OG elects annually a Steering Committee of a size of its own determination
Option C [Dulwich LL]
- The Organising Group is made up of representatives from all the affiliated groups of over 10 members
- The OG elects an Officers Group with a maximum of 15 members
- The Officers Group will establish an executive body to oversee conduct and compliance with the constitution
Option D [Tees Valley LL]
- A Steering Committee is elected annually by OMOV electronic ballot
- There shall be a non-executive Constitutional Committee to provide effective oversight to ensure compliance throughout the organization with the LLA Aims and Constitution
- The Constitutional Committee shall comprise one representative from each region (elected by OMOV in that region) and one representative directly appointed by each of the national affiliates
Option E [Brighton LLA]
- The OG shall consist of 8 people elected at conference and one delegate from each affiliated organisation or branch consisting of 10 or more people.
- Conference should elect a Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer who can be recalled by a 2/3 majority of the Organising Group, which will then elect a replacement until the following AGM.
Procedural note 1: They will be taken against each other as they are incompatible, with an additional option of ‘Neither’.
Procedural note 2: If Option A or E is agreed:
Option 1: Immediate elections shall take place as per the CAC preparations.
Option 2: Call another conference in 6 months time to elect the OG and hear any amendments to the new constitution.
Option 3: Continue with the current OG until the next annual conference.
4) Conference and its composition
4.1 Common ground:
Conference takes place at least annually. A special conference will be held at the request a number individual supporters or affiliated groups or branches (to be decided by the OG).
Conference decides on political strategy, campaigning priorities, structures and the constitution.
The OG decides on a method to allow the full participation of individual members who cannot attend meetings of any affiliated groups.
The OG establishes a Conference Arrangements Committee for the purposes of deciding speakers and the agenda and publishes detailed guidelines and timetables for motions and amendments.
Amendment from Alan Pearson et al:
Add:
“The Conference Arrangements Committee (CAC) shall comply with the following requirements:
- CAC may facilitate in the compositing of motions by stakeholders but not submit motions of its own accord
- Stakeholders are defined as representatives from the local groups or affiliates that have submitted the motions to be composited
- Stakeholders must agree the final wording of the composite and shall agree a mover and a seconder who will speak to conference during the relevant debate
- If the stakeholders cannot reach agreement then Conference hears all the individual motions
- If a limited number of stakeholders agree a composite then Conference hears that composite plus the remaining individual motions
- CAC may submit procedural motions to facilitate the effective functioning of Conference subject to approval by the Organising Group
- Members of the CAC are ex-officio at Conference without voting rights unless they are delegates from a local group or affiliate”
Procedural note: Vote for or against
4.2 Difference: How are delegate numbers determined
Option A:
The OG decides on a number or ratio of delegates from affiliated organisations.
[LAW/SLL, Tees Valley LL, London LLA]
Option B:
Group/organisation delegate numbers are determined as follows:
- between 10 and 100 members – two delegates
- between 100 and 500 members – three delegates
- between 500 and 2000 members – four delegates
- over 2000 members – five delegates
- Unions may affiliate at branch, regional or national level, but they may not have delegates from branches within regions where their Region itself is affiliated. Affiliated trade union national offices are entitled to one delegate. [Dulwich LL]
Procedural note: They will be taken against each other as they are incompatible, with an additional option of ‘Neither’.
4.3 Difference: Voting at LLA conference
Option A: [Dulwich]
Motions must be passed by both
– a majority of individual members and
– a majority of affiliated groups
Where a motion fails to obtain majority support by both a. and b. above, but achieves a majority of one of them, then the motion will be referred to the Organising Group.
Option B: [London, Sheffield, Tees Valley]
All decisions are made by a simple majority of those voting.
Procedural note: They will be taken against each other as they are incompatible.
A) Labour against the Witchhunt & Sheffield Labour Left
-> please send comments and proposed changes to info@labouragainstthewitchhunt.org (last update: January 31 2020). PDF version available here, Word file here.
Labour Left Alliance – our rules
- Our aims
- Individual supporters
- The Organising Group
- The Steering Committee
- LLA conference
1. Our aims
The Labour Left Alliance was set in July 2019 to bring together groups and individuals on the Labour Left in order to build a democratic, principled and effective alliance that:
- organises democratically and transparently;
- both supports a left leadership against attacks by the right, and is independent and able to criticise our left wing leaders when necessary;
- opposes racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and all other forms of discrimination and is consistently internationalist, a stance which by definition includes support for the democratic and national rights of the Palestinians;
- opposes attempts to conflate anti-Zionism with antisemitism and opposes the witch-hunt against Jeremy Corbyn and the left;
- campaigns to radically transform and democratise the Labour Party and the trade unions;
- campaigns for open selection so that the Parliamentary Labour Party better reflects the views of the vast majority of members;
- supports and encourages struggles now against austerity and all forms of oppression;
- supports the free movement of people.
We believe in the free and open exchange of ideas and viewpoints. But once LLA has agreed a particular action, a campaign, a leaflet etc. we ask that supporters do not sabotage or undermine it.
2. Individual supporters
We expect all LLA supporters to be members of the Labour Party and encourage all those not already involved in local Labour Left groups to become active in one or help set one up. Our aim is to organise every single supporter in an active local or regional Labour Left group. We also welcome, on all levels of the organisation, those who have been suspended or expelled as part of the witch-hunt against the left and Jeremy Corbyn.
Individual supporters are requested to pay a minimum of £10/year to help secure the funding of LLA.
3. The Organising Group
The OG is made up of representatives from all the groups whose affiliation to the LLA has been accepted by the OG. It is up to local and national groups to decide how their representatives are chosen or if and when they should be replaced.
- All national trade unions can appoint up to three representatives once they have paid the affiliation fee of £500/annum.
- Any local or regional trade union or Labour Party body can appoint one representative once they have paid the affiliation fee of £100/annum.
- Every broad left national organisation or organisation representing special interests or particular groups of members with over 200 members can appoint up to two representatives once it has paid the affiliation fee of £200/annum.
- Every broad left national organisation or organisation representing special interests or groups of members with under 200 members can appoint one representative once it has paid the affiliation fee of £100/annum.
- Every bona fide local group (including Momentum groups) with a minimum of 10 signed up LLA supporters can appoint one representative once it has paid the affiliation fee of £20/annum.
All representatives on the Organising Group have to be signed up supporters of the Labour Left Alliance.
Groups/organisations/trade unions that are affiliated nationally may also affiliate their regional or local branches, but these cannot send representatives to the OG to avoid duplication and overrepresentation.
The OG should meet at least quarterly, in a face-to-face or an online meeting. It can also make decisions via email or other agreed communication channels by a simple majority of those voting within a given timeframe. It produces regular minutes/reports to LLA supporters. If possible, meetings should be scheduled well in advance (at least one month).
All decisions at all levels are made by a simple majority of those voting (excluding abstentions).
The OG can set up working groups and sub-committees on any particular
subject. These work closely with the relevant officer on the SC.
4. The Steering Committee
The Organising Group, at its first meeting after conference and then annually, elects a Steering Committee of the size of its own determination and in order to fill at least the following positions, which have the following responsibilities:
- Secretary and assistant secretary: Overseeing the implementation of decisions made by SC and OG; drafting email bulletins and other communications with members; compiling and distributing minutes; assisting the OG in organising its meetings etc.
- Chair: Prepares agendas and chairs meetings of the SC and, on agreement of the OG, meetings of the OG; assists the secretary with overseeing the implementation of all decisions of the SC and OG, etc
- National organiser: Main contact for affiliated local and national groups; helps to set up and run new local Labour Left groups etc.
- Campaigns officer: Pulling together, sharing and publicising local experiences, motions and campaigns; seeing through any LLA campaigns agreed by the SC/OG.
- Treasurer: self-explanatory.
- Social media coordinator: Overseeing the social media team; making sure there is a steady flow of content produced for public FB page and Twitter etc.
- Trade union organiser: Organising LLA supporters in different unions; works to get local, regional and national unions affiliated to the LLA etc.
The OG can elect and recall members of the SC at anytime and by a simple majority. Where a position cannot be filled, the OG can co-opt somebody from outside the OG.
The SC is in ‘permanent session’ and makes decisions via face-to-face meetings, or any other agreed ways of communication. All decisions are made by a simple majority of those voting within a given timeframe (ideally, between 24 and 72 hours).
The SC produces regular minutes and work reports for the OG. These should be produced at least monthly, but more regular at peak times.
If there is a serious disagreement on the SC, the issue should be brought to the OG to be resolved.
The SC will discuss any motions or proposals that have been submitted by affiliated, bona fide national or local groups and any motions or proposals submitted by a minimum of 25 individual members. This includes motions and proposals on national campaigns and policy. The movers of those proposals will be informed in writing of the outcome of the discussion. Should the movers disagree with the way forward/the decision by the SC, they can submit their proposals to the Organising Group, which will have to discuss it at the earliest opportunity.
Proposals to change or amend the constitution should be directed to the OG, which will decide if the matter can be decided by the OG or if a special conference should be called.
The SC is accountable to the OG, which can overturn decisions made by the SC at anytime.
5. LLA conference
LLA conference meets at least once a year, but the OG or a petition by 10% of individual supporters, can call a special conference at anytime and on any subject.
Conference makes decisions on:
- political strategy
- campaigning priorities
- structures and constitution
The OG establishes a Conference Arrangements Committee for the purposes of deciding speakers and the agenda and to determine whether motions are within the remit of LLA etc.
The OG decides on the ratio for the election of delegates. It will allocate all members to a particular area where a democratic meeting will be held for the purpose of electing conference delegates and deciding on motions and amendments.
All affiliated local or national groups or any 10 LLA members can submit one motion and one amendment on each separate conference heading.
B) London Labour Left Alliance
-> as PDF document here, as Word document here.
1. Our aims and principles
1.1. The Labour Left Alliance brings together organisations, groups and individuals with a view to pursuing these aims.
1.2. Opposition to capitalism, imperialism, racism, militarism and the ecological degradation of the planet through the ruinous cycle of production for the sake of production or profit.
1.3. The replacement of Labour’s existing clause four with a commitment to socialism as the rule of the working class. We envisage a democratically planned economy and moving towards a stateless, classless, moneyless society that embodies the principle, “From each according to their abilities, to each according to their needs”. Alone such benign conditions create the possibility of every individual fully realising their innate potentialities.
1.4. Towards that end Labour should commit itself to achieving a democratic republic. The standing army, the monarchy, the House of Lords and the state sponsorship of the Church of England must go. We support a single-chamber parliament, proportional representation and annual elections. Labour needs to win the active backing of the majority of people and should seek to form a government only on this basis.
1.5. We seek to achieve the full democratisation of the Labour Party. All MPs, MEPs and MSPs should be subject to automatic reselection. All elected Labour Party members should be expected to take no more than the average skilled worker’s wage. The Parliamentary Labour Party should be subordinated to the National Executive Committee.
1.6. We support Labour as the federal party of the working class. All trade unions, cooperatives, socialist societies and leftwing groups and parties should be brought together in the Labour Party. Unity brings strength.
1.7. We shall work with others internationally in pursuit of the aim of replacing capitalism with working class rule and socialism.
2. Structure
2.1. The Labour Left Alliance is a membership organisation. Members are required to accept our political aims and principles and pay an annual fee (to be set by the Organising Group).
2.2. We believe in the free and open exchange of ideas and viewpoints. But, once the LLA has agreed a particular action, we seek to achieve the maximum unity. That cannot be imposed – it has to be won.
2.3. We expect all LLA members to be in the Labour Party and encourage all those not already involved in local Labour Left groups to become active in one or help set one up. Our aim is to organise all members in local and regional LLA groups and branches. We also welcome, on all levels of the organisation, those who have been suspended or expelled as part of the witch-hunt against the left.
2.4. LLA conference meets at least once a year. Conference will consist of either individual members or delegates (at a ratio to be decided by the Organising Group). Conference debates aims and principles, agrees political strategy, votes on motions and elects a leadership.
2.5. If 30% of affiliated groups and branches or 30% of individual members so wish, there will be a special conference.
2.6. Affiliated groups, LLA branches or any 10 LLA members can submit one motion and one amendment to conference.
3. Organising Group
3.1. The OG functions as the leadership of the LLA. The OG is elected at conference. Conference decides on the size and functions of the OG.
3.2 The OG elects its own officers on the basis of immediate recallability. The OG can coopt members, given particular needs. While coopted members shall have speaking rights, they will have no voting rights.
3.3. The OG should meet at least quarterly, in a face-to-face or an online meeting. It can also make decisions via email or other agreed communication channels by a simple majority of those voting within a given timeframe. It produces regular minutes/reports to LLA supporters. If possible, meetings should be scheduled well in advance (at least one month).
3.4. The OG decides on the level of affiliation fees for groups and organisations and needs to approve all requests for affiliation.
3.5. All decisions at all levels are made by a simple majority of those voting (excluding abstentions).
3.6. The OG can set up working groups and sub-committees on any particular subject.
Amendments
1) From London LLA and Stan Keable et al:
In point 1.2. remove the words “or profit”.
Procedural note: Vote for or against
2) From Swansea and West Wales LLA:
Delete point 2.3 and replace with:
“We encourage LLA members to be in the Labour Party so long as that member does not actively campaign, electorally, for a vote against the Labour Party. We encourage all those not already involved in local Labour Left groups to become active in one or help set one up. Our aim is to enable all members in local and regional LLA groups, branches and affiliated bodies.”
Procedural note: Vote for or against
C) Tees Labour Left Alliance
You can download the motion in PDF Format here and read the background notes motivating the constitution here.
- Our aims
- Individual supporters and basic structure
- The Steering Committee
- The Constitutional Committee
- LLA conference
- Disputes
- Our aims
The Labour Left Alliance was set up in July 2019 to bring together groups and individuals on the Labour Left in order to build a democratic, principled and effective alliance that:
- Is organised democratically and transparently
- Supports a socialist Labour Party leader against attacks by the right, but is independent and able to criticise the leadership when necessary
- Opposes all forms of racism and discrimination including antisemitism and Islamophobia and is consistently internationalist
- Opposes attempts to conflate anti-Zionism with antisemitism
- Campaigns to radically transform and democratise the Labour Party and the trade unions
- Campaigns for Open Selection in the Labour Party
- Supports and encourages struggles against austerity and all forms of oppression
We believe in the free and open exchange of ideas and viewpoints. We do not have ‘party lines’. But once LLA has agreed a particular action, a campaign, a leaflet etc. we ask that supporters do not sabotage or undermine it.
- Individual supporters and basic
structure
- We expect all LLA supporters to be members of the Labour Party and encourage all those not already involved in local Labour Left groups to become active in one or help set one up. Our aim is to organise every single supporter in an active local or regional Labour Left group. We also welcome, on all levels of the organisation, those who have been unfairly suspended or expelled from the Labour Party or unfairly refused admittance.
- Individual supporters are requested to pay a minimum of £10/year to help secure the funding of the LLA.
- Members of other socialist political parties are not eligible for membership of LLA although along with non-members individuals are able by invitation to attend public meetings, joint campaigns or events.
- New members sign up to the national LLA Appeal with applications being approved by the local Labour Left Branch. The local branch may also submit to the LLA Steering Committee recommendations for the revocation of membership
- Local branches shall be based on constituency boundaries or groups of constituencies as the basic unit of LLA.
- There shall be cooperation between branches where other boundaries, of local authorities for instance, overlap the constituencies
- Each local Labour Left Branch shall hold an Annual General Meeting to elect as a minimum its Chair, Secretary and Treasurer along with other officer posts as it deems necessary to ensure effective local operation and liaison with the LLA Steering Committee
- Branches shall be able to communicate directly with their members and supporters without central control.
- Branches shall be able to form collaborative ventures with other LLA groups, regional or functional
- Existing local left groups (for example Momentum, Labour Representation Committee) with a minimum of 10 signed up LLA supporters may affiliate as branches to the LLA with an affiliation fee of £20/annum. There shall be discussion with the LLA Steering Committee as to how local individual signatories to the LLA Appeal may participate in the existing local left group
- LLA members may form equality groups with individual constitutions as agreed with the Constitutional Committee:
- Women
- LGBT
- BAME
- Disabled
- Youth
- Trade Unions may affiliate to the LLA at national level with the agreement of the Constitutional Committee and with an affiliation fee of £500/annum.
- Other national broad left groups with over 200 members may affiliate to the LLA at national level with the agreement of the Constitutional Committee and with an affiliation fee of £200/annum
- All decisions at all levels are made by a simple majority of those voting (excluding abstentions)
- The Steering Committee
The management of the Labour Left Alliance shall be in the hands of a national Steering Committee
- All
members of the Steering Committee have to be signed up supporters of the Labour
Left Alliance
- There shall be11 members of the Steering Committee plus the following officers (gender balanced):
- Chair
- Vice-Chair
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Members and officers of the Steering Committee shall be elected on an bi-annual basis by the membership of LLA by OMOV electronic ballot
- Nominations onto the ballot are made by the following:
- each of the English Regions plus Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, International
- each of the Equality Groups
- each of the national
affiliates
- All of the regions, groups and affiliates above are able to make 1 nomination for each of the officer positions and 2 nominations for the other 11 member places
- Each LLA Branch is able to select candidates as regional nominees on the basis of 1 candidate for each of the officer positions and 2 candidates, gender balanced, for the other 11 member places. Regional nominees shall be selected by OMOV in that region.
- Selection of nominees by Equality Groups and Affiliates will be by their own processes as agreed with the LLA Constitutional Committee
- The Steering Committee shall implement a process for the selection of nominees to the NEC and other bodies that is transparent and democratic.
- The Steering Committee may elect from its own members or (with the approval of the Constitutional Committee) from the LLA membership the following additional officer positions
- Assistant Secretary
- National Organiser
- Campaigns Officer
- Social Media Coordinator
- Trade Union Organiser
- The functions of the Steering Committee shall be as follows:
- Membership and financial administration
- Internal communications including regular bulletins and podcasts
- External communications including national policy statements and media contact when required
- Campaign organisation
- Sharing of best practice in terms of local experiences, motions and campaigns
- Provision of a main contact for affiliated local and national groups
- Assistance with the establishment and operation of new local Labour Left groups
- Overseeing a social media team, managing LLA internal forums and making sure there is a steady flow of content produced for a public FB page and Twitter, etc
- Organising LLA supporters in different unions and working to get national unions affiliated to the LLA
- The Steering Committee is in ‘permanent session’ and makes decisions via face-to-face meetings, or any other agreed ways of communication. All decisions are made by a simple majority of those voting within a given timeframe (ideally, between 24 and 72 hours).
- The LLA Steering Committee shall operate on the basis of transparency, publishing:
- agendas, minutes, treasurer reports and voting records
- its internal procedures
- a structure of the national organisation, including national organisers and administrative roles
- The LLA Steering Committee is able to form working groups whose proceedings are equally transparent
- The Steering Committee will discuss any motions or proposals that have been submitted by affiliated, bona fide national or local groups and any motions or proposals submitted by a minimum of 25 individual members. This includes motions and proposals on national campaigns and policy.
- The Constitutional Committee
The Constitutional Committee provides effective oversight to ensure compliance throughout the organisation with the LLA aims and constitution
- Members of the Constitutional Committee shall be elected on a bi-annual basis by each of the following (one representative each):
- the English Regions plus Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, International
- the Equality Groups
- the national affiliates
- Each local Labour Left Branch is able to nominate one Regional candidate. Regional nominees will then be selected by OMOV in that region.
- Election of representatives by Equality Groups and Affiliates will be by their own processes as agreed with the LLA Constitutional Committee
- All representatives on the Constitutional Committee have to be signed up supporters of the Labour Left Alliance
- The Constitutional Committee should meet at least quarterly, in a face-to-face or an online meeting. It can also make decisions via email or other agreed communication channels by a simple majority of those voting within a given timeframe. It produces regular minutes/reports to LLA supporters. If possible, meetings should be scheduled well in advance (at least one month).
- LLA Conference
LLA Conference meets at least once a year, but the Constitutional Committee or a petition by 10% of individual supporters, can call a special conference at any time and on any subject.
Conference makes decisions on:
i) Recruitment, organising and social media.
ii) Our aims and purpose: Political strategy, campaigning priorities.
iii) Our structures and constitution
The Steering Committee establishes a Conference Arrangements Committee for the purposes of deciding speakers and the agenda and to determine whether motions are within the remit of LLA etc.
The Steering Committee decides on the ratio for the election of delegates. It will allocate all members to a particular area where a democratic meeting will be held for the purpose of electing conference delegates and deciding on motions and amendments.
All affiliated local or national groups or any 10 LLA members can submit one motion and one amendment on each separate conference heading (but every person can only sign one motion/amendment).
Between conferences:
- Local Labour Left branches / Equality Groups / Affiliates and groups of a minimum of 25 individual members are able to submit motions on each of the 3 categories listed above.
- Motions on political strategy and campaigning priorities should be submitted to the Steering Committee
- Motions on constitutional amendments should be submitted to the Constitutional Committee subject to a limit of one such motion per year from each branch, group and affiliate
- Dependent on the nature of the motion and its potential impact the Steering Committee may make its own decision as to whether to approve it OR consult with the wider membership OR refer it to the Constitutional Committee
- Where the motion is a constitutional amendment the Constitutional Committee will decide whether to refer it to the Steering Committee OR consult with the wider membership OR call a special conference
- Again dependent on the nature of the motion and its potential impact there may be various means of wider consultation, from simply inviting comments, to on-line polls and up to full membership debate including amendments to the motion.
- The Steering Committee will be responsible for the establishment and operation of on-line consultation processes with members that are effective in consulting a broad base without holding back change
- Where, short of a Special Conference, a full debate is required including amendments motions should approved or not by the votes of each LLA branch weighted according to membership numbers.
- In all cases the movers of the proposals will be informed in writing of the outcome of the discussion.
- Disputes
The Steering Committee is responsible for the resolution of disputes relating to complaints, membership, motions, procedures, elections and ballots
The Constitutional Committee is responsible for the resolution of appeals relating to
- Steering Committee decisions
- Serious disagreement within the Steering Committee
The Constitutional Committee has the authority to overturn on appeal decisions by the Steering Committee and its decision on all disputes is final.
D) Dulwich Labour Left
download PDF here and Word file here
LABOUR LEFT ALLIANCE (LLA)
STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES
The Labour Left Alliance was set in July 2019 to bring together groups and individuals on the Labour Left in order to build a democratic, principled and effective alliance that:
• organises democratically and transparently
• believes in the free and open exchange of ideas and viewpoints
• is committed to the transformation of society to serve the interests of the many not the few across the NHS, mental health, housing, education, social care and essential services
• supports and encourages struggles now against austerity and all forms of oppression
• both supports the Labour leadership against attacks by the right, and is independent and able to criticise the Labour leadership when appropriate
• opposes racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia and all other forms of discrimination and oppression; and is consistently internationalist, a stance which by definition includes support for the democratic and national rights of the Palestinian people
• opposes attempts to conflate anti-Zionism and criticism of Israel with antisemitism and opposes all witch hunts against the left
• does not exclude those who have been unjustly suspended or expelled from the Labour Party
• campaigns to radically transform and democratise the Labour Movement
• campaigns for a disciplinary process in the Labour Party which is wholly based on natural justice and due process
• campaigns for the implementation of mandatory re-selection so that the Parliamentary Labour Party better reflects the views of the vast majority of members
• supports the free movement of people
OBJECTIVES
• to focus the mass grassroots movement of the Labour Party on wholehearted support for socialist transformative, and anti-austerity policies of the Party
• to organise every supporter to be active in local or regional Labour Left/Momentum group
• to encourage all those not already involved in local Labour Left groups to become active in one or help set one up
• to work closely and coordinate with the trade union movement at its branch, regional and national levels
• to form alliances with similar broad left Labour Party grassroots groups (e.g. Labour Representation Committee, Jewish Voice for Labour, etc) to build a national grass roots organisation
• to engage in and coordinate practical action at community, constituency and local government levels to fight austerity and to implement the transformative policies in the 2017 and 2019 Labour Party manifestos
• to work alongside other campaigns and community groups outside the Labour Party whose principles and actions we share
ORGANISATIONAL PRINCIPLES AND STRUCTURE
1.0
LLA shall be a broad left organisation composed of the those groups and individuals who subscribe to its principles:
a. Bona-fide Constituency Left Labour Party / Momentum groups
b. Labour Party branches
OR
Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs)
c. Broad Left Labour Party organisations
d. Trade unions
e. Labour Party organisations representing special interests or particular groups of members
f. Individual Labour Party members
1.1
LLA will be based on democratic principles, and on the principles of equality with respect to race, gender, gender identity, ethnicity and differential ability.
1.2
All voting members, whether delegates from paid up affiliated groups or individuals as (f) above, must be individual members of LLA.
1.3
Proxy voting is not permitted.
2.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
The AGM will determine principle policy, in line with the statement of principles.
2.1
The AGM to be composed of:
i. Voting delegates from affiliated bona-fide Labour Left/Momentum constituency groups,
ii Voting delegates from affiliated Labour Party Branches
OR
Voting delegates from affiliated CLPs
iii. Voting delegates from affiliated trade unions,
iv. Voting delegates from affiliated broad left organisations,
v. Voting members from Labour Party organisations representing special interests or particular groups of members
vi. Individual LLA members (as 1.0.f above), one member, one vote.
2.2
Labour Left/Momentum groups must have 10 or more signed-up members to qualify to send delagete(s) to the AGM
2.3
Groups/organisation’s to be represented as follows, those with:
i. between 10 and 100 members are entitled to TWO delegate vote
ii. between 100 and 500 members are entitled to THREE delegate votes
iii. between 500 and 2000 members are entitled to FOUR delegate votes
iv. over 2000 members are entitled to FIVE delegate votes
2.4
Unions may affiliate at branch, regional or national level, but they may not have delegates from branches within regions where their Region itself is affiliated.
Affiliated trade union national offices are entitled to ONE delegate.
2.5
Motions to Conference may be submitted by any of the above bodies having at leats TEN members and having been duly proposed, seconded and adopted by these bodies.
2.6
Motions must be submitted three weeks before Conference date and circulated to all constituent groups at least two weeks before Conference.
2.7
Amendments may be submitted up to 24 hours before the Conference date.
2.8
Emergency motions and amendments may be submitted during Conference at the discretion of the Chair or a vote of the Conference
2.9
i. Motions must be passed by both
a. a majority of individual members
and
b. a majority of affiliated groups
ii. Where a motion fails to obtain majority support by both a. and b. above, but achieves a majority of one of them, then the motion will be referred to the Organising Group.
2.10
The AGM may change the LLA Constitution.
Motions to change the constitution must be passed by both
a. a majority of individual members
and
b. a majority of the delegate votes of affiliated groups
2.11
A Conference Organising Committee (COC) shall be set up by the OG to oversee the organisation of Conference, validation of delegates, and to carry out any desirable compositing of motions
2.12
AGM meetings shall be minuted, the minutes distributed/made available to all members/affiliates. These minutes shall be approved, and amended where appropriate, by the first meeting of the OG following the AGM.
3.0
THE ORGANISING GROUP (OG)
An OG to be established composed of representatives of:
i. Voting delegates from affiliated bona-fide Labour Left/Momentum constituency groups,
ii. Voting delegates from Labour Party Branches
OR
Voting delegates from their CLPs
iii. Voting delegates from affiliated trade unions,
iv. Voting delegates from affiliated broad left organisations,
v. Voting members from Labour Party organisations representing special interests or particular groups of members
3.1
The role of the OG is to interpret and implement policy,
3.2
The OG to meet quarterly
3.2
Groups/organisations with:
i. up to 1000 members are entitled to ONE delegate
ii. over 1000 members are entitled to THREE delegates
3.3
Decisions of the OG will normally be arrived at by consensus.
Where opinion is strongly divided a decision will be taken by a show of hands.
3.4
Unions are entitled to send representatives from branch, regional or national level, but they may not have representatives from branches within regions where their region itself is represented. Trade union national offices are entitled to ONE representative.
3.5
Motions to the OG may be submitted by any of the above affiliated bodies having been duly proposed, seconded and adopted by these bodies.
3.6
Motions must be submitted two weeks before the OG meeting date and circulated to all constituent groups at least one week before the meeting.
3.7
Amendments may be submitted up to 24 hours before the OG meeting date.
3.8
Emergency motions and amendments may be submitted during the OG meeting at the discretion of the Chair.
3.9
OG meetings shall be minuted, the minutes distributed/made available to all OG members. The minutes shall be approved, and amended where appropriate, at the next OG meeting.
3.10
The OG will determine an attendance figure for its meetings to be quorate.
4.0
THE OFFICERS GROUP
The OG is to elect from its membership officers to carry out the day to day functions of LLA, these officers to be:
Chair
Vice Chair (or two Co-Chairs)
Secretary
Treasurer
Membership and Affiliations secretary
Media and Communications Officer
Website Manager
Social Media Officer
Information Officer
Campaigns Officer
National Organiser
4.1
The Officers Group may add Officer posts as it sees fit, to be agreed at the next OG. Once agreed by the OG new officers will have voting rights.
4.2
The Officers Group my co-opt members for specific purposes, to act as advisors or to assist in specific pieces of work. Co-opted members may attend and contribute to the Officers group, but will not have a vote.
4.3
The Officers Group shall not exceed 15 members.
5.0
CONDUCT & COMPLIANCE
5.1
The Officers Group is tasked with establishing an executive body to oversee conduct and compliance with LLA principles and constitution, and to establish a disciplinary procedure which is completely based on the principles of natural justice and due process.
5.2
Application of the membership rules in the case of people who have been suspended or expelled from the Labour Party as part of the witch-hunt against the left shall be the responsibility of the Officers Group.
5.3
The Organising Group may recall any member of the Officers Group by a specially convened meeting of the OG, of which there shall be two months notice. Recall shall be based on violation of LLA Principles, failure to fulfil responsibilities, or a significant breakdown in trust. This process can be initiated by any two of the of affiliated bodies of the OG provided they are not from the same category.
(the categories being those in 3. i. – v. above).
Proposed: Glyn Secker, Dulwich & West Norwood
Seconded: Jessica Pigg, Dulwich & West Norwood
E) Merseyside Labour Left Alliance
Download as Word file here and PDF file here
Merseyside LLA calls upon the national LLA to organize within and beyond the Labour Party. We now need as broad –based a socialist movement as possible, which will include those within the Labour Party willing to put up a fight, and focus towards the wider anti-austerity movement and the myriad battles against Tory policies and their repercussions.