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Rule Book 2023 FINAL Web v3
Rule Book 2023 FINAL Web v3
20
23
CONTENTS
Clause V. Selection of Candidates for devolved
institutions 35
Chapter 6 Disciplinary rules 37
Chapter 1 Constitutional rules 1
Clause I. National action by the Party 37
Clause I. Name and objects 1
Clause II. Action by CLPs 39
Clause II. Party structure and affiliated
organisations 1 Chapter 7 Rules for CLPs 42
Glossary 147
Chapter 1
established as appropriate with the approval of
the NEC.
2. Its purpose is to organise and maintain in E. Members on local authorities shall be organised
Parliament and in the country a political Labour locally in Labour groups and nationally in the
Party Association of Labour Councillors (ALC). The
ALC, together with elected mayors and Police
3. The Party shall bring together members and
and Crime Commissioners, shall enjoy rights in
supporters who share its values to develop
respect of:
policies, make communities stronger through
collective action and support, and promote the i. Annual Conference
election of Labour Party representatives at all
ii. Regional, Welsh and Scottish Conferences
levels of the democratic process.
iii. Leadership elections
4. The Party shall give effect, as far as may be
practicable, to the principles from time to time F. All individual members of the Party aged
approved by Party conference. between 14 and 26 years inclusive shall be
members of Young Labour and may establish
local Young Labour branches throughout
Clause II.
England, Scotland and Wales. Young Labour
Party structure and affiliated shall enjoy rights in respect of:
organisations i. Annual Conference
1. There shall be a National Executive Committee of
ii. Regional, Welsh and Scottish Conferences
the Party (the ‘NEC’) which shall, subject to the
control and directions of Party conference, be the iii. Nominations for Leadership elections
administrative authority of the Party.
G. Student members of the Party shall be
2. The Party shall be organised on the following organised nationally as Labour Students
basis: H. A National Trade Union and Labour Party
A. Where the NEC so determines there shall be Liaison Organisation shall be established to
established in any Westminster parliamentary involve affiliated unions in Party organisation,
constituency, Welsh Parliament constituency, or which shall include a National Trade Union and
Scottish Parliamentary constituency a unit of Labour Party Liaison Committee and Regional
the Party, to be known as a ‘Constituency Liaison Committees in Scotland, Wales and each
Labour Party’ or ‘CLP’. Any Westminster of the English regions
parliamentary constituencies, Welsh Parliament
I. Labour Party Properties Limited and Labour
constituencies, or Scottish Parliamentary Party Nominees Limited shall be maintained as
constituencies may be arranged as ‘Multiple- companies holding Party assets, either outright
constituency CLPs’ with the approval of the
or on trust for the benefit of the Party.
NEC.
3. Organisations may, subject to the decision of the
B. Where practicable within each CLP, members NEC, which shall be final and binding, affiliate to
shall be organised in branches, the number and
the Party if they fall within the following
area covered by such branches to be agreed by categories:
the CLP and the NEC
A. trade unions affiliated to the Trades Union
C. A Women’s Branch may be established in each
Congress or are considered by the NEC to be
CLP, consisting of all individual women bona fide trade unions
members within that CLP. A BAME Branch may
be established consisting of all individual Black, B. co-operative societies
Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) individual C. socialist societies
members within that CLP. Other forums may be
Chapter 1
Constitutional rules Page 1
D. other organisations which, in the opinion of the iii. All affiliation fees shall be paid not later than
NEC, have interests consistent with those of the 31 December of the relevant year.
Party.
C. Affiliation fees and the allocation thereof may
4. Each affiliated organisation must: be varied by Party conference and sub-clauses
6.A.i to 6.B.iii above modified accordingly.
A. accept the programme, policy and principles of
the Party 7. Membership fees and insurance
B. agree to conform to the constitution and A. Membership fees for each individual member
standing orders of the Party shall be collected by, or on behalf of, the Party’s
Head Office and shall be divided between Head
C. submit its political rules to the NEC.
Office, the relevant regional office, or Scottish/
5. Other organisations Welsh office as the case may be, and the
relevant CLP, as laid down in the membership
A. Political organisations not affiliated or
rules.
associated under a national agreement with the
Party, having their own programme, principles B. The NEC shall arrange on behalf of all CLPs an
and policy, or distinctive and separate insurance scheme to cover a by-election
propaganda, or possessing branches in the premium, public liability, and such other legal
constituencies, or engaged in the promotion of risks as the NEC considers appropriate. The
parliamentary or local government candidates, estimated cost of such insurance for the
or having allegiance to any political organisation following year shall be advised to the annual
situated abroad, shall be ineligible for affiliation session of Party conference and each CLP shall
to the Party. be notified of its share of the cost which must
be paid by 15 April of the following year;
B. The panel of the NEC responsible for assessing
wherever possible this shall be deducted from a
applications from socialist societies to affiliate
CLP’s share of membership subscriptions
to the Party shall have regard to procedural
during the first quarter of each year.
guidelines determined by the NEC, which are
available from the Governance and Legal Unit. 8. There shall be a Women’s representative
structure, including a national Women’s
6. Affiliations Fees
Committee and a national Women’s Conference.
A. Trade Unions Which shall operate on procedural guidelines
issued by the NEC
i. Each affiliated trade union shall pay an
affiliation fee per member of £3.00. 9. There shall be a BAME Members’ representative
structure which shall operate on procedural
ii. After consultation with affiliated
guidelines issued by the NEC.
organisations, the NEC will determine
affiliation fees as and when necessary for 10. There shall be a Disabled Member’s
Annual Conference to approve. representative structure which shall operate on
procedural guidelines issued by the NEC.
iii. Of that affiliation fee, a proportion shall be
allocated to the Party’s national election
fund as provided by clause VIII.3.k of these Clause III.
rules. The Party’s financial scheme
iv. Affiliation fees shall be payable on a 1. The Party shall maintain a financial scheme
quarterly basis on the first days of January, approved by the Electoral Commission and shall
April, July and October each year and must consist of a central organisation with accounting
have been paid in full not later than 31 units
December of the relevant year.
2. The following may, subject to the approval of the
B. Socialist Societies NEC, be registered as accounting units under the
i. Each affiliated socialist society or other Party’s financial scheme:
organisation shall pay an affiliation fee per A. CLPs
member of £1.25.
B. the Scottish Labour Party
ii. Of that affiliation fee, 10p shall be allocated
to the Party’s national election fund as C. Welsh Labour
provided by clause VIII.3.k. of these rules. D. Labour Students
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Constitutional rules Page 2
F. the Trade Union and Labour Party Liaison C. AN OPEN DEMOCRACY, in which government is
Committee and the National and Regional held to account by the people, decisions are
Trade Union Liaison Committees taken as far as practicable by the communities
they affect and where fundamental human
G. the Parliamentary Labour Party (‘PLP’)
rights are guaranteed
H. such other Party units as shall from time to
D. A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT, which we protect,
time be agreed by the NEC to be eligible for
enhance and hold in trust for future
registration.
generations.
3. All accounting units will comply with their legal
3. Labour is committed to the defence and security
obligations under PPERA 2000, including using 1
of the British people and to co-operating in
January to 31 December as the financial year,
European institutions, the United Nations, the
maintaining adequate financial records,
Commonwealth and other international bodies to
identifying and reporting donations and loans,
secure peace, freedom, democracy, economic
producing an annual statement of accounts by
security and environmental protection for all.
the end of the first quarter of the following year
and providing all relevant information as 4. Labour shall work in pursuit of these aims with
requested to the Party. Failure to meet these trade unions and co-operative societies and also
obligations may lead to the NEC taking with voluntary organisations, consumer groups
disciplinary action against individual members, and other representative bodies.
the suspension of the appropriate Party unit or
5. On the basis of these principles, Labour seeks the
both.
trust of the people to govern.
4. The financial year for all units of the Party shall
be 1st January to 31st December. Clause V.
Party programme
Clause IV.
1. At all levels the Party will ensure that members,
Aims and values
elected representatives, affiliated organisations
1. The Labour Party is a democratic socialist Party. It and, where practicable, the wider community are
believes that by the strength of our common able to participate in the process of policy
endeavour we achieve more than we achieve consideration and formulation.
alone, so as to create for each of us the means to
2. Party conference shall decide from time to time
realise our true potential and for all of us a
what specific proposals of legislative, financial or
community in which power, wealth and
administrative reform shall be included in the
opportunity are in the hands of the many not the
Party programme. This shall be based on the
few; where the rights we enjoy reflect the duties
rolling programme of work of the National Policy
we owe and where we live together freely, in a
Forum. No proposal shall be included in the final
spirit of solidarity, tolerance and respect.
Party programme unless it has been adopted by
2. To these ends we work for: the Party conference by a majority of not less
than two-thirds of the votes recorded on a card
A. A DYNAMIC ECONOMY, serving the public
vote.
interest, in which the enterprise of the market
and the rigour of competition are joined with 3. When in Government the NEC, the seven
the forces of partnership and co-operation to backbench members of the Parliamentary
produce the wealth the nation needs and the Committee of the Parliamentary Labour Party
opportunity for all to work and prosper with a (‘PLP’) plus the Chair of the PLP, the Cabinet, the
thriving private sector and high-quality public Leaders of the Scottish and Welsh Labour Parties,
services where those undertakings essential to the Chair and three vice Chairs of the NPF, two
the common good are either owned by the CLP members of the NPF to be elected by CLP
public or accountable to them delegates to the NPF, and eleven Trade Union
members of the National TULO Committee, shall
B. A JUST SOCIETY, which judges its strength by
decide which items from the Party programme
the condition of the weak as much as the
shall be included in the manifesto which shall be
strong, provides security against fear, and
issued by the NEC prior to every general election.
justice at work; which nurtures families,
The joint meeting shall also define the attitude of
promotes equality of opportunity, and delivers
the Party to the principal issues raised by the
people from the tyranny of poverty, prejudice
election which are not covered by the manifesto.
and the abuse of power
Chapter 1
Constitutional rules Page 3
4. When not in Government the NEC, the Shadow to attend on his or her behalf) in order to
Cabinet, the Parliamentary Committee of the promote understanding and co-operation
Parliamentary Labour Party (‘PLP’), the Leaders of between all sections of the Party.
the Scottish and Welsh Labour Parties, and the
v. The Leader shall, as a member of the NEC,
Chair and three vice Chairs of the NPF and eleven
uphold and enforce the constitution, rules
Trade Union members of the National TULO
and standing orders of the Party and ensure
Committee shall decide which items from the
the maintenance and development of an
Party programme shall be included in the
effective political Labour Party in parliament
manifesto that shall be issued by the NEC prior to
and in the country.
every general election. The joint meeting shall
also define the attitude of the Party to the vi. The Leader shall report to Annual
principal issues raised by the election which are Conference on the work and state of the
not covered by the manifesto. Party and its aspirations for the country and
make regular reports to the NEC, National
Clause VI. Policy Forum and other Party bodies
between annual conferences.
Labour Party Conference
vii. The Leader shall in conjunction with the NEC
1. The work of the Party shall be under the direction have overall responsibility for all elections
and control of Party conference, which shall itself and shall appoint a Campaign Co-ordinator
be subject to the constitution and standing and a Campaign Committee to ensure that
orders of the Party. Party conference shall meet all Labour Party election campaigns report
regularly once in every year and also at such to the Leader and receive the support and
other times as it may be convened by the NEC. assistance they need.
2. The rules for the convening and operation of viii. When the Party is in Government, the
Party conference are contained in chapter 3 of Leader shall appoint the Cabinet and all
these rules which may be amended by decision other front bench positions in their capacity
of the NEC, subject to ratification by Party as Prime Minister. When the Party is not in
conference. Party conference and special Government, MPs in the Shadow Cabinet
sessions of Party conference in these rules are shall be appointed by the Party Leader, as
referred to as ‘Party conference’ and these rules shall the Chief Whip. The Party Leader shall
(except where the context otherwise requires) also appoint all other frontbench positions
shall apply thereto. outside the Shadow Cabinet.
Chapter 1
Constitutional rules Page 4
such appropriate officer or designated A. 28 members elected in such proportion and
representative of the Party as she or he shall under such conditions as may be set out in
see fit. Further, the General Secretary shall rules Chapter 3.III below and Chapter 4.III
be deemed always to have had the power so below;
to delegate.
B. the leader and deputy leader of the Party;
D. Party Treasurer
C. the treasurer of the Party;
i. There shall be a treasurer of the Party who
D. three frontbench Members of Parliament, at
shall be elected by Party conference at its
least one of whom must be a woman,
regular annual meeting in accordance with
nominated by the Cabinet (or Shadow Cabinet
the provisions set out in rule Chapter 4 II.5.A
in opposition);
below.
E. one youth member aged under 27 at the date
E. Auditors
of their election who must be a woman at least
i. Two conference delegates shall be elected in every other term, elected under such conditions
accordance with rule Chapter 4 II.6 below to as may be set out in rules Chapter 4.III below;
act as auditors of the Party accounts to be
F. One BAME member elected under such
submitted to the annual session of Party
conditions as may be set out in rules Chapter
conference in the year following that in
4.III below;
which they were elected.
G. One Scottish Labour Party member elected
2. Statutory officers
according to the rules laid down by the Scottish
A. In order to comply with statutory requirements: Conference;
i. The Party shall notify the Electoral H. One Welsh Labour Party member elected
Commission of: according to the rules laid down by the Welsh
Conference; and
a. a person to be registered as the Party’s
leader; I. One disabled member, elected under such
conditions as may be set out in rules Chapter
b. a person to be registered as the Party’s
4.III below.
nominating officer; and
2. The primary purpose of the NEC shall be to
c. a person to be registered as the Party’s
provide a strategic direction for the Party as a
treasurer.
whole and to maintain and develop an active
ii. The Party may also notify the Electoral Party in the country, working in partnership with
Commission of: the Party’s representatives in Parliament,
devolved administrations and local government
a. a person or persons to be registered as
to secure the Party’s objectives. The key functions
the Party’s deputy treasurer(s); and
of the NEC are to:
b. a person to be registered as the Party’s
A. contribute to policy development;
campaigns officer.
B. win elections and maintain the support of
iii. Each accounting unit shall notify the Party of
voters;
the following appointments, to be notified
by the Party to the Electoral Commission: C. maintain a healthy Party at all levels, engaged in
the community upholding the highest
a. a person to be registered as the
standards in public life;
accounting unit’s treasurer; and
D. ensure a high quality of service through a
b. a person to be registered as the
contract with Party members;
accounting unit’s deputy treasurer.
E. fulfil its operational and constitutional
B. In the case of 2.A.i.b and 2.A.i.c, and 2.Aii.a and
responsibilities as defined in this clause;
2.A.ii.b above, the registration of a person or
persons as statutory officers shall be subject to F. maintain a balanced partnership between all
the approval of the NEC. Party stakeholders; and
Chapter 1
Constitutional rules Page 5
3. In furtherance of its primary purpose and key and Disciplinary Sub-Committee as
functions, the duties and powers of the NEC shall approved by the NEC (which shall have
include: discretion not to approve the NEC
Complaints and Disciplinary Sub-Committee
A. to uphold and enforce the constitution, rules
decision) in determining such disciplinary
and standing orders of the Party and to take
matters brought before it and imposing
any action it deems necessary for such purpose,
such disciplinary measures as it sees fit,
including:
shall be final, subject to any appeal made in
i. disaffiliation, disbanding, suspending or accordance with the provisions and
otherwise disciplining any affiliated prescribed grounds of appeal contained in
organisation or Party unit; Chapter 6 below of these rules.
ii. administratively suspending or taking other B. subject to the preceding sub-clause A and
administrative action against individual through its national and regional officers, where
members of the Party subject to the the NEC so determines, to ensure the
provisions of the disciplinary rules set out in establishment of and to keep in active
Chapter 6 below of these rules; operation in accordance with the rules laid
down by Party conference:
iii. where a determination has been made as a
result of a case brought under disciplinary i. a Regional Executive Committee in each
proceedings concluded at NEC stage under region designated by the NEC and, in the
Chapter 6, Clause I.1.B below of these rules, case of Scotland and Wales, a Scottish
to impose such disciplinary measures as it executive and Welsh executive;
thinks fit including:
ii. CLPs in each Westminster parliamentary;
a. formal warning; and
Chapter 1
Constitutional rules Page 6
instructions on the implementation of quotas L. to organise and maintain such fund or funds as
for women’s representation. may be thought necessary for any or all of the
objects for which the Party exists.
F. The NEC shall have the power to issue guidance
about holding, accessing and participating in M. to secure advances from time to time, or to
any Party meeting via the internet or other raise loans either by mortgage or otherwise and
means of remote communication. No provision on such terms as it may deem expedient; to
of these rules shall prevent the NEC from employ any part of the funds at its disposal in
making arrangements for Party meetings to be the purchase of any freehold or leasehold
held remotely where it is necessary and building or site and/ or in the building, leasing,
proportionate to do so in the NEC’s opinion, or holding or rental of any premises, and in the
where it is necessary to do so to make fitting up and maintenance thereof; and to
reasonable adjustments for disabled people. invest any moneys not immediately required in
such securities as it may deem proper and to
G. to confer with the PLP at the opening of each
realise or to vary such investments from time to
parliamentary session and to convene at any
time and to appoint trustees and/ or form a
other time when it or the PLP may desire a
society, association, company or companies in
conference on any matters relating to the work
accordance with the provisions of the Friendly
and progress of the Party. When a Labour
Societies Acts or the Companies Acts for any or
government is in office, to confer with its
all of the above purposes and to define the
representatives prior to the formulation of
powers of such trustees, society, association,
legislative proposals for the next parliamentary
company or companies and the manner in
session.
which such powers shall be exercised.
H. to present to the regular annual meeting of
N. to issue guidance, give rulings and bring
Party conference a report covering the work
forward rule changes to Party conference to
and progress of the Party during its period of
ensure continued compliance with the Party’s
office, together with a report on the work of the
legal and financial responsibilities, and to take
NEC committees, a financial statement and duly
action on the advice of the General Secretary to
audited accounts. This report, financial
protect the Party from actions by organisations
statement and accounts shall be sent to CLPs
and individuals who fail to comply with, or fail
and affiliated organisations at least two clear
to co-operate with the Party in meeting, such
weeks before the opening of Party conference.
legislative requirements.
I. to propose to Party conference such
O. to establish that the guidance referred to in
amendments to the constitution, rules and
Chapter 1, Clause VIII.3.N will include the
standing orders as may be deemed desirable;
principles of the Social Model of Disability,
also, in accordance with the rules, to submit to
which state that many of those with
the Party conference such resolutions and
impairments are disabled by the barriers
declarations affecting the programme,
operating in society that exclude and
principles and policies of the Party as in its view
discriminate against them. The Party recognises
may be necessitated by political circumstances.
and supports the aim of breaking down those
J. to establish a Joint Policy Committee to oversee barriers to create a more just and equal society.
the National Policy Forum and the Policy The Party will comply with its duties to make
Commissions in producing a rolling programme reasonable adjustments for disabled people
for submission to Party conference. The NEC under the Equality Act 2010, including, where
shall also produce guidelines for the relevant, those required to ensure access to
establishment and operation of local policy Party meetings and events.
forums.
P. to be the accountable body for safeguarding
K. to require CLPs to hold ballots of individual children and vulnerable adults within the Party
members on such matters as they deem to be by ensuring that the Party has a safeguarding
appropriate; such ballots, where considered policy, safeguarding code of conduct and that
necessary by the NEC or where provided for in all members at every level know that they can
these rules, shall be conducted by means of a report a safeguarding concern to the Party.
one-member-one-vote ballot on ballot papers
Q. to ensure an equal opportunities procedure is
provided by, and to a timetable and procedure
in place which covers the rights of members
laid down by, the NEC.
during all Party activities. The NEC will work to
deliver a Labour Party that reflects the
communities it serves and will therefore ensure
Chapter 1
Constitutional rules Page 7
policy, practices and procedures enshrine NEC’s decisions shall be final and binding on all
principles of equalities, inclusion and diversity. organisations, units and individuals concerned.
The NEC confirms the policy of promoting
6. All powers of the NEC may be exercised as the
equality, tackling under representation and not
NEC deems appropriate through its elected
unfairly discriminating against anyone including
officers, committees, sub-committees, the
on the basis of gender, age, race, sexual
General Secretary and other national and
orientation and gender identity, disability or
regional officials and designated representatives
religious beliefs. The NEC shall provide
appointed by the NEC or the General Secretary.
guidance for all aspects of the Party including
For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared
selections to Westminster Parliament, Scottish
that the NEC shall have the power to delegate its
Parliament, Welsh Parliament, Devolved Bodies,
powers to such officers and committees and
Directly Elected Mayors, and Councillors for
subcommittees of the NEC and upon such terms
Principal Authorities. The NEC is responsible for
as from time to time it shall see fit. Further, it
monitoring and developing equalities policy.
shall be deemed always to have had such power.
4. Guidance and qualifying legal proceedings
Chapter 1
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delegate to any Party body, for a specified A. The NCC or any panel thereof in hearing and
period or until the happening a specified determining charges against an individual shall
event; follow such procedure as it considers
appropriate to ensure that the charges are
iv. withholding or withdrawing endorsement as
determined without undue delay and in a
a candidate or prospective candidate at any,
manner that is fair to both the individual and
or any specified, level;
the Party, and shall follow procedural guidelines
v. expulsion from membership of the Party, in adopted under sub-clause B. The NCC or panel
which case the NCC may direct that may modify or supplement guidelines in order
following expiration of a specified period of to meet the circumstances of any particular
not less than two nor more than five years, case, but may not adopt a procedure
the person concerned may seek re- inconsistent with the requirements set out in
admission to the Party; or sub-clause B.
vi. any other reasonable and proportionate B. The NCC shall adopt, and may from time to
measure. time amend, procedural guidelines for
disciplinary matters, subject to endorsement by
A measure imposed under this sub-clause may
the NEC. The NEC may also amend the
require, or operate by reference to, the receipt
guidelines after consultation with the NCC. The
of specified training by the individual
guidelines must include provision for the
concerned. The decisions of the NCC in
purpose of meeting the following requirements:
determining such disciplinary matters brought
before it and imposing such disciplinary i. Each member of the NCC shall sit to
measures as it sees fit, shall be final. determine disciplinary matters as frequently
as may reasonably be required for the
3. Meetings of the NCC
effective discharge of the NCC’s functions.
A. The NCC shall elect its chair and vice chair each The guidelines may include criteria to which
year from among its members at its first members may have regard in deciding
meeting to be held as soon after each annual whether to rescue themselves from hearing
session of Party conference as practicable. The any particular matter.
Chair and vice-chair must have been elected to
ii. Other than in exceptional circumstances, a
the NCC in different divisions (as specified in
disciplinary matter against an individual is to
Chapter 4.III.C.i).
be determined within three months of the
B. The quorum for full meetings of the NCC or NCC receiving the charges under Chapter 6.
hearings in front of the full NCC shall be not The guidelines must include provision about
less than eight members, who shall be present the timetable for procedural steps and the
for the entirety of a hearing involving any circumstances in which the timetable may
individual. be varied ,but may not provide for dismissal
of a charge merely because the three-month
C. The NCC may, for the better ordering of its
period is exceeded.
business from time to time and as it thinks fit,
divide into panels of not less than three iii. The NCC members who are to determine a
members who shall have the full powers of the disciplinary matter shall consider, as early as
NCC. Each such panel shall elect a chair as possible in the proceedings, whether the
occasion requires it. Each such panel shall case is appropriate for determination
include at least one member from each of without a hearing.
divisions I and III as provided for in procedural
iv. The NCC or panel determining a disciplinary
rule Chapter 4.III.C below. If a member of such
matter shall give reasons for its
a panel is unable to attend a hearing, the chair
determination (including, where it finds a
of the NCC may appoint another member of the
charge proved, its decision in relation to
NCC to that panel as a replacement.
disciplinary measures).
D. The NCC or any panel thereof shall meet at
C. The guidelines may confer functions on the
such time and at such place as it thinks fit
chair and vice-chair of the NCC and may provide
having regard to the convenience of the
for the exercise by the vice-chair of any function
individual concerned, the members of the NCC
conferred on the chair by this clause.
or panel, any witnesses and the effective and
proper conduct of any hearing. 5. The NCC shall have the right to dismiss without
full hearing or at any point any case presented to
4. Procedure in disciplinary matters
it which it or the panel appointed to hear the case
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Constitutional rules Page 9
considers by a majority vote to be frivolous, decision of the NEC or the NEC Complaints and
vexatious, an abuse of the processes of the NCC, Disciplinary Sub-Committee made pursuant to
or where it considers that no case to answer has Chapter 6, Clause 1.D.iii.
been established.
6. Upon completing any review under Chapter 1,
Clause X.4.A, the Independent Review Board
Clause X. Member shall report in writing to the NEC
The Independent Review Board Organisation Committee or such other sub-
committee of the NEC as the NEC may direct
1. There shall be an Independent Review Board (the from time to time.
‘IRB’) appointed by the General Secretary in
accordance with Chapter 1, Clause X.2 below. 7. Upon completing any review under Chapter 1,
Clause X.4.B, the Independent Review Board shall
2. The General Secretary (or such national officer or report in writing to the General Secretary.
representative of the Party to whom s/he may
delegate his or her powers from time to time) or
the Standing Recruitment Committee (referred to Clause XI.
in Chapter 1, Clause XI.10.A) shall establish a The Independent Complaints Board
panel of qualified persons to serve as
1. There shall be an Independent Complaints Board
Independent Review Board Members. A qualified
(the ‘ICB’) established in accordance with Chapter
person for the purposes of this rule is a lawyer
1, Clause XI.3.
holding a valid practising certificate in England
and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. 2. The powers and functions of the Independent
Complaints Board shall be to:
3. The General Secretary may appoint one or
several Independent Review Board Members to A. Undertake a preliminary review of any
exercise any power or function of the membership appeal brought pursuant to
Independent Review Board. Chapter 6, Clause I.1.H and, upon such review,
to:
4. The powers and functions of the Independent
Review Board shall be to: i. Dismiss the appeal as presenting no
reasonable grounds for further
A. Review relevant disciplinary decisions of the
consideration; or
NEC or the NEC Complaints and Disciplinary
Sub-Committee. Upon such review, the ii. Require the General Secretary to appoint an
Independent Review Board may: Independent Complaints Panel in
accordance with this Chapter to consider the
i. Declare that the decision of the NEC or the
appeal pursuant to Chapter 1, Clause XI.2.B.
NEC Complaints and Disciplinary Sub-
Committee complies with these rules and B. Review the decision of the NEC or NEC
any guidance issued pursuant to Chapter 6, Complaints and Disciplinary Sub-Committee
Clause I.4; against which an appeal under Chapter 6,
Clause I.1.H is brought and upon such review:
ii. Declare that the decision of the NEC or the
NEC Complaints and Disciplinary Sub- i. Dismiss the appeal; or
Committee has contravened one or several
ii. Uphold one or more grounds of the appeal,
of these rules;
in which case the decision of the NEC or the
iii. Declare that the decision of the NEC or the NEC Complaints and Disciplinary Sub-
NEC Complaints and Disciplinary Sub- Committee shall be remitted to a differently
Committee has contravened guidance constituted NEC Complaints and Disciplinary
issued pursuant to Chapter 6, Clause I.4; Sub-Committee for fresh determination; or
B. Review any aspect of the Party’s disciplinary iii. Impose a reduced disciplinary sanction if it is
decisions, procedures, systems, policies, fair and proportionate to do so.
practices or processes and any documents
C. Determine any disciplinary allegations that the
related thereto.
NEC may refer from time to time in its absolute
5. A relevant disciplinary decision for the purposes discretion to the Independent Complaints Panel
of Chapter 1, Clause X.4.A is any decision of the in accordance with these rules and upon such
NEC or the NEC Complaints and Disciplinary Sub- referral:
Committee made pursuant to Chapter 6 of these
i. Dismiss the allegations; or
rules that finally determines disciplinary
allegations against a member of the Party or any ii. Uphold one or more of the allegations.
Chapter 1
Constitutional rules Page 10
D. Impose a proportionate sanction up to and A. The General Secretary, or such national officer
including expulsion from the Party on any or representative of the Party to whom he or
member in circumstances where: she may delegate his or her powers from time
to time, shall appoint a Standing Recruitment
i. The Independent Complaints Panel has
Committee.
determined and upheld an allegation under
Chapter 1, Clause XI.2.C; or B. The Standing Recruitment Committee shall
establish a pool of twelve independent
ii. The NEC or the NEC Complaints and
complaints board members (each, an
Disciplinary Sub-Committee has considered
‘Independent Complaints Board Member’, and
disciplinary allegations in accordance with
together, the ‘Independent Complaints Board
Chapter 6, Clause I.1 and determined that a
Members’) comprising:
member has breached the rules,
constitution or standing orders of the Party i. Four lawyers holding a valid practising
and the NEC or the NEC Complaints and certificate in England and Wales, Scotland or
Disciplinary Sub-Committee has referred Northern Ireland;
that member’s disciplinary case to the
ii. Four Human Resources or other regulatory
Independent Complaints Board for a
expert professionals, being either Chartered
decision to be made on a proportionate
Members, a member of a reputable Human
sanction.
Resources body or otherwise expert in
3. The powers and functions of the Independent determining disciplinary matters; and
Complaints Board shall be exercised by a panel of
iii. Four members of the Party selected from
the Independent Complaints Board (an
applicants to a publicly advertised
‘Independent Complaints Panel’) appointed and
competition for that purpose who:
constituted pursuant to Chapter 1, Clause XI.10
and Chapter 1, Clause XI.12. a. Have been a member of the Party for at
least five consecutive years immediately
4. Any preliminary review or decision under Chapter
prior to the date their applications are
1, Clause XI.2.A shall be taken on the papers
received by the Standing Recruitment
without a hearing unless the Independent
Committee; and
Complaints Board decides there are exceptional
reasons justifying a hearing. b. Have not previously been subject to a
written warning or other punitive
5. Any review or decision under Chapter 1, Clause
sanction by Party for breaching the rules,
XI.2.B, Chapter 1, Clause XI.2.C or Chapter 1,
constitution or standing orders of Party.
Clause XI.2.D may be taken without a hearing if
the Independent Complaints Panel considers it to iv. Each Independent Complaints Board
be fair and proportionate to do so. Member must commit to exercising their
powers and duties under this rule
6. Upon exercising any of its powers or functions,
independently from any instruction or
the Independent Complaints Panel shall send a
direction of any kind whether explicit or
report to:
implicit from any natural or legal person or
A. The member, or former member, by whom the from any association. Each Independent
appeal was brought; and Complaints Board Member must act in
accordance with this Chapter and any other
B. The Chair of the NEC Organisation Committee
rules of the Party to which they are subject.
and the General Secretary.
In the case of Chapter 1, Clause XI.10.B.i.
7. The decisions of the Independent Complaints and Chapter 1, Clause XI.10.B.ii., such
Panel are final and binding on all members and Independent Complaints Board Members
units of the Party. shall not have been members of a
registered political party in the United
8. The Independent Complaints Panel may dismiss
Kingdom for at least five preceding years
at any point any appeal or disciplinary allegation
immediately prior to the date their
presented to it which it considers to be vexatious
applications are received by the Standing
or malicious.
Recruitment Committee.
9. The NEC shall issue procedural rules and
11. The Independent Complaints Board Members
guidance that must be followed by the
shall each have terms of not less than two years
Independent Complaints Panel.
but may be removed by the General Secretary if
10. The Independent Complaints Board shall be they are found to have breached the
appointed as follows: Independent Complaints Board Code of Conduct.
Chapter 1
Constitutional rules Page 11
12. The General Secretary, or such national officer or A. where the NEC considers local circumstances
representative of the Party to whom s/he may render it necessary, modify the rules laid
delegate his or her powers from time to time, down by Party conference for the various
shall appoint from the members of the Party units. Such modifications shall comply
Independent Complaints Board, an Independent with the spirit and intention of the rules
Complaints Panel to undertake any of the adopted by Party conference and may not
functions pursuant to Chapter 1, Clause XI.2.B, alter the Party’s objects, the basis or
Chapter 1, Clause XI.2.C and/or Chapter 1, Clause conditions of affiliated and individual
XI.2.D. The Independent Complaints Panel shall membership, vary the procedure for the
comprise: selection of parliamentary or local
government candidates (except as provided
A. One lawyer, who shall be the Chair of the
for in the rules) or effect a change in the
Independent Complaints Panel with a right to
relationship between CLPs and the Party; and
vote;
B. amend these rules for the sole purpose of
B. One Human Resources professional or other
complying with a legal obligation set out in a
expert in determining disciplinary matters; and
judgment of the High Court, the Court of
C. One Party member. Appeal, the Inner House of the Court of
Session, the Supreme Court of the United
13. The Independent Complaints Panel shall
Kingdom or a statutory obligation in the
determine all matters and take all decisions to
United Kingdom and only to the extent
exercise its functions by a majority vote (with the
necessary to comply with any such legal
Chair of the Independent Complaints Panel
obligation and not further or otherwise. Any
having any casting vote).
such amendments must be renewed and
14. The General Secretary, or such national officer or approved by the next subsequent meeting of
representative of the Party to whom he or she Party conference or those amendments will
may delegate his or her powers from time to cease to have effect at the close of that
time, shall appoint a lawyer from among the subsequent meeting of Party conference.
Independent Complaints Board Members to
3. Party units may adopt additional rules which shall
undertake any preliminary review of an appeal
not contravene the provisions contained in the
pursuant to Chapter 1, Clause XI.2.A.
rules adopted by Party conference and must be
15. An Independent Complaints Board Code of submitted to the NEC for endorsement prior to
Conduct may be issued as the NEC sees fit from final adoption and implementation; pending such
time to time. endorsement or rejection no such additional rule
may be invoked.
Clause XII. 4. The existing constitution and rules, or any part
Scope of rules thereof, may be amended, altered or additions
made thereto by resolutions carried on a card
1. The general provisions of these rules shall apply
vote at Party conference in the manner provided
to all units of the Party and the model rules and
for in the procedural rules for Party conference
standing orders appended to these constitutional which are appended hereto. Notice of resolution
rules shall apply to:
embodying any such proposal must be sent to
A. CLPs; the General Secretary at the Head Office of the
Party also in the manner provided for in the
B. member branches organised within CLPs;
procedural rules.
C. Women’s Branches;
5. For the avoidance of any doubt, any dispute as to
D. Young Labour and Young Labour Branches; the meaning, interpretation or general
application of the constitution, standing orders
E. Local Government Committees (LGCs);
and rules of the Party or any unit of the Party
F. local government Labour groups; shall be referred to the NEC for determination,
and the decision of the NEC thereupon shall be
G. the Scottish executive, Welsh executive and
final and conclusive for all purposes. The decision
English Regional Executive Committees; and
of the NEC subject to any modification by Party
H. BAME Branches. conference as to the meaning and effect of any
rule or any part of this constitution and rules
2. The NEC shall have the authority to:
shall be final.
Chapter 1
Constitutional rules Page 12
Chapter 2
than as a Party candidate, having given
less than 14 days written notice of such to
the local Party prior to the close of
Membership rules nominations.
Chapter 2
Membership rules Page 13
circumstances set out in Chapter 2, Clause D. The NEC shall determine whether a member
I.5.C. has committed a Prohibited Act under
Chapter 2, Clause I.5.B in accordance with the
B. Prohibited Acts are the following acts:
following provisions:
i. Possessing membership of a registered
i. Chapter 6 shall not apply to findings of fact
political party in the United Kingdom other
made under this clause.
than the Party or the Co-operative Party.
ii. The General Secretary shall send to the
ii. Supporting financially a registered political
member a Notice of Allegation. The Notice
party in the United Kingdom other than
of Allegation must:
the Party or the Co-operative Party.
a. State details of any allegation that the
iii. Joining a Parliamentary party or caucus
member has committed a Prohibited
other than the Parliamentary Labour Party
Act;
or the Labour Party in the Welsh
Parliament or the Scottish Parliament. b. Be accompanied by any relevant
evidence supporting that allegation;
iv. Joining a local authority Group other than
the official Party Group without the c. State that the member has a right to
permission of the NEC. make representations in writing within
14 days of the date of the Notice of
v. Possessing membership of, providing
Allegation;
financial assistance to, sitting on the ruling
body of or otherwise supporting (as may d. Inform the member how any such
be defined by the NEC) any political representations should be made; and
organisation that the NEC in its absolute
e. Draw to the attention of the member
discretion shall declare to be inimical with
the provisions of Chapter 2, Clause I.5.
the aims and values of the Party.
iii. The member shall have a right to make
vi. Physically abusing employees of the Party.
representations to the NEC in writing
vii. Threatening or harassing employees of the within 14 days of the date of the Notice of
Party. Allegation.
viii. Being convicted by a Court in the United iv. The General Secretary shall convene a
Kingdom of a serious offence. For these panel of at least three NEC members to
purposes, a ‘serious offence’ is an offence consider the allegation.
that is serious in the opinion of the NEC
v. The NEC must consider any
and which may include, inter alia,
representations submitted in defence that
indictable offences, sexual offences and/or
have been provided within 14 days of the
offences committed by an adult against a
Notice of Allegation. The NEC may in its
child.
absolute discretion consider any
ix. Failing to satisfy an order for costs in the representations that are submitted after
Party’s favour promulgated by a Court or that 14 day period but the NEC is not
Tribunal in the United Kingdom. obliged to do so.
x. A ‘substantiated safeguarding concern’ vi. The NEC panel shall make findings of fact
finding is made as the result of either an whether or not the member has
investigation by a Local Authority committed a Proscribed Act on the balance
Designated Officer or another suitable of probabilities upon consideration of all
professional regulatory body, or as the the evidence available to the NEC.
result of an outcome from a safeguarding
vii. The NEC panel shall give prompt notice of
investigation conducted by a statutory
its findings to the General Secretary.
agency.
viii. The General Secretary shall give notice of
C. The membership of a member who commits a
the NEC’s decision to the member. Notice
Prohibited Act under Chapter 2, Clause I.5.B
must:
shall terminate on the date on which the
General Secretary or a national officer of the a. Set out the NEC’s findings of fact;
Party sends that member notice that the NEC
b. State that the member’s membership
has made a finding of fact pursuant to
stands terminated; and
Chapter 2, Clause I.5.D that the member has
committed the Prohibited Act.
Chapter 2
Membership rules Page 14
c. Inform the member of a right of appeal B. Subjects of Great Britain or Northern Ireland
under Chapter 2, Clause I.6 and to temporarily resident abroad may retain their
whom to address that appeal. existing membership of the Party, subject to
notifying Head Office of their address, paying
6. Upon termination of a member’s membership
the full standard rate subscription and
pursuant to Chapters 2, Clause I.4.C or I.5.C, a
accepting the conditions of membership in
former member may appeal against that
this clause.
termination to the NCC on grounds that:
C. The individual members and supporters
A. The General Secretary or the NEC has
groups referred to in this clause shall be
contravened a provision in Chapters 2, Clause
known as Labour International which shall
I.4 or I.5;
operate according to regulations approved by
B. The findings of the NEC are flawed or tainted the NEC but shall include provision for the
by bias or unsupported by the evidence; representation of Labour International
and/or members at Party conference, with a voting
entitlement as for CLPs in Chapter 3.III.3.A.ii
C. The evidence provided to the Party under
below.
Chapter 2, Clause I.4.C is false, wrong or
fabricated. 9. To be and remain eligible for membership, each
individual member must:
D. The member shall remain expelled from
membership of the Party until such time that A. accept and conform to the constitution,
such member’s appeal is upheld by the NCC. programme, principles, values and policy of
the Party.
7. The NEC may in its absolute discretion:
B. if applicable, be a member of a trade union
A. Suspend administratively any member
affiliated to the Trade Union Congress or
suspected of committing a Proscribed Act
considered by the NEC as a bona fide trade
under Chapter 2, Clause I.4.C or a Prohibited
union and contribute to the political fund of
Act under Chapter 2, Clause I.5.C;
that union (a person who does not contribute
B. Upon any termination of membership to the political fund of her/his trade union
pursuant to Chapters 2, I.4.C or I.5.C, renew a may not be an individual member of the
member’s membership immediately or at Party).
some later time, notwithstanding the
C. be a member of the CLP for the address
member’s commission of a Proscribed or
where she or he resides and is registered as
Prohibited Act; or
an elector unless having moved since the
C. Place a member (the membership of whom registration qualifying date, temporarily
the NEC has renewed) under punitive resident abroad or otherwise prevented from
suspension, save that such suspension must being registered, in which case she or he must
not exceed a period of two years from the be resident within that constituency.
date on which the Proscribed Act occurred.
D. on becoming elected as a public
D. In the event that a member’s membership is representative (including, but not exclusively:
renewed under Chapter 2, Clause I.7.B, the local authority councillor, member of
date of commencement of membership for Westminster Parliament, Scottish Parliament ,
the purpose of measuring continuous Greater London Assembly, Welsh Parliament,
membership under these rules shall be the Police and Crime Commissioner or local
date of the NEC’s renewal under Chapter 2, government body), pay their membership
Clause I.7.B not any other date. subscriptions at the elected representatives
rate by Direct Debit except local authority
8. Residents abroad
councillors who should pay by Direct Debit
A. Subjects of Great Britain or Northern Ireland and at least at the standard rate. Parish and
or citizens of The Republic of Ireland, the town councillors are exempt from this rule as
Channel Islands and Isle of Man resident they are not recognised by the Labour Party.
abroad may become individual overseas
10. The NEC may rescind endorsement as a full Party
members of the Party, by enrolment with
member when evidence is provided that the
Head Office, provided they accept the
individual concerned neither resides at the
conditions of membership in this clause.
address given on the membership system and/or
Overseas members may establish overseas
is not on the electoral register and is therefore
supporters groups registered with Head
(subject to 8 above) ineligible for membership; or
Office.
Chapter 2
Membership rules Page 15
where evidence is provided that the individual Clause II.
concerned has been claiming reduced rate or
registered membership when s/he is not entitled Charter of Members Rights and
to it under Clause III.1 below. Responsibilities
11. No member of the Party shall engage in conduct 1. Members having 12 months continuous
which in the opinion of the NEC is prejudicial, or membership at the relevant date shall, unless
in any act which in the opinion of the NEC is otherwise prohibited, have the right to put
grossly detrimental to the Party. The NEC, ICB themselves forward for selection as a Labour
and NCC shall take account of any codes of candidate for the Westminster Parliament and
conduct currently in force and shall regard any other public offices in England, and to run for
incident which in their view might reasonably be election to NEC, CAC, NCC and other relevant
seen to demonstrate hostility or prejudice based national internal elections. Members must meet
on age; disability; gender reassignment or all relevant qualifications for the role, including
identity; marriage and civil partnership; agreeing to undertake any course of equality and
pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; diversity training that the NEC may prescribe, and
sex; or sexual orientation as conduct prejudicial being a trade union member in accordance with
to the Party: these shall include but not be limited Chapter 1.9.B above. For local government
to incidents involving racism, antisemitism, selections, the power to waive the requirement
Islamophobia or otherwise racist language, for 12 months membership may be delegated by
sentiments, stereotypes or actions, sexual the NEC in accordance with Chapter 1.VIII.6
harassment, bullying or any form of intimidation above. In all other circumstances, waivers to the
towards another person on the basis of a relevant qualifications for the role, including
protected characteristic as determined by the being a trade union member in accordance with
NEC or ICB, wherever it occurs, as conduct 1.9.B above, may only be granted in exceptional
prejudicial to the Party. The disclosure of circumstances by the NEC or its relevant sub-
confidential information relating to the Party or committees.
to any other member, unless the disclosure is
2. Members having 6 months continuous
duly authorised or made pursuant to a legal
membership at the relevant date shall, unless
obligation, shall also be considered conduct
otherwise prohibited, have the right to stand for
prejudicial to the Party.
election as a delegate to national and regional
12. Where there is any dispute that a member is in conferences, and to vote in selection meetings for
breach of the provisions of sub-clause 11, the Westminster Parliamentary candidates and
dispute shall be determined by the NEC or, upon candidates for other public offices in England.
any referral by the NEC to the ICB or NCC, by the
3. Young Labour members having 8 weeks
ICB or NCC, in accordance with the Party’s rules,
continuous membership at the relevant date
guidelines and disciplinary procedures. Where
shall, unless the 8 week verification period has
appropriate, the NCC shall have regard to
been extended or unless otherwise prohibited,
involvement in financial support for the
have the right to stand for election as a delegate
organisation and/or the activities of any
to national and regional Young Labour
organisation declared ineligible for affiliation to
conference.
the Party under Chapter 1.II.5 or 3.C above; or to
the candidature of the members in opposition to 4. Members having 8 weeks continuous
an officially endorsed Labour Party candidate or membership at the relevant date shall, unless the
the support for such candidature. The NEC, ICB or 8 week verification period has been extended, or
NCC shall not have regard to the mere holding or unless otherwise prohibited, have the right to
expression of beliefs and opinions except in any attend and vote at local meetings, subject to any
instance inconsistent with the Party’s aims and delegate arrangements in place and to stand for
values, agreed codes of conduct, or involving election to Branch and CLP roles.
prejudice towards any protected characteristic.
5. Members shall, unless otherwise restricted
13. On any application by the Party for costs pursuant to these rules, have the right to vote in
mandated by a Court or Tribunal in the Party’s NEC elections and national and regional OMOV
favour, all legal costs, disbursements, fees and/or ballots providing they are fully paid up at a date
other associated costs incurred by the Party shall set by the NEC. Any such date shall be no more
be deemed reasonable and reasonably incurred than 8 weeks prior to the opening of the ballot.
and payable in full by the person or persons
6. Members have the right to be invited to all Party
against whom any application for costs may be
meetings which they are eligible to attend.
made by the Party.
Chapter 2
Membership rules Page 16
7. Members moving constituencies shall, unless Clause III.
otherwise prohibited, have full local membership
rights, subject to any objections received to the Membership procedures
transfer of membership. This right does not 1. Individual members of the Party shall be
apply to participation in selections for candidates recruited into membership in accordance with
for public offices in England, where participation these rules and any applicable NEC guidelines
rights shall be defined by procedural rules made which shall be issued to Party units and affiliated
by the NEC. organisations from time to time.
8. Members have the right to dignity and respect, 2. Members recruited into membership shall be
and to be treated fairly by the Labour Party. Party subject to a probationary period of provisional
officers at every level shall exercise their powers membership during which they shall be
in good faith and use their best endeavours to provisional members.
ensure procedural fairness for members.
A. The NEC may further define rights of
9. All BAME members having 8 weeks continuous provisional membership and issue guidance
membership shall, unless the 8 week verification on provisional membership that must be
period has been extended or unless otherwise followed by all members and units of the
prohibited, have the right to free membership of Party.
the Labour Party’s BAME representative
structures. Only Labour Party members may B. The General Secretary may at any point
participate in such structures. during provisional membership rule that a
provisional member’s application for full
10. All disabled members having 8 weeks continuous membership be rejected for any reason which
membership shall, unless the 8 week verification the General Secretary sees fit, including but
period has been extended or unless otherwise not limited to the provisional member’s
prohibited, have the right to free membership of conduct prior to their application to join the
the Labour Party’s disabled members’ Party, or on the grounds that the provisional
representative structures. Only Labour Party member does not share the values of the
members may participate in such structures. Labour Party.
11. Eligibility requirements for procedures in the 3. Without prejudice to any other provision of these
competency of the Welsh or Scottish Labour rules, and without prejudice to its powers under
Parties, such as the selection of candidates for Chapter 1.VIII, the NEC shall be empowered to
the Welsh or Scottish Parliaments or standing for determine any dispute or question which may
election to the Welsh or Scottish Executive arise in respect of membership of the Party,
Committees, shall be defined by procedural rules either by considering the matter itself or by
made by the WEC or SEC. referring the matter to the NEC Complaints and
12. The NEC may issue guidance on the standards of Disciplinary Sub-Committee for a decision. In
behaviour and conduct expected of the Labour cases determined by the NEC, the decision shall
Party’s publicly elected representatives, Peers be final and binding, subject to any appeal to the
and its candidates for public office. NCC under Chapter 6 below of these rules. Any
cases determined by the NEC Complaints and
13. The NEC may consider any conduct by the Labour Disciplinary Sub-Committee, as approved by the
Party’s publicly elected representatives, Peers NEC (which shall have discretion not to approve
and its candidates of public office that does not the decision), shall be final and binding, subject to
comply with guidance issued pursuant to Chapter any appeal to the NCC under Chapter 6 below of
2, Clause II.12 as conduct that is prejudicial and these rules.
grossly detrimental to the Labour Party.
4. Without prejudice to any other provision in this
14. The Labour Party shall give all members an Rule Book, the NEC, ICB or NCC may discipline
ongoing opportunity to self-define as holding the any member in accordance with these rules for
characteristics mentioned in 8 above and to any breach of:
declare a disability in line with 9 above, and may
give members the opportunity to self-define as A. the membership procedures in Chapter 2,
Clause III; and/or
holding other characteristics. The Labour Party is
only bound to accept genuine self-definition, B. any guidelines, guidance or codes of conduct
made in good faith. that the NEC has issued or shall issue or
promulgate from time to time under these
15. The relevant dates for all other rights shall be
defined by procedural rules made by the NEC. rules.
Chapter 2
Membership rules Page 17
5. The NEC shall issue procedural guidelines on than 16 hours a week and persons on
issues relating to membership from time to time, government training schemes,
including a code of conduct on membership
B. Elected Representative Rate
recruitment. In particular, the NEC wishes to
highlight the following areas of potential abuse of i. An elected representative’s rate shall be set
membership rules: at twice the Standard Rate for all elected
representatives and Peers with the
A. It is an abuse of Party rules for one individual
exception of local authority councillors.
or faction to ‘buy’ Party membership for other
individuals or groups of individuals who C. Registered Trade Union Rate
would otherwise be unwilling to pay their own
i. Members of affiliated organisations not
subscriptions.
already members who have paid the
B. It is an abuse of Party rules for an individual political levy or political subscriptions to the
or faction to offer reduced-rate membership affiliated organisation for a period of at least
to people they know to be ineligible for that 12 months may pay the reduced rate as a
category of membership. minimum annual subscription.
G. Upgraded Membership
Clause IV.
Membership subscriptions i. When a member reaches the end of the
period for which they are qualified for any
1. The NEC shall review membership rates and reduced rate, they will be automatically
discounts. The NEC may immediately incorporate upgraded to another suitable rate. To aid
amended rates and categories into A and E with retention the Labour Party will
above, subject to approval at Annual Conference endeavour to identify the lowest possible
2020, when this sub-clause shall expire. rate of membership depending on the data
2. Each individual member of the Party shall pay a held on the relevant member at the
minimum annual membership subscription. The member’s next renewal date.
level of subscription shall be set in accordance ii. The Labour Party reserves the right to
with the formula shown below. cancel any special rates of membership, in
A. Reduced Rate which case any current payers will be
upgraded at the point of their next renewal
i. A reduced minimum rate set at half the date.
Standard Rate will be offered to persons
who are unwaged, pensioners who have iii. When a member is upgraded, they will be
retired from work, persons working less notified in writing and will be given the
Chapter 2
Membership rules Page 18
opportunity to notify the Labour Party if subscription or made any arrangements to pay
they believe they qualify for another rate. their subscription.
Chapter 2
Membership rules Page 19
Chapter 3
E. Two delegates appointed by young Labour, at
least one of whom shall be a woman.
Chapter 3
Party Conference Page 20
Party treasurer, a member of the NEC, a member 2. The duties of the Conference Arrangements
of the Conference Arrangements Committee, or a Committee shall be:
member of the NCC due for re-election that year.
A. to arrange the order of the agenda of Party
3. The procedural rules of Party conference (Clause conference
III below) shall be considered for all purposes as if
B. to act as a standing orders committee
they form part of the constitution and shall have
effect accordingly. C. to select scrutineers and tellers as may be
required from among the delegates whose
4. All delegates must qualify for appointment as
names have been received at the Head Office of
follows:
the Party by the closing date for the
A. Every delegate must be an individual member appointment of delegates to any conference
of the Party as described in the membership and submit them for approval to that
rules, except persons who are resident in conference.
Northern Ireland who are duly appointed
delegates of affiliated trade unions and who Clause III.
individually accept and conform to the
constitution, programme, policy and principles Procedural rules for Party
of the Party. Conference
B. Delegates must be bona fide members or paid 1. Conference rule 1 – Annual Party Conference
permanent officials of the organisation
A. The NEC shall (whenever practicable) convene
appointing them, or, in the case of CLP
an annual session of Party conference during
delegates, reside within the constituency they
September/ October in each year, in
have been appointed to represent, except in
accordance with the conditions laid down in the
the case of members of the PLP or duly
constitution and these rules. It may also
endorsed parliamentary Labour candidates
convene special sessions of Party conference
appointed to represent CLPs in accordance with
when it deems necessary.
sub-section C which follows.
B. When a Party conference is called at short
C. Members of the PLP and duly endorsed
notice, the secretaries of affiliated organisations
parliamentary Labour candidates may be
and CLPs shall, on receiving the summons,
appointed as delegates by CLPs responsible for
instantly take steps to secure representation of
their candidatures; otherwise, delegates
their organisation in accordance with the
appointed by CLPs must either reside or be
constitution and these rules.
registered as electors in the constituency they
represent. C. Any session of Party conference summoned
with less than ten days’ notice shall confine its
D. No person shall act as a delegate for more than
business strictly to that relating to the
one organisation.
emergency giving rise to the special session.
E. Members of Parliament who are not members
D. A delegation fee on each delegate shall be
of the PLP are ineligible to act as delegates.
payable by affiliated organisations and CLPs
F. All delegates must have been individual sending delegates to Party conference. Ex
members of the Party for at least 6 months at officio members of Party conference in
the closing date set for the receipt of names of attendance shall also pay a fee. Such fees must
delegates (see III.1.E below). be paid to Party Head Office before credentials
are issued. The amount of the delegation fee
Clause II. payable for each conference shall be fixed by
the NEC and notified to all affiliated
Conference Arrangements organisations and CLPs. For the annual session
Committee of Party conference this shall be fixed by 31
December of the preceding year.
1. There shall be elected in accordance with the
procedural rules (Chapter 4 III.B below) a E. The timetable for the receipt of names and
Conference Arrangements Committee of eight addresses of delegates appointed by affiliated
members for the annual session of Party organisations and CLPs shall be determined by
conference in the year succeeding its election or the NEC and submitted to the affiliated
for any special session of conference called organisations and CLPs with the notice
during the intervening period. A member of staff convening the conference. In the case of a
shall act as secretary to the committee. special conference session called under Clause
Chapter 3
Party Conference Page 21
III.1.A above, the NEC shall also determine a affiliated organisations. Motions must be in
date by which such names and addresses shall writing, on one subject only and in 250 words or
be submitted. less. Alternatively, a constitutional amendment
on one subject only may be submitted in
F. The NEC may make arrangements each year for
writing. Motions and constitutional
the pooling of railway fares in respect of
amendments must be received by the General
delegations to Party conference appointed by
Secretary at the offices of the Party by the
CLPs.
closing date determined by the NEC. In the case
G. The NEC draw up Standing Orders for Party of constitutional amendments, such a date will
Conference that will outline procedures for: the be at least one year prior to the Annual
conference timetable, procedure in debate, Conference at which they are to be discussed.
motions, composite motions, emergency
D. All affiliated organisations, the ALC, Young
motions, withdrawal and remittance of
Labour and CLPs may submit motions to the
motions, reference back, point of order, chair’s
NEC on campaigning and organisational issues
ruling, suspension of Standing Orders, voting,
and to the NPF and its policy commissions on
including full procedures for card votes, ending
policy issues throughout the year. The NEC and
debate and the role of the CAC. These Standing
NPF shall consider such motions and report on
Orders will be presented to the first session of
action taken in their annual report to
each Party Conference in a CAC report for
conference.
agreement by the conference.
E. Nominations for leader and deputy leader, the
2. Conference rule 2 – Agenda
NEC, treasurer, auditors, Conference
A. The NEC shall present to conference the report Arrangements Committee, National Policy
of the NEC, including: a summary of its work Forum and NCC shall be sent in writing on the
during the previous year; the work of the NEC form provided to the General Secretary at the
committees and proposed programme for the offices of the Party by the closing date agreed
forthcoming year. All such documentation shall by the NEC. Each affiliated organisation, the
be circulated to all affiliated organisations and ALC, Young Labour, and each CLP shall be
CLPs by a date to be determined by the NEC. entitled to make nominations as provided for in
these rules and such nominations shall be
B. The NEC shall present to conference the report
included in the final agenda.
of the NPF, including: a summary of its work
during the previous year; the work of the policy F. Constitutional amendments, motions,
commissions; policy documents; options, emergency resolutions and nominations shall
alternatives or minority reports by the NPF; and be accepted only from those affiliated
proposed programme for the forthcoming year organisations, the ALC, Young Labour and CLPs
to be circulated to all affiliated organisations who have met their financial obligations to the
and CLPs by a date to be determined by the Party, including affiliation fees, by-election and
NEC. A Policy Ballot will be held at Annual other insurance premiums and any levies due
Conference, on the same basis as the ballot for for the preceding year.
motions, which will select a number of areas for
G. Party conference shall consider policy reports
detailed discussion and development by the
and draft reports as part of the rolling
NPF from topics proposed by the JPC. At least
programme, the NPF report, the NEC annual
the four topics selected by CLPs will be
report, NEC statements and development
prioritised, as will the four selected by Trade
strategy. Conference has the right to refer back
Unions and other affiliated organisations
part of any document without rejecting the
C. All affiliated organisations, the ALC, Young policy document as a whole. Conference shall
Labour and CLPs may submit one motion to also consider constitutional amendments and
Conference. In addition, affiliates with more motions or emergency resolutions submitted
than 100,000 affiliated members may submit and accepted. It shall not consider any business
one further motion. The CAC shall submit all unless recommended by the NEC or the CAC. At
motions received to a priorities ballot either any special session of Party conference, the
prior to or at the start of conference. The ballot NEC shall determine the business to be
will be divided into two sections. One section conducted.
for CLPs, and one section for trade unions and
H. When Party conference has made a decision on
other affiliated organisations. At least the first
a constitutional amendment, no resolution to
six priorities selected by CLPs will be time-
amend the constitution or rules of the Party
tabled for debate, as will at least the first six
having the same or a similar primary objective
priorities selected by Trade Unions and other
Chapter 3
Party Conference Page 22
shall appear on the agenda of the three Clause IV.
following annual party conferences, except such
resolutions to amend the constitution and rules National Annual Women’s
that are in the opinion of the NEC of immediate Conference
importance.
1. The NEC will issue procedures for holding a
I. All constitutional amendments submitted by national annual women’s conference which has a
affiliated organisations and CLPs that are formal role in the policy making process.
accepted as in order shall be timetabled for
debate at the first annual party conference
following their submission.
Chapter 3
Party Conference Page 23
Chapter 4
ii. Where there is no vacancy, nominations
may be sought by potential challengers
each year prior to the annual session of
Elections of national Party conference. In this case any
nomination must be supported by 20 per
committees
seek nominations in the event of a
challenge under this rule.
B. Nomination C. Voting
i. In the case of a vacancy for leader or i. The General Secretary shall be the Returning
deputy leader, each nomination must be Officer.
supported by 20 per cent of the Commons ii. The Returning Officer shall appoint a Labour
members of the PLP and either: Party legal advisor to act as Deputy
a. 5 per cent of CLPs; or Returning Officer who shall advise on any
matters of dispute in respect of eligibility or
b. At least three affiliates (at least two of procedure.
which shall be trade union affiliates)
compromising 5 per cent of affiliated iii. An Independent Scrutineer will be appointed
membership. by the Returning Officer to oversee and
verify the ballot, and the results shall be
Nominations not attaining the thresholds declared at a session of Party Conference.
under either a. or b. above shall be null
and void. iv. The timetable for the election, and the
procedures for agreeing the list of those
eligible to vote must be approved by the
Chapter 4
Elections of national officers of the Party and national committees Page 24
Independent Scrutineer. All individuals who permanently unavailable, the Cabinet shall,
are eligible to participate in the election shall in consultation with the NEC, appoint one of
have continuous membership of at least six its members to serve as Party leader until a
months prior to the approved timetable ballot under these rules can be carried out.
being announced.
ii. When the Party is in government and the
v. The procedures shall ensure that each deputy leader becomes Party leader under i
candidate has equal access to the eligible above of this rule, the Cabinet may, in
electorate and has equal treatment in all consultation with the NEC, appoint one of its
other matters pertaining to the election. members to serve as deputy leader until the
next Party conference. The Cabinet may
vi. Votes shall be cast in a single section, by
alternatively, in consultation with the NEC,
Party members and affiliated supporters.
leave the post vacant until the next Party
vii. The precise eligibility criteria shall be conference.
defined by the NEC and set out in
iii. When the Party is in government and the
procedural guidelines and in each annual
deputy leader, for whatever reason,
report to conference.
becomes permanently unavailable, the
viii. No person shall be entitled to receive more Cabinet may, in consultation with the NEC,
than one vote. Votes shall be cast by each appoint one of its members to serve as
individual and counted on the basis of one deputy leader until the next Party
person one vote. conference. The Cabinet may alternatively,
in consultation with the NEC, leave the post
ix. Voting shall be by preferential ballot. The
vacant until the next Party conference.
votes shall be totalled and the candidate
receiving more than half of the votes so iv. When the Party is in opposition and the
apportioned shall be declared elected. If no Party leader, for whatever reason, becomes
candidate reaches this total on the count of permanently unavailable, the deputy leader
first preference votes, a redistribution of shall automatically become Party leader on
votes shall take place according to a pro-tem basis. The NEC shall decide
preferences indicated on the ballot paper. whether to hold an immediate ballot as
provided under E above or to elect a new
x. The votes cast for each nominee shall be
leader at the next annual session of Party
recorded and published in a form to be
conference.
determined by the NEC as soon as possible
following any election. v. When the Party is in opposition and the
leader and deputy leader, for whatever
xi. In the event of any conflict between these
reason, both become permanently
rules and the constitutional rules and other
unavailable, the NEC shall order a ballot as
general rules of the Party, these rules shall
provided under E above. In consultation
prevail.
with the Shadow Cabinet, they may choose
D. Timing of an election to appoint a member of the Shadow Cabinet
to serve as Party leader until the outcome of
i. When the PLP is in opposition in the House
that ballot.
of Commons, the election of the leader and
deputy leader shall take place at each F. Where an acting leader takes office under 2.E
annual session of Party conference. above, the following roles, responsibilities and
qualifications apply:
ii. When the PLP is in government and the
leader and/ or deputy leader are prime i. The Acting Leader’s powers only take effect
minister and/ or in Cabinet, an election shall when her/his appointment has been
proceed only if requested by a majority of approved by the NEC.
Party conference on a card vote.
ii. The Acting Leader may fill any vacancies that
iii. In any other circumstances an election shall arise in the Cabinet, Shadow Cabinet, or
only be held when a vacancy occurs, subject other frontbench positions, but shall not
to E below. otherwise alter their composition or dismiss
members of the Cabinet, Shadow Cabinet or
E. Procedure in a vacancy
other frontbench positions.
i. When the Party is in government and the
iii. The Acting Leader shall invite the Cabinet (or
Party leader is prime minister and the Party
Shadow Cabinet in opposition) to fill any
leader, for whatever reason, becomes
vacancies that arise in the frontbench
Chapter 4
Elections of national officers of the Party and national committees Page 25
representation on the NEC under Chapter 1 C. The term of office of the Party treasurer shall be
Clause VIII.1.E above but shall not otherwise for two years.
alter their composition or remove those
6. Election of auditors
representatives.
A. Two auditors shall be elected by means of a
iv. Where any vacancies arise in the Campaign
ballot on a card vote basis as provided in these
Co-ordinator or Campaign Committee, the
rules.
NEC and Acting Leader shall jointly fill those
vacancies. B. Every affiliated organisation and CLP may
nominate up to two eligible members of the
v. Where the Acting Leader proposes
Party for auditor.
significant changes to Party policy, the
Acting Leader shall consult the NEC in C. In the event of an auditor being unable to fulfil
advance, to the extent that is practicable. the duties, the same procedure shall be
followed to fill the vacancy as in the case of the
3. Election of chair and vice-chair
CAC in Chapter 4.III.B.iii below.
A. The NEC shall elect its own chair and vice-chair
7. Election of the Leader and Deputy Leader of the
at its first meeting each year. Those elected to
Scottish Labour Party
these positions shall act in that capacity
throughout the year and also act as chair and A. The Leader and Deputy Leader of the Scottish
vice-chair of the subsequent annual session of Labour Party shall be elected according to the
Party conference and any special sessions of procedural rules set out by the Scottish
Party conference during the course of the year. Executive Committee.
B. The NEC shall also elect during the course of 8. Election of the Leader and Deputy Leader of
the year a panel of three assistant chairs who, Welsh Labour.
together with the vice-chair, shall assist the
A. The Leader and Deputy Leader of Welsh Labour
chair in the conduct of Party conference. These
shall be elected according to the procedural
assistant chairs shall be elected by the whole of
rules set out by the Welsh Executive
the NEC in line with the usual requirements for
Committee.
diversity and representation of the NEC’s
various sections.
Clause III.
4. Election of General Secretary
Procedural rules for elections for
A. The General Secretary shall be elected by Party
national committees
conference on the recommendation of the NEC
and shall be an ex-officio member of Party 1. The following procedures provide a rules
conference. S/he shall devote her or his whole framework to be followed when conducting
time to the work of the Party and shall not be elections for places on the Party’s national
eligible to act as a parliamentary candidate. decision-making committees. The NEC will also
S/he shall remain in office so long as her/ his issue procedural guidelines on nominations,
work gives satisfaction to the NEC and Party timetable, codes of conduct for candidates and
conference. Should a vacancy in the office other matters relating to the conduct of these
occur, for whatever reason, between Party elections.
conferences, the NEC shall have full power to fill
A. Election of the NEC
the vacancy subject to the approval of Party
conference. i. No elected member of the House of
Commons, Scottish Parliament, Welsh
5. Election of Party treasurer
Parliament or a member of the House of
A. Every affiliated organisation and CLP may Lords shall be eligible to stand in Divisions I,
nominate a person for Party treasurer who is II, III, or IV of the NEC. Any member of
an eligible member of the Party. Divisions I, II, III or IV shall cease to be a
member of the NEC if they are elected to the
B. The CLPs’ portion of the votes shall be cast by a
House of Commons, Scottish Parliament,
ballot among all eligible individual members of
Welsh Parliament or are appointed to the
the Party by means of a national one-member-
House of Lords. The resulting vacancy shall
one-vote ballot conducted to guidelines laid
be filled according to the provision of Clause
down by the NEC. The affiliates portion of the
iv-vi as appropriate below. For the purpose
votes shall be cast by a ballot of affiliated
of nomination and election, the NEC shall be
organisations on the same timetable as the CLP
divided into five divisions:
members ballot.
Chapter 4
Elections of national officers of the Party and national committees Page 26
a. Division I (trade unions) shall consist of one member one vote ballot of all
13 members, at least six of whom shall members self-defining as BAME and 50%
be women, to be nominated by trade affiliated trade unions. The ballot shall be
unions and elected by their delegations conducted to guidelines laid down by the
at Party conference. NEC. The NEC may vary the electoral rules
in this sub-clause to the extent required to
b. Division II (socialist and co-operative
comply with equality law.
societies) shall consist of one member to
be nominated by socialist, co-operative h. The disabled member shall be elected
and other organisations and elected by through the Party’s disabled members’
their delegations at Party conference. representative structure by an electoral
college of 50% one member one vote
c. Division III (CLPs) shall consist of nine
ballot of all members self-declaring as
members, at least four of whom shall be
disabled and 50% affiliated trade unions.
women, to be nominated by at least five
The ballot shall be conducted to guidelines
CLPs. The ballot for these places shall be
laid down by the NEC. The NEC may, if it so
conducted among all eligible individual
chooses, allow this seat to be held as a job
members of the Party by means of a
share, in adherence to clear conditions on
national one-member-one-vote ballot to
nomination requirements, gender quotas
be counted by the Single Transferable
and arrangements to prevent multiple
Vote method and conducted to
voting. The NEC may vary the electoral
guidelines laid down by the NEC.
rules in this sub-clause to the extent
d. Division IV (local governance) shall required to comply with equality law.
consist of two members from either the
ii. The votes cast for each nominee by all
Association of Labour Councillors (‘ALC’),
affiliated organisations and CLPs shall be
directly elected mayors, or elected Police
recorded and published following each Party
and Crime Commissioners, at least one
conference.
of whom shall be a woman, duly
nominated by Labour groups. The ballot iii. Nominations for the NEC shall be made in
for these places shall be conducted accordance with the following conditions:
among all individual ALC members,
a. Nominees must be bona fide paying
directly elected mayors, and elected
members of the affiliated
Police and Crime Commissioners by
organisations/CLPs submitting their
means of a national one-member-one-
nominations (other than supporting
vote ballot conducted to guidelines laid
nominations).
down by the NEC.
b. A nominee of a CLP must be registered
e. Division V (PLP) shall consist of three
as an elector in the area of the CLP
Commons members of the PLP, at least
submitting the nomination (unless
one of whom shall be a woman. They
ineligible for such registration in which
shall be nominated from among
case s/he must be resident in that area),
backbench Labour MPs and elected by all
unless the CLP is making a supporting
Labour MPs. The ballot shall be
nomination for a member of another
conducted to guidelines laid down by the
CLP.
NEC.
c. Commons members of the PLP shall be
f. The youth member shall be elected
ineligible for nomination to Divisions I, II,
through the Party’s youth representative
III and IV of the NEC.
structure by an electoral college of 50%
one member one vote ballot of all d. Members of the General Council of the
members under the age of 27 and 50% Trades Union Congress are not eligible
affiliated trade unions. The ballot shall be for nomination to the NEC.
conducted to guidelines laid down by the
e. Persons nominated shall inform the
NEC. The NEC may vary the electoral
General Secretary in writing of the
rules in this sub-clause to the extent
acceptance or otherwise of that
required to comply with equality law.
nomination in accordance with the
g. The BAME member shall be elected timetable determined by the NEC. If
through the Party’s BAME representative written consent to nomination is not
structure by an electoral college of 50% received by the date specified in the NEC
Chapter 4
Elections of national officers of the Party and national committees Page 27
timetable the nomination shall be as provided in these rules. Each CLP and
rendered null and void. affiliated organisation may nominate one
eligible member for a seat on the CAC in
iv. Subject to the rules on maintaining
this session.
representation of women under A.i above,
any vacancy that occurs among members of ii. Members of Government (when the party is
NEC Division I during a period of office shall in power) and members of the
be filled by an election among affiliated Parliamentary Committee (when the party is
trade unions. The ballot shall be conducted in opposition) are ineligible to stand for the
to guidelines laid down by the NEC. CAC.
v. Subject to the rules on maintaining iii. Any vacancy which occurs between Party
representation for women under A.i above, conferences among members of the CAC
any vacancy that occurs among members of shall be filled by the CAC co-opting the
NEC Divisions II, IV, or V shall be filled by an member who received the highest total of
election for the required number of places votes among those not elected in the
on the same basis as under A.i above, only appropriate section of the ballot for the CAC
to be held if and when a practical at the previous Party conference (and not
opportunity arises. already a member of the CAC). Should the
voting list be exhausted the affiliated
vi. Subject to the rules on maintaining
organisation or CLP which nominated the
representation for women under A.i above,
member originally elected to the vacant seat
any vacancy that occurs among members of
shall nominate a substitute to serve the rest
NEC Division III shall be filled by recounting
of the term.
the previous Single Transferable Vote
election until the next available candidate is iv. The term of office for CAC members shall be
elected. two years.
vii. The period of office of any person who fills a C. Election of National Constitutional Committee
vacancy on the NEC whether by co-option or (NCC)
election shall run to the end of the original
i. For the purposes only of nomination and
term of the member who gave rise to the
election, the NCC shall be divided into three
vacancy.
divisions as follows:
B. Election of Conference Arrangements
a. Division I shall consist of fourteen
Committee (CAC)
members, at least seven of whom shall
i. The CAC shall consist of eight members, at be women, to be nominated by affiliated
least three of whom shall be women, trade unions and elected by their
comprising: delegations at Party conference on a card
vote basis.
a. Five members, at least two of whom shall
be women, nominated by affiliated b. Division II shall consist of one member to
organisations or CLPs shall be elected by be nominated by socialist, co-operative
Party conference by means of a ballot on and other organisations and elected by
a card vote basis as provided in these their delegations at Party conference on
rules. Each CLP and affiliated a card vote basis.
organisation may nominate up to five
c. Division III shall consist of ten members,
eligible members for a seat on the CAC in
at least five of whom shall be women, to
this section.
be nominated by CLPs and elected by
b. The other two members, at least one of their delegations at Party conference on
whom shall be a woman, nominated by a card vote basis.
CLPs shall be elected by their delegations
ii. The votes cast for each nominee by all
at Party conference on a card vote basis.
affiliated organisations and CLPs shall be
Each CLP may nominate up to two
recorded and published following each
eligible members of the Party for a seat
conference.
on the CAC in this section.
iii. Nominations for the NCC shall be made in
c. One disabled members’ representative
accordance with the following conditions:
nominated by affiliated organsiations or
CLPs shall be elected by Party conference a. Where nominated by affiliated
by means of a ballot on a card vote basis organisations, nominees must be bona
Chapter 4
Elections of national officers of the Party and national committees Page 28
fide paying members of the affiliated b. Division II shall consist of 55 members, at
organisations submitting their least 27 of whom shall be women, to be
nominations. nominated and elected by affiliated trade
unions.
b. No member of the NEC, MP, employee of
the Party, or any member with less than c. Division III shall consist of four officers of
12 months continuous membership of the Welsh Policy Forum and the four
the Party is eligible for nomination. officers of the Scottish Policy Forum.
c. Persons nominated shall inform the d. Division IV shall consist of ten Labour
General Secretary in writing of the local government representatives. Four
acceptance or otherwise of that each to be elected by the Local
nomination 12 clear weeks before the Government Association Labour group
opening of the Party conference. Unless and the Association of Labour
such written consent to nomination is Councillors, at least two each of whom
received the nomination shall be deemed shall be women; and one representative
null and void. of the Convention of Scottish Local
Authorities Labour group and one from
d. Each affiliated organisation/ CLP may
the Welsh Local Government Association
make one nomination for its appropriate
Labour Group.
Division (I, II or III) of the NCC.
e. Division V shall consist of six members, at
iv. Members of the NCC shall be elected at an
least three of whom shall be a woman, to
annual session of Party conference for a
be nominated and elected by affiliated
period of three years and be subject to re-
socialist societies.
election on a rota to be determined by the
NEC. f. Division VI shall consist of two
representatives of BAME Labour, at least
v. Any vacancy which occurs among members
one of whom shall be a woman.
of the NCC during a period of office shall be
filled by election at the next Party g. Division VII shall consist of two
conference after the vacancy arises. The representatives appointed by the
period of office of any person elected to fill National Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic
such a vacancy shall run to the end of the Committee, at least one of whom shall be
original term of the member who gave rise women.
to the vacancy and the new member shall
h. Division VIII shall consist of two members
be subject to re-election at that Party
of LGBT Labour, at least one of whom
conference. Such elections shall be held in
shall be a woman.
accordance with the provisions of C above.
i. Division IX shall consist of two members
D. Election of National Policy Forum (NPF)
appointed by the National Committee of
i. For the purpose of election, the NPF shall be Disabled Members, at least one of whom
divided into 15 divisions as follows: shall be a woman.
Chapter 4
Elections of national officers of the Party and national committees Page 29
o. Division XIV shall consist of two Labour
members from the House of Lords to be
nominated and elected by Labour peers,
at least one of whom shall be a woman.
Clause IV.
Miscellaneous
1. No member shall be eligible for nomination to
more than one position to be filled by election at
Party conference in respect of the NEC, CAC, NCC,
Treasurer, and Auditors, nor serve on more than
one of these bodies at any given time. In the
event of any member being nominated for more
than one such position, the member shall be
requested to select the position for which she or
he desires to remain nominated. After the
selection has been made, the member’s name
shall be omitted from the nominations for all
other positions. Should no selection of position
be made six clear weeks before the opening of
the Party conference, all nominations made on
behalf of the member concerned shall be
deemed null and void.
Chapter 4
Elections of national officers of the Party and national committees Page 30
Chapter 5
been found guilty of an illegal or corrupt
election practice as defined by the
Representation of the People Act 1983
Selections, rights and and subsequent legalisation may be
considered for selection for public office
public office
i. Nominees will be given a code of conduct
which will indicate the rights a potential
candidate has in a selection, based on the
To be read in conjunction with selection procedures principle that all eligible members shall have
set out in the appendices to these rules. a fair and equal opportunity to seek
A right of Labour Party membership includes the selection.
opportunity to select candidates for public office in D. Accountability of candidates to Party
an area where the NEC determines that a CLP shall
be established, at every level – local, regional and i. All nominees shall undertake in writing, in a
national. Core principles shall apply to these form stipulated by the NEC, if selected, to
selections that will enable members to select Labour abide by Labour Party rules and standing
Party candidates representative of our society who orders.
can uphold the highest standards of probity and E. Candidates representative of our society
integrity in public life.
i. The Party will take action in all selections to
encourage a greater level of representation
Clause I.
and participation of groups of people in our
General rules for selections for society who are currently under-
public office represented in our democratic institutions.
In particular, the Party will seek to select
1. The following rules shall be observed in the more candidates who reflect the full
selections of all prospective elected diversity of our society in terms of gender,
representatives:
race, sexual orientation and disability, and
A. Rights of members participating in the selection to increase working class representation.
process ii. In addition to the use of All Women
i. All individual eligible members of the Party Shortlists to rectify the under-representation
with continuous membership of at least six of women in elected public office, the party
months (who reside in the electoral area will seek to rectify the under-representation
concerned) are entitled to participate in of BAME candidates by designating BAME
selections. Any exceptions to this must be representation priority selections in which
approved by the NEC. shortlists shall have a fixed minimum
number of places reserved for BAME
B. Nominating criteria of members standing for
candidates, to the extent allowed by the
public office Equality Act 2010.
i. In addition to fulfilling any statutory
F. Inclusive processes
requirements for the relevant public office,
persons wishing to stand as a Labour i. Selection processes must enable the
candidate must have continuous inclusion and involvement of all members
membership of the Party of at least 12 on an equal basis and take into account the
months. Where not otherwise prevented barriers to participation which
they shall also be a member of a trade underrepresented groups may face. One
union affiliated to the TUC or considered by member one vote (OMOV) shall be adopted
the NEC as a bona fide trade union and in all selections where reasonably
contribute to the political fund of that union. practicable including those when an
Any exceptions to these conditions must be electoral college is used.
approved by the NEC. G. Alternative Procedures
ii. The Labour Party does not tolerate i. The NEC has an absolute power to cancel or
electoral fraud and no member who has amend procedures for selections.
Chapter 5
Selections, rights and responsibilities of candidates for elected public office Page 31
ii. Any exercise of the NEC’s power to cancel or i. Labour MPs are expected to meet the
amend procedures for selections must be highest standards of probity and to take a
done in accordance with procedural lead in the Party’s campaigning and
guidelines or other guidance set by the NEC. community engagement work both locally
and nationally.
H. Transparency in procedures
ii. All Labour MPs shall be members of the
i. Procedural rules and guidelines for these
Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) and play
selections shall endeavour to be clear,
their part in its work.
simple and easy to administer by Party
units. Support shall be provided to those iii. Every Labour MP must be a member of a
administering the selections process. trade union.
2. Party units shall act in accordance with guidance iv. On election to the House of Commons,
that shall be issued by the NEC in the application Labour MPs who hold office as local
of these rules. The NEC has the authority to councillors must resign their local council
modify these rules and any procedural rules and seats on a date agreed with the Commons
guidelines as required to meet particular Chief Whip and the General Secretary. The
circumstances or to further the stated objectives date shall be agreed within one month of
and principles of these rules. Further the NEC has election to the House of Commons and the
the power to impose candidates where it deems date shall take account of local
this is required by the circumstances. circumstances. A Labour MP who fails to
comply with this sub-clause may be
Clause II. disciplined by the Party according to these
Rules and/or the rules of the PLP.
Rights and responsibilities of elected
B. The PLP will operate under standing orders,
members
which must be endorsed by the NEC:
1. High quality candidates
i. There shall be a meeting of the PLP each
A. Labour candidates must meet high standards week when the House is in session, which
as determined from time to time by the NEC. shall receive regular reports and briefings
Support will be made available to candidates to from the Cabinet when in Government and
ensure these standards are achieved and Shadow Cabinet in opposition.
sustained.
ii. Immediately after the Party has secured a
2. Candidate contracts majority at a General Election a meeting of
the PLP shall be held to discuss priorities for
A. The NEC (or the local Party with NEC approval)
the Queen's Speech.
may introduce candidate contracts which may
include the following: iii. In the case of a hung parliament the NEC
and PLP should be consulted on any
i. Campaigning elements, including specific
positions taken by the Party Leadership.
objectives for all year round campaigning
and community engagement activity. iv. There shall be a Parliamentary Committee
Candidates and elected members will be elected by the PLP, in accordance with PLP
expected to provide the leadership to Standing Orders, when the Party is in
achieve those objectives, and failure may Government and in Opposition.
lead to a candidate’s right to stand being
v. There shall be a Chair of the PLP, elected by
reassessed, and may be taken into account
the PLP in accordance with PLP Standing
when an elected representative is up for re-
Orders.
selection.
vi. The Parliamentary Committee shall be the
ii. A 2% levy on elected member’s salary/set
executive of the PLP, chaired by the PLP
personal allowances, including all payments
Chair, and will meet each week when the
flowing directly from elected office and
House is in session.
salaried positions in the House of Lords.
vii. The Parliamentary Committee shall be part
B. Any Candidate Contract must take account of
of the joint meeting to decide which items
Party policy and current legislation in respect of
from the Party programme shall be included
equal opportunities.
in the manifesto, which shall be discussed
3. Members of Westminster Parliament by the NEC prior to every general election.
A. General.
Chapter 5
Selections, rights and responsibilities of candidates for elected public office Page 32
viii. The Chair of the PLP shall have the right to is disqualified as a parliamentary candidate
attend meetings of the Shadow Cabinet and under the constitutional rules of the Party, or
meetings of political Cabinet in Government. under the decision of Party conference, shall be
And, in addition, the General Secretary of nominated or selected as a candidate for any
the Party and the Leader of the LGA Labour local government election.
Group shall have the right to attend
3. All nominees shall undertake, in writing, in a form
meetings of the political Cabinet and
stipulated by the NEC, if elected, to accept and
political Shadow Cabinet in accordance with
comply with the standing orders of the
PLP Standing Orders.
appropriate Labour group. All nominees, if
4. Combined Authority Mayors and Police and elected, shall be members of the national
Crime Commissioners Association of Labour Councillors.
A. Labour Combined Authority Mayors (CAMs) and 4. The Local Government Committees shall
Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are determine and endorse a panel of prospective
expected to meet the highest standards of local government candidates in accordance with
probity and to take a lead in the Party’s the procedural guidelines approved by the NEC.
campaigning and community engagement work The Local Government Committees shall make
both locally and nationally. the panel details available to the branches
covering electoral areas where selections are due
B. CAMs and PCCs will work closely with their
to take place.
respective national or regional office to
maintain regular contact with Labour Party 5. Individual paid-up members of the Party, resident
organisations and members in the areas which in the electoral area where the selection is taking
they represent, including but not limited to place and a member for at least six months at a
regular reports to CLPs, Labour Groups and date determined by the Local Government
affiliates. At the discretion of the RD(GS), CAMs Committees, will be invited to participate in the
and PCCs may be asked to give a report to process of shortlisting and selection of their local
Labour’s national and regional conferences or government candidate(s).
specially convened annual meetings organised
6. The shortlisting and selection of candidates shall
by the regional office.
consist of a vote, by eliminating ballot, of all
C. CAMs and PCCs shall be responsible to the NEC eligible individual members of the electoral ward/
as an elected representative of the Labour division on the basis of one member one vote.
Party.
7. Any disputes arising out of the non-endorsement
D. Any appointments in the gift of Labour CAMs of nominees onto the panel of prospective local
and PCCs should give fair consideration to government candidates shall be referred to the
Labour’s commitment to increase diversity and appropriate regional appeals board. Disputes
representation for under-represented people. arising over the shortlisting or selection meeting
shall be submitted to the appropriate Local
Clause III. Government Committee. The NEC shall issue
guidelines to the relevant Party units and any
Selection of local government appellant for dealing with any disputed matter.
candidates
8. Any exceptions to rules 1-7 above can only be
1. The NEC, Scottish Executive Committee and made with the approval of the NEC or an officer
Welsh Executive Committee shall issue exercising the powers given to them by the NEC.
procedural rules and guidelines for the selection
of local government candidates. Local Clause IV.
Government Committees, established in
accordance with Chapter 12 of these rules, shall Selection of Westminster
be responsible for implementing these guidelines parliamentary candidates
in line with the rules detailed in Clause I.1 above
1. The NEC, Scottish and Welsh Executive
and following. Local Government Committees
Committees shall issue procedural rules and
shall agree their procedures with the appropriate
guidelines and the timetable for the selection of
RD(GS) or other designated officer approved by
candidates for Westminster Parliament elections.
the NEC.
The Scottish and Welsh Executive Committees will
2. All nominees must fulfil the criteria to stand as a be responsible for administering the selection of
prospective local government candidate detailed Westminster Parliamentary Candidates in
in Clause I.1.B above. In addition, no person who Scotland and Wales subject to rules detailed in 2-
Chapter 5
Selections, rights and responsibilities of candidates for elected public office Page 33
11 below. CLPs shall be responsible for C. If the said MP is not selected as the
implementing these guidelines in line with the prospective parliamentary candidate s/he
rules detailed in Clause I.1 above and following. shall have the right of appeal to the NEC. The
CLPs must agree their procedures and timetable appeal can only be made on the grounds that
with the appropriate RD(GS) or other designated the procedures laid down in the rules and the
officer approved by the NEC. general provisions of the constitution, rules
and standing orders have not been properly
2. All nominees must fulfil the criteria to stand as a
carried out. The appeal must be received by
parliamentary candidate detailed in Clause I.1.B
the NEC by the date on which they consider
above. In addition, no person who has been
endorsement of the parliamentary candidate
disqualified as a local government candidate
for the constituency.
under the rules of the Party or by the decision of
Party conference shall be eligible for nomination D. When there is a formal announcement of a
or selection as a parliamentary candidate. royal proclamation to dissolve Parliament
Members of the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments before the trigger ballot or the constituency
may seek nomination as Labour candidates for selection meeting(s) have been held, the
the Westminster Parliament but only with the provisions of this clause (other than this
express permission of the NEC whose decision paragraph) shall be suspended and the said
shall be final. MP shall be reselected as the prospective
parliamentary candidate, subject to NEC
3. All nominees shall undertake, if elected, to accept
endorsement.
and comply with the standing orders of the PLP.
E. If the MP has intimated her or his intention to
4. The NEC may establish a national parliamentary
retire, the provisions of this clause shall not
panel of candidates in the selection procedure
apply.
appended to these rules. Nominees do not have
to be members of any national parliamentary 6. In all circumstances (i.e. where there is no MP,
panel to seek selection. Where a national panel is where the MP has announced s/he is retiring or
established by the NEC then candidates where the MP is putting themselves forward for
recommended by nationally affiliated re-selection but has failed to win the trigger
organisations through their own procedures shall ballot) the CLP Shortlisting Committee shall draw
automatically be included on the national panel up a shortlist of interested candidates to present
subject to agreement between the NEC and the to all members of the CLP who are eligible to vote
affiliate that their procedures set similar criteria in accordance with Clause I.1.A above.
for accreditation.
7. The selection of candidates shall consist of a vote,
5. If a CLP is represented in Parliament by a by eliminating ballot, of all eligible individual
member of the PLP: members of the constituency on the basis of one
member one vote.
A. If the sitting MP wishes to stand for re-
election, a trigger ballot will be carried out 8. NEC Endorsement
through Party branches and affiliated
A. The selection of a parliamentary candidate shall
branches according to this clause and NEC
not be regarded as completed until the name of
guidelines.
the member selected has been placed before a
B. If more than 50% of an electoral college meeting of the NEC and her or his selection has
consisting of Party branches voting with a been endorsed. Until such endorsement has
weight of 50% and affiliated branches voting been received the member shall not be
with a weight of 50% indicate that they wish a introduced to the public as a prospective
selection to take place, a selection shall candidate. Where successful candidates are not
proceed. The MP shall automatically be members of the national recommended panel
included in the shortlist of candidates from or if in the case of a sitting MP a referral from
whom the selection shall be made. Where the Whips office is received, there should,
50% or more of an electoral college consisting however, be an endorsement interview in each
of Party branches voting with a weight of 50% case before a recommendation is made to the
and affiliated branches voting with a weight of NEC.
50% indicate that they do not wish a selection
B. If the NEC is satisfied that there is prima facie
to take place, the MP will, subject to NEC
evidence of a breach of rules by an individual,
endorsement, be selected as that CLP’s
the NEC shall have the right after such
prospective parliamentary candidate.
investigations and interviews with the individual
as the NEC shall consider reasonably
Chapter 5
Selections, rights and responsibilities of candidates for elected public office Page 34
practicable and appropriate to decline to iii. A “5 person panel” is a panel to shortlist
endorse or, where already endorsed, rescind candidates for selection (‘the shortlisting
endorsement of such individual as a panel’). No selection arrangements,
prospective parliamentary candidate. shortlisting of candidates or selection of
candidates may be undertaken under
9. A CLP, having completed the selection of its
Chapter 5, Clause IV.12 above unless the
prospective parliamentary candidate according to
NEC has reviewed the composition of the
these rules, shall accept responsibility for the
shortlisting panel and expressly certified
election expenses of the candidate so selected.
that, in the NEC’s opinion, the shortlisting
Acceptance of such financial responsibility shall
panel members’ appointment to the
become binding on the CLP concerned upon NEC
shortlisting panel conforms to the Party’s
endorsement of the candidature.
obligations under the Equality Act 2010
10. The normal procedure may be dispensed with by and is compliant with section 104(3) of
the NEC where no valid nominations are received, the Equality Act 2010.
or when an emergency arises, or when the NEC
iv. The shortlisting panel shall promptly
are of the opinion that the interests of the Party
notify the NEC of any members that it
would be best served by the suspension of the
shortlists and shall do so in any event
procedures issued by the NEC.
before the shortlist is sent to members
11. Disputes arising out of the selection procedure of the local Party concerned.
shall be considered by an officer appointed by
v. The powers of the shortlisting panel are
the NEC who shall report to them. The NEC’s
subject to the NEC’s powers in Chapter 5
decision on that report shall be final and binding
of the Rule Book.
on all parties for all purposes.
13. Any exceptions to rules 1-11 above can only be
12. This clause shall have effect subject to Chapter 5,
made with the approval of the NEC or an officer
Clause IV.12.A below. In the event of a by-
exercising the powers given to them by the NEC.
election, snap election or any other Parliamentary
selection where there is insufficient time for a
normal selection process, a five person panel Clause V.
shall be formed to undertake the shortlisting, Selection of Candidates for devolved
comprised of three representatives of the CLP to
institutions
be appointed by the CLP Executive, one
representative of the REC to be appointed by the 1. With respect to selections for candidates for the
Chair and Vice-Chairs of that REC, and one NEC Members of the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments,
member. The composition of the panel shall take the Scottish and Welsh Executive Committees
into account equalities considerations. A shall draw up a detailed procedural document,
minimum of one week shall be allowed between based on principles detailed in Clause I and
shortlisting and the hustings and vote. Where Clause IV above.
there is insufficient time for a hustings and vote,
2. The NEC shall also draw up detailed procedural
the selection should be made by the
guidance with respect to selections for the
Constituency Executive Committee from the
Greater London Authority or other such regional
shortlist approved by the aforementioned panel
body in England, based on principles detailed in
following interviews.
Clause I above. Regional selections boards,
A. In any application of Chapter 5, Clause IV.12 representative of the given area and reflecting a
above, and for the purposes of that clause: balance of CLPs and affiliates will administer the
process. Regional/ national bodies must agree
i. “insufficient time” means where the NEC,
their procedures and timetable with a designated
in its opinion, determines that there is
officer approved by the NEC.
insufficient time for a full local selection
process, or some other selection process 3. The NEC, Scottish Executive Committee and
defined by the NEC under its general Welsh Executive Committee shall also draw up
powers, to take place. detailed procedural guidance with respect to
selections for directly elected leaders of regional
ii. A “normal selection process” is one that
administrations and local authorities based on
is undertaken pursuant to a specific
principles detailed in Clause I above. Regional (or
provision of Chapter 5 of the Rule Book,
Scottish or Welsh) selections board,
or pursuant to the NEC’s general powers
representative of the given area and reflecting a
to regulate selection procedures under
balance of CLPs and affiliates, will also administer
the Party’s rules.
these processes.
Chapter 5
Selections, rights and responsibilities of candidates for elected public office Page 35
4. Any exceptions to rules 1–3 above can only be
made with the approval of the NEC or an officer
exercising the powers given to them by the NEC.
Chapter 5
Selections, rights and responsibilities of candidates for elected public office Page 36
Chapter 6
Disciplinary Sub-Committee or a duly
authorised representative of the NEC may
instruct the General Secretary or other
Disciplinary rules national officer to formulate charges
against the member and to present such
charges to the ICB or NCC for
Clause I. determination in accordance with their
National action by the Party applicable procedures.
1. The NEC shall take such disciplinary measures as iii. The NEC may issue written warnings to
it deems necessary to ensure that all Party any member of the Party if it considers
members and officers conform to the that circumstances exist which might
constitution, rules and standing orders of the warrant the exercise of its disciplinary
Party. Such powers shall include: powers under this chapter. Written
warnings issued under this sub-clause may
A. The General Secretary or other national
be recorded on a member’s membership
officer of the Party shall investigate the
file for a fixed period of months specified
conduct of any member of the Party if there by the NEC during which period the fact of
are reasonable grounds to suspect that the
the warning and the conduct to which the
member has breached the constitution, rules
warning relates may be taken into account
and standing orders of the Party or any NEC by the NEC, the ICB and the NCC in any
Codes of Conduct.
and all subsequent exercise of their
B. In relation to any alleged breach of the disciplinary powers or their powers to
constitution, rules or standing orders of the approve or endorse members for selection
Party by an individual member or members of as Party candidates.
the Party, the NEC may, pending the final
iv. The NEC or a sub-panel of its Complaints
outcome of any investigation and charges (if and Disciplinary Sub-Committee or a duly
any), suspend that individual or individuals
authorised representative of the NEC may
from office or representation of the Party
refer any disciplinary matter to the ICB or
notwithstanding the fact that the individual
the NCC in circumstances where:
concerned has been or may be eligible to be
selected as a candidate in any election or by- a. The NEC is unable to adjudicate on the
election. matter due to a conflict of interest or a
real risk of apparent bias; or
C. Upon the conclusion of any investigation
under Chapter 6, Clause I.1, the General b. The NEC has made a finding that a
Secretary or other national officer shall report member has breached the constitution,
to the NEC on such investigation. rules and standing orders of the Party
and the NEC is unable to decide upon
D. Upon the submission of an investigation
an appropriate sanction to impose; or
report to the NEC pursuant to Chapter 6,
Clause 1.I.C: c. The NEC, in its opinion, is unable to
make a finding of fact on the evidence
i. Subject to Chapter 6, Clause I.1.E, the NEC
that is available to the NEC or its
or a sub-panel of the NEC Complaints and
committees or sub-panels thereof.
Disciplinary Sub-Committee may exercise
its powers under Chapter 1, Clause E. The NEC or a sub-panel of its Complaints and
VIII.3.A.iii in relation to any alleged conduct Disciplinary Sub-Committee may exercise its
or behaviour by a member that in the powers under Chapter 1, Clause VIII.3.A.iii only
NEC’s opinion may reasonably be seen to if the following conditions are satisfied:
demonstrate hostility or prejudice based i. The proposed charge and all evidence to
on age, disability, gender reassignment,
be relied upon have been put to the
gender identity, marriage and civil
individual member or members under
partnership, pregnancy and maternity, investigation;
race, religion or belief, sex or sexual
orientation. ii. The member or members under
investigation have been given a
ii. In relation to any alleged conduct or reasonable opportunity to submit any
behaviour by a member to which Chapter
evidence and make any representations in
6, Clause I.1.D does not apply, the NEC or a response to the proposed charge;
sub-panel of the NEC Complaints and
Chapter 6
Disciplinary rules Page 37
iii. There is sufficient evidence in Chapter 6. Clause I.1.D.i may appeal against
documentary or other recorded form to the expulsion or suspension. Any appeal
reasonably conclude that the charge is under this sub-clause shall be considered
proven and justify the sanction proposed; pursuant to Chapter 1, Clause XI, save that the
Party may decline to consider any appeal that
iv. The evidence relied upon is sufficient to
does not comply with the following
conclude that the charge is proven and
requirements:
justify the sanction imposed without the
reasonable need for witness evidence; i. The appeal must be made to the ICB care
of the General Secretary within 14 days of
v. There is no other compelling reason to
the date on which the NEC sends the
determine the matter by an oral hearing;
member notice of its decision to expel or
and
suspend the member.
vi. No member of the panel taking the
ii. The appeal must be made on the grounds
decision has been involved in the conduct
that one or any of the conditions in
of the investigation or making of
Chapter 6, Clause I.1.E were not met in the
recommendations as a result of the
exercise of the NEC’s power to expel or
investigation.
suspend the member.
F. The NEC may require any member against
iii. The appeal must be made by the member
whom a disciplinary sanction or warning is
who is subject to the NEC’s decision to
imposed to complete a course of equality and
expel or suspend him or her or in the
diversity training in accordance with this sub-
alternative by a nominated representative
clause:
of that member.
i. The NEC may issue mandatory guidance to
I. The NEC shall adopt, and may from time to
which all members and units of the Party
time amend, procedural guidelines for
must adhere about the content, delivery of
disciplinary matters under Chapter 6. Those
and participation in any training under this
procedural guidelines must be followed by all
rule.
members and units of the Party.
ii. The NEC may require members to
2. When a person applies for re-admission to the
complete any training under Chapter 6,
Party following an expulsion by the NCC on
Clause I.1.F within a specified period of
whatever basis or by automatic exclusion under
time or by a certain date (‘the Specified
Chapter 2.4 above of the membership rules, the
Period’). The NEC may suspend any
application shall be submitted to the NEC for
member who fails to complete such
consideration and decision. Subject to the
training within the Specified Period in
provisions of guidance issued by the NEC, such
which case that member shall only be
applications shall not normally be considered by
suspended from the day after the expiry of
the NEC until a minimum of five years has
the Specified Period until the day on which
elapsed. The decision of the NEC shall be binding
the Party receives evidence confirming the
on the individual concerned and on the CLP
completion of the training.
relevant to the application.
G. In relation to any alleged breach of Labour
3. A ‘suspension’ of a member, whether an
group rules and standing orders by a group
administrative suspension by the NEC or by the
member or members, the NEC may, pending
NEC or NCC in imposing a disciplinary penalty,
the final outcome of any investigation and
shall comply with this clause:
charges (if any), suspend that individual or
individuals from the group in question. The A. Subject to paragraph D below, the NEC or the
General Secretary or other national officer NCC may suspend any or all of a member’s
shall investigate and report to the NEC on membership rights under these rules
such investigation. Upon such report being including his or her rights to attend Party
submitted, the NEC may instruct the General meetings, to stand in internal elections or
Secretary or other national officer to selections at any level, to represent the Party
formulate charges against the individual or at any level as a publicly elected
individuals concerned and present such representative or otherwise, and to vote or
charges to the NCC for determination in participate in any ballots of individual
accordance with their rules. members as may be prescribed by the NEC.
H. A member of the Party who is expelled or B. Unless the NEC expressly decides and states
suspended from the Party pursuant to otherwise, any suspension of a member shall
Chapter 6
Disciplinary rules Page 38
be a suspension of all of his or her which shall decide whether to authorise the
membership rights under these rules. recommended investigation.
C. Subject to Chapter 6, Clauses I.3.A. and B D. Where there is not an Executive Committee in
above, a suspended member shall not be place within the CLP, the matter shall be
eligible to seek any office in the Party, nor referred direct to the General Meeting which
shall s/he be eligible for nomination to any shall decide by resolution whether the
panel of prospective candidates. complaint calls for investigation.
D. In the case of a member who is subject to an E. Any person proposed to be the subject of
administrative suspension pursuant to these such an investigation shall reside or be
rules, the membership rights of the individual registered as an elector within the
member concerned will be confined to constituency or shall have been resident or
participation in such ballots of all individual registered as an elector within the
members as may be prescribed by the NEC. constituency at the time of the actions subject
to complaint. If that person is a member of
4. The NEC may issue guidance setting out
the General Meeting and/or Executive
principles of good practice to be followed by the
Committee s/he shall have full rights to
NEC or any committee therefor in the
participate and vote in the meetings of the
determination of disciplinary decisions.
committee of which s/he is a member when
5. The Party will be permitted to share appropriate this matter is considered.
information in respect of any disciplinary
F. The secretary shall immediately following any
measures undertaken in respect of a Party
such resolution contact the regional office of
member pursuant to Chapters 1, 2, 6 and/or 13
the Party to ensure the correct
to the extent relevant to the interests of either
implementation of the disciplinary procedures
the Party or the Co-operative Party, provided that
at all stages, including the formulation of any
appropriate data sharing agreements and/or data
charges.
processing agreements have been entered into
between both the Party and the Co-operative G. Where the General Meeting so authorises an
Party. investigation the Executive Committee shall
appoint three of its members to act as
Clause II. investigators. The investigators may be agreed
by the original Executive Committee meeting,
Action by CLPs subject to subsequent endorsement by the
1. It shall be the duty of the General Meeting of a General Meeting. None of these investigators
CLP to take all necessary steps to enforce the shall be a party to or a subject of the original
constitution, standing orders and rules of the complaint.
Party within its constituency and to safeguard the H. The investigators shall conduct their
programme, policy and principles of the Party investigation of the complaint(s) or
within its constituency. A CLP shall take such allegation(s) in such a manner as they see fit,
action as it deems necessary for such purposes in including the receipt of written evidence from
accordance with the following provisions: the complainant(s), those complained against
A. Any complaint or allegation made of breach of and from other Party members.
the constitution, rules or standing orders of I. The investigators shall decide whether or not
the Party shall be made in writing to the a prima facie case can be made out and, if so,
secretary of the CLP either by a Party branch shall formulate a charge or charges and shall
or by an organisation affiliated to that Party, report to the General Meeting. Their report to
or by a member of the CLP. Such complaint or the General Meeting shall be limited to
allegation shall state that the complainant whether they have found a prima facie case
wishes disciplinary action to be considered. and, if so, the proposed charge or charges.
B. Upon such complaint being made, the The charge must specify which rule(s) of the
secretary shall refer it to the Executive Party have been breached. The General
Committee of the CLP who shall decide by Meeting shall decide at this stage which of the
resolution whether the complaint calls for proposed charges, if any, are to be preferred.
investigation. J. None of the investigators shall participate in
C. Any resolution of the Executive Committee or vote at the General Meeting at this stage,
shall be reported to the General Meeting except that one member of the investigating
team only shall present the report of the
Chapter 6
Disciplinary rules Page 39
investigators and answer questions thereon office of the Party to advise or assist the CLP
but still not vote. or any branch, affiliated organisation or
member involved.
K. If the General Meeting decides that a charge
or charges should be preferred, it shall O. Procedural guidelines in disciplinary cases
instruct the investigators to prefer these brought before the NCC is appendix 6 at the
charges and accompanying evidence together rear of the Party’s Rule Book, or can be
with, if so decided, a recommendation for obtained from the Governance and Legal Unit
disciplinary action. The investigators shall at Head Office. The investigation team should
appoint one of their number to act as ‘the familiarise itself with the content of the
presenter’ of the case which shall be preferred document before commencing their
to the NCC of the Party for determination. All investigation.
the evidence and documentation to be relied
2. The NEC may, at any time before the 2020 Party
on in presenting the case must accompany
Conference, by resolution amend this Clause to:
the charges to be preferred.
i. Provide that a CLP may, or may not, refer
L. The charges shall be forwarded to the
charges to the NCC in relation to matters of
secretary of the NCC at the Head Office of the
a specified description;
Party who shall liaise with the presenter and
the chair of the NCC to arrange for the case to ii. Vary any of the procedures set out in sub-
be brought before the committee or a panel clause 1 above.
thereof and for dates and venues for a
hearing if appropriate. The NCC shall
determine the charges, by hearing or
otherwise and having regard to their
procedural guidelines. The decision of the
NCC as to whether in its opinion there is a
case to answer, or whether in its opinion the
charges are proved or not proved, and any
disciplinary action to be imposed shall be
final.
Chapter 6
Disciplinary rules Page 40
Rules for units of
Party organisation
Chapter 7
produced by the NEC. The constitution of the
Party places an obligation on CLPs to work in
pursuit of our aims with trade unions, co-
Rules for CLPs operative societies and other affiliated
organisations, and it must consult its members,
To be read in conjunction with the appendices to elected representatives, affiliated organisations,
these rules and with particular regard to the conduct and, where practicable, the wider community in
of meetings contained therein. which it is based on policy making initiatives
which are to be forwarded for consideration as
Clause I. part of the national policy making process.
Name
Clause III.
1. The { } Constituency Labour Party, hereinafter
Affiliated organisations
named ‘this CLP’
1. Organisations may affiliate to the Party at
Clause II. constituency level if they fall within the following
categories:
Aims and values
A. trade unions or branches thereof affiliated to
1. National
the Trades Union Congress or considered by
A. The aims and values of the Labour Party as the NEC to be bona fide trade unions affiliated
outlined in Chapter 1 Clause IV above shall to the Party nationally. Where provided by the
apply to this CLP. structure of an affiliated organisation, sub-
sections of branches, retired member
2. Constituency
sections/associations may affiliate separately at
A. To unite the forces of Labour within the the discretion of the RD(GS) of the Party in
constituency and to ensure the establishment agreement with the appropriate authority of
of, and to keep in active operation an the affiliated trade union
appropriate organisation and structure, which
B. co-operative societies, branches of the
shall normally include branches, as approved by
Cooperative Party and other co-operative
the NEC.
organisations
B. To secure the return of Labour representatives
C. branches of those socialist societies affiliated to
to Parliament and local government bodies, by
the Party nationally
promoting the policies and principles of the
Party throughout the constituency with a view D. other organisations or branches thereof which
to increasing the Party’s influence within the in the opinion of the NEC are deemed eligible
local community and securing support and for affiliation.
membership from it.
2. Each affiliated organisation must: accept the
C. To promote the policies of the Party within the programme, principles and policy of the Party;
constituency by formulating a development agree to conform to the constitution, rules and
action plan for the Party in the area and to standing orders of the Party; have members who
ensure its adoption and implementation by all are registered as electors within the constituency.
Party units.
C. the Co-operative Party in accordance with the E. In addition this CLP may propose new methods
agreement between the Labour Party and the of organisation to the RD(GS). The General
Co-operative Union Limited currently in force Meeting may seek approval from the NEC to
pilot new methods of organisation to meet its
D. all affiliation fees shall be paid not later than 31
objectives as part of an agreed development
December of the relevant year.
plan that continues to meet this CLP’s
constitutional obligations.
Clause V.
F. Any method of organisation shall generally
Individual membership include branches on such basis as decided by
1. The conditions of membership for, method of the General Meeting and approved by the NEC.
enrolment of, and level of subscription payable Branch boundaries shall as far as possible
by individual members of the Party within this follow local government boundaries.
constituency shall be as laid down in the G. A branch established in accordance with this
membership rules of the Party in Chapter 2 . rule shall consist only of those individual
2. The constitutional rights of individual members members of the Party within this CLP who
of the Party within this constituency shall operate reside and are registered as electors within the
only where they are registered as electors and area covered by the branch or, exceptionally if
reside or, exceptionally if they are not eligible to they are not eligible to be registered to vote, in
be registered to vote, in which they reside only. which they reside only.
3. Women members in this CLP shall, if they so H. Branches shall operate in accordance with the
desire, be organised into a Women’s Branch rules for Party branches and any other
acting in accordance with Chapter 10. regulations approved by the NEC. In particular,
a branch shall maintain the necessary
4. Individual members of the Party between14 years machinery for elections within its area. A
and 26 years of age inclusive shall, if they so branch may undertake other activities to
desire, be organised in branches of Young Labour
promote the Party in its area and the
acting in accordance with Chapter 11 (A) involvement of its individual members in line
with the development action plan agreed for
Clause VI. this CLP. The public activities of a branch shall
Method of organisation be approved by the Executive Committee of this
CLP.
1. General
I. Where the General Meeting considers it
A. The CLP may adopt any method of organisation desirable there may be established a
currently approved by the NEC. coordinating organisation covering more than
B. Methods of organisation include delegate one branch subject to the approval of the
structures and structures based on ‘all member regional office.
meetings’. 2. There may be established workplace branches
C. Any proposal to change from an all member covering one or more CLPs, acting in accordance
meeting to a delegate method of organisation with rules sanctioned by the NEC.
or vice versa may only be initiated by resolution 3. There may be established a Women’s Branch to
of a Party unit or affiliate branch. Upon receipt co-ordinate work among women members,
of such a proposal the CLP Secretary shall acting in accordance with the rules for Women’s
declare the next-but-one scheduled meeting to Branches and any other regulations approved by
be a special all member meeting, which shall the NEC and on boundaries approved by the NEC.
decide by a simple majority whether to adopt
the proposed new method of organisation. The 4. There may be established a BAME Branch to co-
NEC may make guidelines setting out limits on ordinate work among BAME members, acting in
the frequency at which CLPs may be asked to accordance with the rules for BAME Branches
initiate this process and on the minimum and any other regulations approved by the NEC
requirements for consultation with local and on boundaries approved by the NEC.
affiliates. 5. Multiple constituency CLPs
Chapter 7
Rules for CLPs Page 43
A. There may be established CLPs which cover A. The Campaign Committee will comprise
multiple Westminster parliamentary campaign organisers and other members as
constituencies, or Scottish parliamentary appropriate. The chair and treasurer of this CLP
constituencies. and the Member of Parliament and/ or the
parliamentary candidate and the parliamentary
B. The NEC will continue to recognise the
agent, shall be ex-officio members of the
component single constituency CLPs for the
Campaign Committee.
purposes for which this is appropriate;
including but not limited to the allocation of B. The Campaign Committee shall elect a
conference delegates, the submission of campaign co-ordinator who shall: co-ordinate
motions and constitutional amendments to constituency-wide campaigns; liaise with Head
conferences and the selection of candidates. Office and either Scottish Labour, Welsh Labour
Only members who are registered as members or their English regional office and with
within the appropriate electoral boundaries affiliated organisations, as the case may be, in
shall take part in any CLP business which the promotion of the Party’s campaigns; and
involves such boundaries. liaise with other election agents as appropriate
over the election campaign strategy for
C. Any change from single constituency CLPs to
elections and referenda taking place wholly or
multiple constituency CLP or vice versa must be
partly within the area of this CLP.
agreed by the NEC in advance of any resolution
being tabled. NEC approval will only be given C. Where the campaign co-ordinator is not the
when it is satisfied sufficient consultation has election agent, the Campaign Committee shall
been undertaken with affected Party branches ensure that an election agent is appointed to be
and affiliates. responsible for all local elections within the
area of this CLP. Agents shall liaise with other
D. Where two or more single constituency CLPs
agents within the local authority area in order
wish to merge, a resolution must be carried at
to ensure a unified and co-ordinated campaign.
each individual General Meeting by a simple
For national elections, the committee should
majority.
seek to appoint an election agent at the earliest
E. An existing multiple constituency CLP shall opportunity in consultation with the
divide into component constituencies should a prospective candidate and appropriate RD(GS)
resolution be carried by a simple majority at a and this appointment shall be subject to the
General Meeting. approval of the NEC. Any member not
otherwise disbarred from being an election
F. Where a multiple constituency CLP is to divide
agent may be considered for appointment.
into single constituency CLPs, its assets shall be
divided in proportion with the membership of
its successor CLPs at a date to be defined by the Clause VII.
NEC. Management
G. Once a reorganisation has been agreed, no 1. The management of this CLP shall be in the
further changes shall be approved for a period hands of the General Meeting. The decisions of
of 12 months. the General Meeting shall be put into effect by an
H. Any dispute arising as to the margining or Executive Committee which shall be appointed by
division of CLPs shall be referred to the NEC, and report to an Annual General Meeting of this
whose decision shall be final. CLP and to other such meetings as required by
the CLP rules and procedures.
6. CLP Executive Committees shall provide a written
record of decisions to the CLP General Meeting 2. This CLP adopts the rules and procedures for
for approval. Standing orders for CLPs shall be CLPs and branches set out in the appendix to
published on an electronic platform provided by these rules and such amendments thereto as
the Party. may be agreed by Party conference or made by
the NEC in accordance with the powers conferred
7. There may be established other such forums upon it under Chapter 1, Clause XII of the
among common interests groups acting in constitutional rules. This CLP shall have power to
accordance with the rules for these forums and make changes to these rules, subject to the
any other regulations approved by the NEC and specific prior approval in writing of the NEC,
on boundaries approved by the NEC. Scottish or Welsh Executive Committees and
8. There shall be established a Campaign providing that such changes do not contravene
Committee to co-ordinate the public activity of the spirit and intention of the rules as adopted by
this CLP. Party conference or alter the Party objects, basis
Chapter 7
Rules for CLPs Page 44
or conditions of affiliated and individual meeting financial and other obligations in respect
membership, or vary the procedure for the of such employees shall be borne by this CLP.
selection of parliamentary candidates (other than
as provided for in the rules) or effect a change in Clause VIII.
the relationship of this CLP with the national
Party.
Officers
3. The General Meeting shall, but only with the 1. The officers of this CLP, the Executive Committee,
specific prior approval in writing of the NEC, have and two auditors shall be elected at the annual
the power to enter into property-related general meeting of this CLP and shall continue in
transactions on behalf of the CLP. Such power office until replaced or re-appointed.
may also be exercised by the Executive 2. The Executive Officers of this CLP shall be; chair,
Committee, or by officers of the General Meeting, vice-chair, vice-chair/membership, secretary,
if so authorised by the General Meeting. treasurer, policy officer, women’s officer/women’s
A. NEC approval will be conditional in all cases branch secretary (where established), BAME
officer/BAME branch secretary (where
upon legal title to the property being vested in
established), disability officer/disabled members
Labour Party Nominees Limited as Trustee for
the relevant Constituency Labour Party or in branch secretary (where established), LGBT+
officer/LGBT+ branch secretary (where
such other Trustee for the relevant
established), youth officer/Young Labour branch
Constituency Labour Party as the NEC may
appoint. secretary (where established), trade union liaison
officer (where established, who shall be a
B. The General Meeting and the Executive member of a trade union in accordance with
Committee shall procure that all legal title to Chapter 2 Clause I.6.B above), political education
property leasehold and freehold presently held and training officer (where established),
for this CLP shall forthwith be transferred to communications and social media officer (where
Labour Party Nominees Limited to be held by it established). At least three of the first six officers
as Trustee for the relevant Constituency Labour listed above, as well as at least half of the total
Party upon the standard terms of Trust from number of officers, must be women. This CLP
time to time approved by the NEC. may, with the approval of the NEC add other
C. Every CLP and BLP of the Party and as a pre- Executive Officer posts drawn from amongst its
condition to continued membership thereto Coordinator roles subject to the gender quota
shall with effect from forthwith do and execute being amended appropriately.
such acts and deeds to transfer the beneficial 3. Where a CLP has an equalities branch set up, the
ownership of their respective freehold and Secretary of each branch shall replace the
leasehold properties legal title to which is relevant officer. In instances where the equalities
presently held either by individuals or by branch crosses CLP boundaries, the relevant
Labour Party Nominees Limited to and for the branch will elect a representative from amongst
benefit of The Labour Party subject only to the the branch members residing in that CLP.
CLPs’ and BLPs’ existing rights of occupation
thereof and to their continued receipt of all 4. The Chair shall also be the deputy treasurer to be
rents and profits there from and the right to notified to the Electoral Commission. In
license and to lease the said properties from exceptional circumstances, and with the prior
time to time subject to the prior written consent approval of the General Secretary, a different
of The NEC but subject to the CLPs’ and BLPs’ person may be appointed.
continuing respective obligations in respect of 5. In addition this CLP may elect coordinators to
any borrowings secured on such properties. lead on specific areas of responsibility including
(Note- For clarity this rule is repeated in rules community involvement, membership
for branches) recruitment and retention, fundraising,
4. The General Meeting shall, but only with the information technology etc. These coordinators
specific prior approval in writing of the NEC and shall be encouraged to attend Executive
on such terms and conditions as shall be Committee Meetings to report on their work and
approved by the NEC, have the power to employ share expertise with colleagues but shall not be
staff on behalf of the CLP. Such power may also voting members unless elected to the Executive
be exercised by the Executive Committee or by Committee as individuals
officers of the General Meeting if so authorised 6. The team of officers and coordinators, together
by the General Meeting. In all such with the parliamentary candidate and/or Member
circumstances, the primary responsibility for of Parliament and the campaign coordinator,
Chapter 7
Rules for CLPs Page 45
shall provide a strategic lead for the development A. The annual meeting of this CLP shall be held in {
of the Party in the constituency. } of each year or, in the event of such meeting
not being held in that month for any reason, as
7. The Executive Committee shall consist of the
soon thereafter as possible. The annual
Executive Officers, branch secretaries or other
meeting should not normally be held before
representatives elected by each branch and { }
May in any year.
members upon such proportionate basis of the
whole membership as this CLP may decide, B. Affiliation fees due to this CLP for the previous
subject to the approval of the NEC. year ended 31 December must have been paid
to this CLP a clear 35 days before the date of
8. The parliamentary election agent may also attend
the annual meeting.
Executive Committee meetings.
C. New affiliations accepted at least 60 days
9. Where a constituency plan agreement has been
prior to the AGM in the current year shall have
entered into by this CLP and an organisation
all rights associated with attendance at the
affiliated to the Party nationally and approved by
AGM.
the NEC, the affiliated organisation concerned
may appoint a member of this CLP to the D. Twenty eight days’ notice of an annual meeting
Executive Committee to represent their interest: shall be given to all eligible affiliated
this member shall be an ex-officio member with organisations and Party units.
voting powers of both executive and General
E. Seven days’ notice of an annual meeting shall
Meetings.
be given to voting members entitled to attend.
10. The Executive Committee shall meet as required
2. Special Meetings
and be responsible for reviewing the
implementation of the development action plan A. Special General Meetings may be called at the
and supervising the work of the branches and discretion of the Executive Committee and shall
other Party units in the constituency. The be called on the written request of at least one
Executive Committee shall also deal with as much third of the affiliated organisations and Party
of the routine business of this CLP as possible to units which are or would be entitled to send
ensure that the General Meeting can devote its delegates to this CLP under a delegate
time to the discussion of policy and Party structure.
objectives for the constituency.
B. Seven days’ notice of a special meeting shall be
11. The treasurer shall be responsible for ensuring given to voting members entitled to attend
this CLP meets its legal and financial except in cases of emergency, when only
responsibilities under the Political Parties, business of immediate importance shall be
Elections and Referendums Act 2000 in respect of transacted.
donation reporting, the filing of accounts and, if
3. Ordinary General Meetings shall be held at such
applicable, the auditing of accounts, and shall be
intervals as laid down in the standing orders of
the registered treasurer of the accounting unit, as
this CLP or as may be determined by resolution
notified by Party Head Office to the Electoral
of the General Meeting, subject to a requirement
Commission.
that all members of the CLP must be given the
12. This CLP Secretary shall notify Party Head Office opportunity to attend at least 8 meetings per
immediately in the event of the resignation or year, including at least 2 policy meetings.
replacement of the treasurer or the deputy
4. Seven days’ notice of General Meetings shall be
treasurer, so that the Party can meet its statutory
given to voting members entitled to attend.
responsibility to inform the Electoral Commission
of any such changes. 5. A notice calling an annual, special or ordinary
General Meeting shall state as far as possible the
13. It shall be a requirement of their office that the
business to be transacted.
treasurer and the parliamentary election agent
undertake such training as deemed desirable by 6. Any notice required to be given under these rules
the NEC. shall be in writing which may include electronic
communication. Notices to be sent to affiliated
Clause IX. organisations and Party units shall be addressed
to the secretary thereof.
The General Meeting
7. Finance
1. Annual Meetings
A. Following each annual meeting of this CLP the
secretary shall forward to the General Secretary
Chapter 7
Rules for CLPs Page 46
a copy of this CLP’s constituency annual report, 2. The General Meeting shall be responsible for
including the annual statement of accounts and establishing objectives for this CLP in the
such other information as may be requested by constituency through political debate and policy
the NEC in the format required and in discussion, setting targets for development of
compliance with this CLP’s legal and financial CLP organisation and campaigning in the area
responsibilities under the Political Parties, and promoting links with the wider community.
Elections and Referendums Act 2000.
3. In particular this CLP is required to submit in the
B. Where required by PPERA 2000, the annual fourth quarter of each year a development plan
statement of accounts must be presented to in a format approved by the NEC for the
and approved by a general meeting in the first constituency for the coming year. The plan shall
quarter of the year following the year in be submitted to the appropriate regional office
question. The annual statement of accounts (or Scottish or Welsh national office).
must be forwarded to the Electoral Commission
4. It shall be the duty of the General Meeting of this
by 30 April of the year following the year in
CLP to ensure that at least 50 per cent of their
question.
delegates to other Party bodies (where delegate
entitlement is more than one) shall be women.
Clause X.
5. This CLP and units of this CLP shall not enter into
The Party Conference affiliation with or give support, financially or
1. Subject to the conditions laid down in the rules of otherwise, to any political party or organisation
Party conference and the constitutional rules of (or ancillary or subsidiary body thereto) without
the Party, this CLP may appoint to any Party the prior permission of the NEC. Nor shall they
conference convened under Clause VI of the give any such support to individuals ineligible for
constitutional rules of the Party, one delegate for membership of the Party.
the first 749 eligible members, or part thereof, 6. This CLP shall co-operate with the NEC of the
and a further delegate for each additional 250 Party in conducting a ballot of all eligible
eligible members, or part thereof. Eligible individual members for the selection of
members shall be defined as those listed by the parliamentary candidates, the election of the
Party as members of this CLP at 31 December in leader and deputy leader of the Party, the
the previous year. national treasurer and auditors, and the
2. When appointing their delegate(s) this CLP shall appropriate sections of the NEC, and NCC. Such
seek to increase the representation of women at ballots to be conducted in accordance with
conference, by ensuring that at least every guidelines laid down by the NEC and subject to
second delegate shall be a woman; where only the provisions of Chapter 4.
one delegate is appointed this must be a woman 7. In the event of this CLP being dissolved or ceasing
at least in every other year. to exist for any reason, its assets (after payment
3. Where the individual women’s membership of outstanding liabilities) shall be transferred to
within this CLP is 100 or more, an additional the NEC of the Party.
woman delegate may be appointed. 8. This CLP shall co-operate fully with the NEC in
4. Where the individual Young Labour membership respect of its legal and financial obligations under
within this CLP is 30 or more, an additional the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums
delegate under the age of 27 may be appointed. Act 2000. Should this CLP fail to co-operate with
the Party with regard to its obligations under the
5. This CLP may appoint a delegate in addition to its Act, the NEC will not hesitate to take appropriate
above entitlement if one of its duly appointed disciplinary action against individual members
delegates is the national treasurer, a member of and/or suspend this CLP.
the NEC, member of the Conference
Arrangements Committee, or a member of the
NCC due for re-election that year. Clause XII.
Disciplinary
Clause XI. 1. It shall be the duty of the General Meeting of this
Duties of the General Meeting CLP to take all necessary steps to enforce the
constitution, standing orders and rules of the
1. The general provisions of the constitution, rules Party within this constituency and to safeguard
and standing orders of the Party shall apply to the programme, policy and principles of the Party
this CLP and the General Meeting has a duty to within this constituency. This CLP shall take such
act within and uphold such provisions.
Chapter 7
Rules for CLPs Page 47
action as it deems necessary for such purposes in
accordance with the provisions laid out in the
disciplinary rules, contained in Chapter 6 above.
Clause XIII.
Parliamentary candidates
1. The Party’s parliamentary candidate for this
constituency shall be selected in accordance with
the rules for selection of parliamentary
candidates laid down in Chapter 5 and in the
selection guidelines appended thereto, along
with any other regulations approved by the NEC.
Clause XIV.
Local government candidates
1. Local government candidates shall be selected in
accordance with the rules for selection of local
government candidates laid down in Chapter 5
and in the selection guidelines appended thereto
along with any other regulations approved by the
NEC.
Clause XV.
Amendment to rules
1. These rules, or any part thereof, may be
amended, altered or additions made thereto by
resolution carried at an Annual General Meeting
or special meeting by a vote of two thirds of
delegates present, subject to the approval of the
NEC under Clause VII.2 above. The provisions of
the model procedural rules for Party meetings
shall apply to this CLP with such local additions
and modifications as may be approved by the
RD(GS) of the Party on behalf of the NEC.
Chapter 7
Rules for CLPs Page 48
Chapter 8 Clause IV.
Officers and Executive Committee
Rules for Branches 1. The officers of this branch shall be chair, vice
chair, secretary, treasurer and women’s officer
(where established). At least two of the officers
Clause I. shall be women. This branch shall appoint two
Name auditors and other functional officers as
required.
The { } Branch of the { } Constituency Labour Party
(this branch) 2. This branch executive shall consist of the officers
and, if required, not more than four other
Clause II. members.
2. This branch shall cover such area as may be 3. This branch shall raise and hold funds to support
decided by the CLP and approved by the NEC in activities within the objects of this branch. The
accordance with Chapter 7 Clause VI.1 above of financial year of this branch begin on 1 January
the CLP’s rules. and end on 31December. The annual accounts of
this branch shall be forwarded to the CLP
Clause III. Treasurer no later than the end of February each
year so they can be incorporated into the CLP’s
Membership Annual Statement of Accounts.
1. Membership shall consist only of those individual 4. Where the CLP requires delegates to be
members of the Party who are registered as
appointed to the General Meeting of the CLP they
electors in the area covered by this branch with
shall be elected at the annual meeting, but may
exceptionally those individual members who are be changed as necessary at subsequent ordinary
not eligible to be registered to vote but who
meetings. A minimum quota of 50 per cent
reside in the area. women shall apply to these elected delegates.
2. The conditions of membership for, method of Unless otherwise decided, the term of a General
enrolment of, and level of subscription payable Committee delegate elected at the annual
by individual members in this branch shall be as meeting shall commence at the annual general
laid down in the membership rules of the Party in meeting of the CLP.
Chapter 2.
5. Where the CLP requires delegates to be
3. A proportion of members’ subscriptions may be appointed to the General Meeting of the CLP and
allocated to this branch as determined by the CLP there are three or more members under the age
General Meeting, or by the Executive Committee of 27, this branch may appoint one of them as an
if given such delegated authority by the General additional Young Labour delegate to the CLP’s
Meeting. General Meeting.
Chapter 8
Rules for Branches Page 50
Chapter 9 (A)
General Rules for
Regional Structures
Clause I.
Rules for Regional Structures
1. Full copies of the rules and standing orders that
have been approved for each of the Regional
Executive Committees, Regional Conferences,
and other Regional Structures in England and for
the Scottish and Welsh Labour Parties shall be
published in this rule book. Such rules may not
conflict with the model rules approved by Party
conference. Where any matters are not covered
by procedural rules approved by the NEC
reference should be made to the appropriate
national guidelines (such as those for Party
Conference in Chapter 3).
Chapter 9 (A)
General Rules for Regional Structures Page 51
Chapter 9 (B)
and constitution of the Party shall from time to
time require.
Executive Committees
programme for the REC to support regional
engagement with all members, affiliates and
stakeholders, including: affiliated supporters,
and Regional women members, BAME members, disabled
members, LGBT members, Young Labour and
Conferences Labour Students within the region.
A. To assist the NEC in promoting and building the A. Constituency Labour Parties at a fixed rate of { }
Labour Party at all levels within the region. This per CLP per annum.
REC will encourage all Party organisations to
B. Trade Unions, Socialist Societies and other
build and consolidate membership of the organisations: at a rate set of { } per 1000
Labour Party, assist in the induction of new members or part thereof per annum.
members and encourage their participation in
the campaigning and policy making activities of C. The Co-operative Party branches at a rate set of
the Labour Party. { } per 1000 members or part thereof per
annum.
B. To work with local Party units, the regional and
local organising staff of the Party to secure the 2. All affiliation fees shall be paid no later than 31
election of Labour representatives at all levels December of the relevant year.
of the democratic process. Members of this REC
will undertake such work in accordance with the Clause V.
plans formulated by the National Executive
Committee.
Membership of the Regional
Executive Committee
C. To act as an Appeals and Disputes Panel to hear
constitutional appeals, to receive reports of 1. The REC shall comprise:
such appeals, and to carry out other
A. CLP representatives elected by a ballot of CLP
constitutional duties as the NEC or the rules delegates at regional conference. The CLP
Chapter 9 (B)
Rules for Regional Executive Committees and Regional Conferences Page 52
section shall contain at least 50% women. The J. 1 representative from MPs elected by the
REC shall be responsible for ensuring that the regional group of the PLP who must be a
election of CLP representatives reflects the woman at least every other term.
geography and membership of the region. The
K. In London there shall also be a GLA
size of the CLP section shall be determined by
representative elected by the Labour Group on
the size of the region and on the following
the GLA who must be a woman at least every
basis:
other term.
i. For regions with fewer than 35 Westminster
L. 1 representative from the Socialist Societies
constituencies there shall be 2 CLP
affiliated to the Regional Labour Party, elected
representatives for every 6 constituencies or
by Socialist Society delegates to regional
part thereof.
conference.
ii. For regions with 35 to 60 Westminster
2. Ex-officio members of this REC, without voting
constituencies there shall be 2 CLP
rights, shall be:
representatives for every 8 constituencies or
part thereof. A. National Policy Forum members representing
the region.
iii. For regions with more than 60 Westminster
constituencies there shall be 2 CLP B. A representative of Police and Crime
representatives for every 10 constituencies Commissioners in the region.
or part thereof.
C. The Regional Director.
B. Trade union representatives elected by trade
D. The Chair of the regional CAC.
union delegates at regional conference. The
trade union section shall contain at least 50% 3. The Chair and two Vice Chairs of this REC shall be
women. The trade union section shall make up elected by delegates to regional conference from
at least a third of the overall voting members of amongst the membership of this REC. At least
the REC. one of the Vice Chairs shall be a woman.
C. A women’s representative elected by the 4. This REC shall meet as required to transact the
regional women’s committee, or elected by business of this REC and not less than four times
delegates to regional conference if there is no a year.
active regional women’s committee.
5. The quorum for business meetings of this REC
D. A regional BAME representative elected by the shall be 33 per cent rounded up to the nearest
regional BAME committee, or elected by number of those members entitled to vote in
delegates to regional conference if there is no attendance.
active regional BAME committee.
Chapter 9 (B)
Rules for Regional Executive Committees and Regional Conferences Page 53
3. Delegations shall be established on a basis set by E. NEC endorsed prospective Parliamentary
the REC and fulfil the following criteria: candidates.
A. The voting weights of CLPs and affiliates to the F. Labour City Region {or the London} Mayor(s); or
conference should mirror Annual Conference. candidates for those positions once endorsed
by the NEC.
B. The number of delegates permitted should be
relative to the size of the nominating Party unit G. In London: Assembly Members and endorsed
or organisation. candidates for the London Assembly.
6. Qualification of delegates
Chapter 9 (B)
Rules for Regional Executive Committees and Regional Conferences Page 54
Chapter 10 Clause III.
Membership
Rules for Young 1. All individual members of the Party aged
between14 and 26 years inclusive shall be
Labour members of Young Labour.
Clause IV.
Clause I.
Structure
Establishment
1. There shall be a National Committee and an
1. Young Labour shall enjoy rights in respect of:
Executive Committee to ensure the effective
A. Annual Conference administration and organisation of Young
Labour.
B. Regional, Welsh and Scottish Conferences
2. There shall be Young Labour Local Branches
Clause II. throughout England, Scotland and Wales which
shall usually be coterminus with Constituency
Aims and values Labour Parties.
1. To help young Party members play a full and 3. There shall be a regional/Welsh/Scottish Young
active part within the Party. Labour Group for each English Region, Wales,
2. To train and politically educate young Party and Scotland. Such Groups shall produce regular
members, debate policy and decide upon reports on their work and progress to the
campaign activities. National Committee of Young Labour and to the
appropriate Regional/Welsh/Scottish Executive
3. To help young Party members organise social
Committee.
activities.
4. Young Labour shall ensure at every level close
4. To change the culture, particularly the meeting
cooperation and liaison with young trade
culture, of the Party at branch and constituency
unionists, Labour Students and young people in
level and to organise more social activities at
other affiliated organisations.
every level.
Chapter 10
Rules for Young Labour Page 55
Chapter 10 (A)
that all young members in the CLP(s) are notified
at least 14 days prior to the inaugural meeting
Young Labour Local 2. Once an inaugural meeting has taken place, the
Branch may be registered by applying to the
Branches
Young Labour National Committee via the
national Youth Officer. The member(s) shall also
contact the CLP Secretaries, relevant RD/GS and
any Youth Officers within all CLPs covered by the
Clause I.
proposed Young Labour Branch informing them
Name of the establishment of the Branch, and notifying
1. { } Young Labour them of any delegates.
Chapter 10 (A)
Young Labour Local Branches Page 56
also be members of the executive. The names Clause IX.
and addresses of the officers of the Young
Labour Branch and any subsequent changes shall General relations
be notified to Party Head Office. 1. The Young Labour Branch shall set up links with
local young trade unionists and other single-issue
Clause VII. groups whose aims and objectives are
compatible with those of the Party as decided by
Finance
the NEC. The NEC’s decision in such matters shall
1. The Young Labour Branch may raise and spend be final and binding.
its own funds if the expenditure is to further the
2. Young Labour Branches shall give reports
objectives of Young Labour as determined in
annually on their activities and any problems and
these rules and by the NEC.
difficulties they are experiencing to the National
2. The Young Labour Branch shall submit its Committee of Young Labour through the national
accounts to the appropriate RD(GS) or on request Youth Officer.
to the national Youth Officer
Clause VIII.
Relationship with constituency
parties
1. Young Labour Branches shall maintain good
relations with CLPs within their geographical
boundary. In particular, the Young Labour Branch
shall inform the CLPs within their geographical
boundary of any campaigns, activities or events
they are running, organising or assisting with.
Young Labour Branches shall also receive the co-
operation, encouragement and assistance of
branches and CLPs and their officers.
Chapter 10 (A)
Young Labour Local Branches Page 57
Chapter 10 (B)
Committee will also have four spaces reserved
for trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party
Region/Nation, at least two of whom will be
Regional/Welsh/Scotti women. Other functional officers may be elected
to lead on specific areas of responsibility, subject
sh Young Labour to at least 50% of officers being women.
Groups Clause V.
Meetings
Clause I. 1. The Executive Committee shall convene at least
one regional meeting for young members per
Name
year, at which officers shall be elected every year.
1. {} Young Labour Group Trade Unions affiliated to the Region/Nation will
be invited to participate in all meetings of the
Clause II. Young Labour Group.
Clause III.
Membership
1. All individual members of the Party aged between
14 and 26 years inclusive, who live within the
region/Wales/Scotland, shall be eligible to attend
meetings of the regional/Welsh/Scottish Group.
Clause IV.
Officers and Executive Committee
1. The officers of this committee shall be Chair,
Secretary, Membership and Campaigns Officer,
Women’s Officer, BAME Officer, Disabled
Members’ Officer, LGBT Officer, an under 18s
Officer, and a TULO officer. At least four of the
officers shall be women. The Executive
Chapter 10 (B)
Regional/Welsh/Scottish Young Labour Groups Page 58
Chapter 10 (C)
C. TEN representatives from trade unions
affiliated to the Party at least five of whom shall
be women.
Young Labour D. THREE student representatives at least two of
National Committee
whom shall be women, to be elected by an
OMOV ballot of registered and verified
members of the Labour Party.
1. To advise the NEC on the administration and F. The young members’ representative on the
NEC.
organisation of Young Labour; advise on all
matters affecting young people; advise on any G. Four equality officers (women’s, LGBT, BAME,
matters at the request of the NEC. disability).
2. To establish relations with British youth H. An under 18s representative to be elected by an
organisations whose purpose and activities are OMOV ballot.
not incompatible with membership of the Party.
I. An International Officer to be elected by an
3. To maintain good relations with the youth OMOV ballot.
organisations of sister parties and with the
J. The Chair of the Co-operative Party Youth
International Union of Socialist Youth and the
Committee.
Young European Socialists (YES).
K. The national Youth Officer shall be the
4. To present an annual report on its work to the
permanent secretary and an ex-officio member
Young Labour national conference.
of the National Committee without voting
5. To receive reports from Young Labour Branches rights.
and give guidance to Young Labour Branches so
L. ONE member of the National Policy Forum,
that they are run effectively and efficiently.
elected in line with the procedure outlined in
6. To organise teams of young members to help Clause V below.
fight by-elections and other campaigns.
3. All members of the National Committee shall
serve a term of two years.
Clause II.
Membership Clause III.
1. Regional Representatives Chair
A. ONE representative, who should be a woman at 1. The Chair of Young Labour shall be elected by an
least every other term, shall be elected from OMOV ballot of young members for a term of two
each of the Party English regions and the years and must be a woman at least every other
Scottish and Welsh Labour parties, who will also term.
serve as Chair of the appropriate
Regional/Welsh/Scottish Young Labour Group.
Clause IV.
B. This representative shall be a woman at least National Policy Forum
every other term, and half of the regions shall
elect a woman to this post the first time it is Representatives
elected, as determined by the NEC, giving 1. The young members’ representatives on the
consideration to the gender of the current post National Policy Forum shall convene a committee
holders. to promote healthy policy debate in the youth
2. The National Committee of Young Labour movement. This committee shall elect ONE
representative to be Vice Chair (policy) on the
A. The Chair of Young Labour. Young Labour National Committee and who shall
B. ONE representative, from each of the Party sit on the Young Labour National Committee.
English regions and the Scottish and Welsh
Labour parties to be elected by an OMOV ballot.
Chapter 10 (C)
Young Labour National Committee Page 59
Clause V.
Meetings
1. The National Committee of Young Labour shall
meet at least quarterly. The executive of Young
Labour shall meet as often as necessary. The
permanent secretary shall convene all meetings
of the National and Executive Committees.
Clause VI.
Finance
1. The National Committee may raise and spend its
own funds, as long as expenditure is to achieve
the objectives of Young Labour as determined in
these rules and, from time to time, by the NEC.
The permanent secretary of the National
Committee shall act as treasurer of the National
Committee. The National Committee shall submit
its accounts to the NEC annually.
Clause VII.
Conference
1. There shall be an Annual Young Labour
Conference.
Chapter 10 (C)
Young Labour National Committee Page 60
Chapter 11 Clause IV.
Amendment to rules
National Labour Party 1. Labour Party Women’s Conference shall have the
power to propose changes to these rules
Women’s (Chapter 11, 11 (A), 11(B)), providing that such
changes do not contravene the spirit and
Organisation intention of the rules as adopted by Party
conference or alter the party objects, basis or
conditions of affiliated and individual
Clause I. membership, or effect a change in relationship of
Labour Party Women’s Conference with the Party.
Aims and values
Any such proposal must secure the support of at
1. To lead political work relating to women least a two thirds majority at Labour Party
members. Women’s Conference.
2. To organise women members. 2. Rule Changes receiving a two thirds majority on a
card vote at Labour Party Women’s Conference
3. To build the Labour Party amongst women across
would, subject to agreement to timetabling by
the country.
the NEC, be tabled at the next Annual
4. To strengthen the voice and presence of women Conference. Amendments to these rules would
throughout the Labour Party. take effect once passed by Annual Conference.
Clause II.
Membership
1. All women members of the Party shall
automatically be members of the Labour Party
Women’s Organisation.
Clause III.
Structure
1. There shall be a National Labour Party Women’s
Committee to ensure the effective administration
and organisation of the Labour Party Women’s
Organisation.
Chapter 11
National Labour Party Women’s Organisation Page 61
Chapter 11 (A)
B. In order to ensure effective communication an
joint working across different parts of the Party,
the following people will be Ex Officio members
National Labour Party of the Committee:
Women’s Committee
i. Women members of the NEC
Chapter 11 (B)
Rules for Women’s Branches Page 64
meeting may also agree motions to be sent to the on committees of local organisations, as
General Meeting. magistrates, members of community health
councils, etc.
6. The Women’s branch may hold whatever
informal meetings or gatherings it sees fit to work D. take part in all forms of Party activities – in
towards meetings its aims. particular campaigns, recruitment activity, Party
committees, meetings and policy forums.
7. Ordinary meetings shall be held at such intervals
and on such notice as may be laid down in the 3. The Women’s branch shall also seek to build links
standing orders, or as determined by this with women in the community through, for
Women’s branch from time to time. Special example:
meetings may be called at the discretion of this
A. building relationships with organisations, such
Women’s branch executive or at the written
as women’s voluntary organisations, tenants’
request of 20 per cent of the members.
groups, trade unions and other organisations in
8. Notice of ordinary and special meetings shall be which women are active, through information
sent to all members a minimum of seven days in exchange, personal contact, joint meetings,
advance. events and campaigns
Chapter 11 (B)
Rules for Women’s Branches Page 65
2. The Women’s Branch shall not enter into
affiliation or give support financially or otherwise
to any political party or organisation ancillary or
subsidiary thereto declared ineligible for
affiliation to the Party by the Party conference or
by the NEC.
Chapter 11 (B)
Rules for Women’s Branches Page 66
Chapter 12
the Party who are Black Asian Minority Ethnic. Its
purpose is to guarantee effective participation,
representation and voice to those who
National Labour Party experience racism and are discriminated and
excluded on the basis of race, colour and
Black Asian Minority ethnicity.
Clause IV.
Amendment to rules
1. Labour Party Black Asian Minority Ethnic
Members Conference shall have the power to
propose changes to these rules (Chapter 12, 12
(A), 12 (B)), providing that such changes do not
contravene the spirit and intention of the rules as
adopted by Party conference or alter the party
objects, basis or conditions of affiliated and
individual membership, or effect a change in
relationship of Labour Party Black Asian Minority
Ethnic Members Conference with the Party. Any
such proposal must secure the support of at least
a two thirds majority at Labour Party National
Black Asian Minority Ethnic Members Conference.
Chapter 12
National Labour Party Black Asian Minority Ethnic Members Organisation Page 68
Chapter 12 (A)
including on matters relating to Black Asian
Minority Ethnic members and the wider work of
the Labour Party
National Labour Party 8. To set a timetable for Labour Party Black Asian
Chapter 12 (A) National Labour Party Black Asian Minority Ethnic Members’ Committee and Conference Page 69
B. In order to ensure effective communication and Officers of the Committee. At least one of the
joint working across different parts of the Party, Vice-Chairs must be a woman.
the following people will be entitled to attend
meetings of the Committee without voting Clause IV.
rights:
Meetings
i. A Black Asian Minority Ethnic frontbench
Member of Parliament, nominated by the 1. The National Labour Party Black Asian Minority
Cabinet (or Shadow Cabinet in opposition), Ethnic Members Committee shall meet at least
who must be a woman at least every other three times per year, with additional meetings to
term. be scheduled as often as necessary. This may
include additional meetings relating to the
ii. One Black Asian Minority Ethnic member National Black Asian Minority Ethnic Members
elected by each of any national Women’s, Conference.
Disabled Members or Young Labour
Committee, each of whom must be a
Clause V.
woman at least every other term.
Labour Party Black Asian Minority
iii. One Black Asian Minority Ethnic member
elected by LGBT+ Labour, who must be a Ethnic Members’ Conference
woman at least every other term. 1. There shall be an Annual Labour Party Black
iv. When in Government, the Minister or Asian and Minority Ethnic Members Conference
Secretary of State with responsibility for which shall wherever practicable be held in the
Equalities, and when in Opposition, the spring or early summer.
relevant Shadow Minister or Secretary of 2. The NEC will determine the basis for delegations
State. to the Labour Party Black Asian Minority Ethnic
v. Representatives of other groups, including Members Conference, with positive action to
Friends of and Supporter Groups, within the ensure LGBT+, disabled members or young
Labour Party may be invited to attend members as delegates, and with provisions to
meeting of the National Labour Party Black ensure gender balance. Delegates must self-
Asian Minority Ethnic Members Committee, define as Black Asian Minority Ethnic, in line with
at the discretion of the Chair, in order to other provisions in these rules.
ensure the widest engagement and diverse 3. CLPs and affiliated organisations will be entitled
representation. to send delegations to the Annual Labour Party
vi. All members of the National Labour Party Black Asian Minority Ethnic Members’
Black Asian Minority Ethnic Members Conference.
Committee shall serve a term of two years. 4. For CLPs, where established, delegates shall be
vii. Members of Parliament will only be eligible elected by Black Asian Minority Ethnic Members
to stand for the one place on the Committee branches, otherwise delegates shall be elected by
reserved for backbench members of the CLPs. Where a Black Asian Minority Ethnic
PLP, as specified in 1.a.E above, or to be Members Branch covers more than one CLP,
nominated for the non-voting place delegates shall be elected only by members of
reserved for frontbench members of the the Black Asian Minority Ethnic Members Branch
PLP as specified in 1.b.A above. Members of who are also members of the individual
Parliament will not be eligible to stand for component CLPs.
election as Chair of the Committee, or to 5. Delegates shall be appointed by affiliated trade
stand for any of the positions on the Black unions or other affiliated organisations in
Asian Minority Ethnic Members’ Conference accordance with each organisation’s rules and
Arrangements Committee. processes. This will be on the basis of one
delegate per 10,000 members or part thereof, up
Clause III. to a maximum of 25 delegates per affiliate.
Chapter 12 (A) National Labour Party Black Asian Minority Ethnic Members’ Committee and Conference Page 70
A. Affiliated organisations shall cast a vote on the all motions to a priorities ballot before or at the
basis of the number of members for whom start of conference. The ballot will be divided into
affiliation fees were paid for the year ending 31 two sections, one section for CLPs, and one
December preceding the conference in section for trade unions and other affiliated
accordance with Chapter 1 Clause II. organisations. Each section will select an equal
number of priorities to be debated at Labour
B. CLPs shall cast a vote on the basis of the actual
Party Black Asian Minority Ethnic Members
number of fully paid up members in the CLP at
Conference.
31 December preceding the conference.
12. Any standing orders and procedures for Labour
C. The balance of the two sections will be 50/50.
Party Black Asian Minority Ethnic Members
7. One motion or rule change may be submitted to Conference shall as far as practicable mirror
Labour Party Labour Party Black Asian Minority those of Annual Conference, and must be agreed
Ethnic Members Conference by each affiliated by the NEC.
organisation and CLP/Black Asian Minority Ethnic
Members Branch. Motions from CLPs/Black
Asian Minority Ethnic Members Branches shall be
submitted on the same principles outlined in
Clause VII.3 above.
Chapter 12 (A) National Labour Party Black Asian Minority Ethnic Members’ Committee and Conference Page 71
Chapter 12 (B)
3. A proportion of members’ subscriptions should
be allocated to this BAME branch as determined
by the CLP General Meeting(s), or by the
Rules for BAME Executive Committee if given such delegated
authority by the General Meeting.
Chapter 12 (B)
Rules for BAME Branches Page 72
meeting may also agree motions to be sent to the on committees of local organisations, as
General Meeting. magistrates, members of community health
councils, etc.
6. The BAME branch may hold whatever informal
meetings or gatherings it sees fit to work towards D. take part in all forms of Party activities – in
meeting its aims particular campaigns, recruitment activity, Party
committees, meetings and policy forums.
7. Ordinary meetings shall be held at such intervals
and on such notice as may be laid down in the 3. The BAME branch shall also seek to build links
standing orders, or as determined by this BAME with BAME voters in the community through, for
branch from time to time. Special meetings may example:
be called at the discretion of this BAME branch
A. building relationships with organisations, such
executive or at the written request of 20 per cent
as BAME voluntary organisations, tenants’
of the members.
groups, trade unions and other organisations in
8. Notice of ordinary and special meetings shall be which BAME voters are active, through
sent to all members a minimum of seven days in information exchange, personal contact, joint
advance. meetings, events and campaigns.
Chapter 12 (B)
Rules for BAME Branches Page 73
2. This BAME branch shall not enter into affiliation
or give support financially or otherwise to any
political party or organisation ancillary or
subsidiary thereto declared ineligible for
affiliation to the Party by the Party conference or
by the NEC.
Chapter 12 (B)
Rules for BAME Branches Page 74
Chapter 13 Clause III.
Membership
National Disabled 1. All members of the Labour Party who self-identify
as disabled shall automatically be members of
Members the Labour Party National Disabled Members
Organisation.
Organisation 2. The Labour Party will maintain appropriate
records of members who have complied with the
clause above. This will be done via the Equalities
Clause I. Monitoring form, in line with Labour Party data
Values protection procedures and requirements in law.
The Party will provide regular opportunities for
1. The Labour Party Disabled Members’
members to complete the Equalities Monitoring
Organisation exists to promote equality and
form (including at the point of joining the Party),
human rights for disabled people and to work to
in order to confirm their eligibility to participate
eliminate all forms of prejudice, harassment and
in the National Disabled Members Organisation
unfair discrimination, especially in relation to
and all its activities.
discrimination against disabled people within the
Party’s policies, practices and activities.
Clause IV.
2. The Labour Party Disabled Members’
Organisation supports the principles behind the Structure
Social Model of Disability, acting as a radical and 1. There shall be a National Disabled Members’
practical approach to tackling the disabling Committee to ensure that the National Disabled
barriers constructed by society rather than Members’ Organisation is effectively
individual’s impairment, resulting in the exclusion administered and organised. The Labour Party
and oppression of disabled people. will ensure that the organisation is appropriately
3. The Labour Party Disabled Members’ resourced and staffed.
Organisation believes in the right to self- 2. Disabled Members’ Branches may be established
determination of disabled people, advocating throughout England, Scotland and Wales and
‘nothing about us, without us’ and this principle Northern Ireland., which shall usually be
should be applied in developing policy, practice coterminus with Constituency Labour Parties
and activities. (CLPs). Regional Offices, and the Scottish and
Welsh Parties, will support CLPs in establishing
Clause II. Aims Disabled Members’ Branches and in ensuring CLP
activities are accessible.
1. To lead political work relating to disabled
members. 3. There may be established a
regional/Welsh/Scottish Disabled Members’
2. To organise disabled members.
Committee for each English Region, Wales, and
3. To build the Labour Party amongst disabled Scotland. Such Committees shall produce regular
people in the country. reports on their work and progress to the
National Labour Party Disabled Members’
4. To strengthen the voice and participation of
Committee and to the appropriate
disabled members throughout the Labour Party,
Regional/Welsh/Scottish Executive Committee.
and to increase representation of disabled
members within the Labour Party’s structures 4. In each English Region, a regional Disabled
and at every level of public office where Labour Members’ representative to the Regional
fields candidates. Executive Committee will be elected by the
regional Disabled Members’ Committee, or
5. To work with and continue to build relationships
elected by Disabled delegates to regional
with disabled trade union members and their
conference if there is no active regional Disabled
representative structures, other affiliated
Members’ Committee.
organisations and disabled people’s
organisations.
Chapter 13
National Disabled Members Organisation Page 75
Clause V.
Amendment to rules
1. Labour Party Disabled Members Conference shall
have the power to propose changes to these
rules (Chapter 13, 13 (A), 13(B)), providing that
such changes do not contravene the spirit and
intention of the rules as adopted by Party
conference or alter the party objects, basis or
conditions of affiliated and individual
membership, or effect a change in relationship of
Labour Party Disabled Members’ Conference with
the Party. Any such proposal must secure the
support of at least a two thirds majority at Labour
Party National Disabled Members’ Conference.
Chapter 13
National Disabled Members Organisation Page 76
Chapter 13 (A)
v. One member elected by disabled members
of the ALC, who must be a woman at least
every other term.
National Disabled vi. One member appointed by each of the
Members’ Committee
Scottish and Welsh Executive Committees,
who must be a woman at last every other
term.
and Conference vii. The NEC Disabled Members Representative.
B. Non-voting members:
Clause I.
i. Members of the NEC who self-define as
Aims & Values disabled.
1. To further the Aims and Values of the Disabled
ii. One member appointed by each of any
Members’ Organisation.
national Women’s, BAME, or Young Labour
2. To lead political work relating to disabled organisation.
members.
iii. When in Government, the Minister or
3. To organise disabled members. Secretary of State with responsibility for
disabled people. When in Opposition, the
4. To build the Labour Party amongst disabled
relevant Shadow Minister or Secretary of
people across the country.
State.
5. To strengthen the voice and presence of disabled
2. All members of the National Labour Party
members and trade unionists throughout the
Disabled Members’ Committee shall serve a term
Labour Party.
of two years.
6. To make recommendations to the NEC and its
sub-committees relating to disabled members. Clause III.
7. To set a timetable for Labour Party Disabled Officers
Members’ Conference (in consultation with the
1. The Officers of the National Labour Party
Disabled Members’ CAC), and to oversee the
Disabled Members’ Committee shall be Chair and
overall direction of the Labour Party Disabled
two Vice Chairs, to be elected by members of the
Members’ Organisation, including Annual Labour
Committee. One of the Vice Chairs will represent
Party Disabled Members’ Conference.
the constituencies and one represent the trade
unions. At least one of the Vice Chairs must be a
Clause II. woman.
Membership
1. The National Labour Party Disabled Members’ Clause IV.
Committee shall comprise of disabled members Meetings
of the Labour Party as follows:
1. The National Labour Party Disabled Members’
A. Voting members: Committee shall meet at least three times per
i. Six members elected by all members who year, with additional meetings to be scheduled as
have self-defined as disabled. The ballot will often as necessary.
be conducted as a Single Transferable Vote.
At least three must be women. Clause V.
ii. Six members elected by affiliated trade Labour Party Disabled Members’
union delegates at the Labour Party Conference
Disabled Member’s Conference. At least
three must be women. 1. There shall be an Annual Labour Party Disabled
Members’ Conference which shall wherever
iii. One member elected by Socialist Society practicable be held in the spring.
delegates at the Labour Party Disabled
Member’s Conference, who must be a 2. Disabled Members’ Branches and affiliated
organisations will be entitled to send delegations
woman at least every other term.
to Labour Party Disabled Members’ Conference.
iv. One member elected by the PLP, who must
be a woman at least every other term. A. For CLPs, where established, delegates shall be
elected by Disabled Members’ Branches,
Chapter 13 (B)
Rules for Disabled Members’ Branches Page 79
CLP for posts open to nomination from branches A. hold elected office within the Party (e.g. as
(i.e. CLP officers, parliamentary candidate, branch or constituency chair, political education
members of the NEC, National Policy Forum, etc.). officer, etc.)
A formal meeting may also agree motions to be
B. stand as councillors, MPs and other forms of
sent to the General Meeting.
elected representative for the Party
6. The disabled members’ branch may hold
C. become involved in the community, for
whatever informal meetings or gatherings it sees
example, as school governors/ board members,
fit to work towards meeting its aims.
on committees of local organisations, as
7. Ordinary meetings shall be held at such intervals magistrates, members of community health
and on such notice as may be laid down in the councils, etc.
standing orders, or as determined by this
D. take part in all forms of Party activities – in
disabled members’ branch from time to time.
particular campaigns, recruitment activity, Party
Special meetings may be called at the discretion
committees, meetings and policy forums.
of this disabled members’ branch executive or at
the written request of 20 per cent of the 3. The disabled members branch shall also seek to
members. build links with disabled voters in the community
through, for example:
8. Notice of ordinary and special meetings shall be
sent to all members a minimum of seven days in A. building relationships with organisations, such
advance. as disabled voters’ voluntary organisations,
tenants’ groups, trade unions and other
Clause VI. organisations in which disabled voters are
active, through information exchange, personal
Activities contact, joint meetings, events and campaigns.
1. The disabled members’ branch shall seek to B. working with the Party and Labour councillors
ensure that disabled members’ voices are and MPs to consult disabled voters in the
properly heard in the Party, through the above community about their views and concerns,
activities and through, for example: using consultation meetings, policy forums,
A. feeding disabled members’ views on policy into surveys, listening campaigns and other
local and national policy forums and to the techniques.
constituency’s General Meeting. C. targeted campaigning and recruitment activity
B. encouraging disabled members to play an with disabled voters, including campaigns on
active role in these and other bodies, issues of particular interest to disabled voters.
monitoring disabled members’ involvement and
working with the rest of the Party to develop Clause VII.
arrangements which maximise this
Relationship with constituency
involvement.
parties
C. bringing any problems regarding disabled
members’ involvement, including through the 1. This disabled members’ branch shall maintain
filling of quotas, to the attention of the good relations with the CLP(s) within its
constituency secretary, other officers or the geographical boundary. In particular, this
regional Party office. disabled members’ branch shall inform the CLP(s)
within its geographical boundary of any
D. holding local policy forums for disabled
campaigns, activities or events it is running,
members. organising or assisting with. This disabled
E. engaging with national structures by electing members’ branch shall also receive the co-
delegates and submitting motions to Disabled operation, encouragement and assistance of the
Members’ Conference. CLP(s), branches and their officers.
2. The disabled members’ branch shall prioritise 2. This disabled members’ branch shall be entitled
work which aims to support disabled members of to send delegates to the CLP(s) on a basis
the Party to play an active part in all the Party’s consistent with Appendix 7 of this Rule Book.
activities – in particular, training, mentoring and
networking among disabled members to
encourage disabled members to:
Chapter 13 (B)
Rules for Disabled Members’ Branches Page 80
3. Should a disabled members’ branch cross CLP
boundaries, only members of this branch who
are members of the appropriate CLP shall be
involved in business relevant to that CLP, such as
nomination of and voting for delegates to the
General Meeting.
Clause VIII.
Miscellaneous
1. The general provisions of the constitution and
rules of the Party shall apply to this disabled
members’ branch.
Chapter 13 (B)
Rules for Disabled Members’ Branches Page 81
National Labour Clause XIII.
Structure
Students 1. There shall be a National Labour Students
Committee to ensure the effective administration
and organisation of the National Labour
Clause IX. Students.
Name
2. Labour Clubs may be established to represent
1. The name of the organisation will be National both Further and Higher Education institutions.
Labour Students.
3. The National Labour Students will work with
Young Labour to ensure that the views of
Clause X. students are represented at all levels of the Party.
Establishment
1. National Labour Students will enjoy rights in Clause XIV.
respect of: National Committee of Labour
A. Annual Conference Students
B. Regional, Welsh and Scottish Conferences 1. The National Officers of Labour Students
4. To campaign on issues affecting all students 2. The National Equalities Officers of Labour
including issues effecting Higher Education, Students
Further Education, Post Graduate students and A. Women’s Officer, elected by a preferential ballot
any students taking vocational courses. of all verified student women Party members.
5. To increase the voter turnout amongst students. B. BAME Officer, elected by a preferential ballot of
6. To promote Labour values within the wider all verified student Party members who have
student movement self-identified with the national Party as BAME.
7. To ensure that a close relationship with trade C. LGBT+ Officer, elected by a preferential ballot of
unions and other affiliated organisations is all verified student Party members.
maintained. D. Trans Officer, elected by a preferential ballot of
all verified student Party members.
Clause XII. E. Disabled Students Officer, elected by a
Membership preferential ballot of all verified student Party
members who have self-identified with the
1. All verified student members of the Labour Party
national Party as disabled.
as well as any member currently on a sabbatical.
3. Regional Student Representatives
2. All student members who attend an education
institute within the area covered by a Labour A. ONE representative, who should be a woman at
Club shall have the right to join that Labour Club. least every other term, shall be elected by a
preferential ballot from amongst verified
student members in each of the Party English
regions.
A. 6 ordinary student members elected by a Single 3. National Labour Students Conference will elect 2
Transferable Vote of all verified student delegates to represent the student membership
members of the Party, at least three must be at Annual Conference.
women. 4. National Labour Students Conference will be
B. There must be a minimum of one from each of entitled to send one motion to Annual
Further Education students, International Conference in line with Chapter 3 of this Rule
students, Mature Students and Post graduate Book.
students. One Ordinary Representative can be 5. For the first National Labour Students
from more than one of these strands. Conference, the National Student Committee
5. The voting members of the National Committee shall elect three of their number to serve as a
of Labour Students will be the National Officers Conference Arrangements Committee (CAC), at
of Labour Students, The National Equalities least one of whom must be a woman. At the first
Officers of Labour Students, Regional Student National Labour Students Conference to take
Representatives and the Ordinary place under these rules a CAC of three members
Representatives. shall be elected by delegates at that Conference.
6. The following will be ex-officio with no voting 6. Weighting of votes shall be based on the size of
rights. members within each Labour Club in attendance
at the Conference.
A. National Policy Forum Representative
7. Any standing orders or rules for National Labour
B. NEC Youth Representative Students Conference shall as far as practicable
C. National Union of Students Group Leader mirror those of Annual Conference, and must be
agreed by the NEC.
Clause XV.
Meetings
1. The National Committee of Labour Students shall
meet at least quarterly. The permanent secretary
shall convene all meetings.
Clause XVI.
Finance
1. The National Committee may raise and spend its
own funds, as long as expenditure is to achieve
the objectives of National Labour Students as
determined in these rules and, from time to time,
by the NEC. The permanent secretary of the
National Committee shall act as treasurer of the
National Committee. The National Committee
shall submit its accounts to the NEC annually.
1. To co-ordinate the activities of CLPs and branches A. Delegates from the Labour Group, including the
within the area for the purpose of securing the Leader and the Deputy Leader, and other
return of Labour representatives to the borough/ members of the Labour Group to be elected by
district/ unitary/ county borough/ county council the Group. The Executive Committee of the
(‘the council’). Labour Group may attend the LGC ex-officio as
non-voting members. At least 50% of the voting
2. To organise opportunities for individual
delegates from the Labour Group must be
members, branches, trade unions, affiliated women.
organisations and community organisations to
engage with the Labour Group on current local B. Delegates from the CLPs falling within or
policy issues. partially within the council area, elected by the
CLPs. At least 50% of the CLP delegates must be
3. To formulate an electoral programme in women.
partnership with the Labour Group
C. Delegates chosen by the trade unions affiliated
4. To compile a panel of candidates in accordance to the CLPs falling within or partially within the
with the provisions of chapter 5 of the national council area. At least 50% of the Trade Union
rules of the Party.
delegates must be women.
5. To undertake activities within the area for the D. Where a Co-operative Party council exists for
purpose of new candidate recruitment. the area concerned and they sponsor
6. The LGC shall seek to contest all seats in each candidates in local elections, they shall be
electoral area in consultation with the CLPs entitled to appoint up to two delegates to the
concerned. LGC, at least one of whom must be a woman.
3.
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Rules for Labour Party Local Government Committees Page 84
A. There should be an equal number of delegates 3. The officers shall consist of a chair, two vice-
from the Labour Group, CLP(s) and Trade Union chairs, and secretary. At least two of the officers
sections. shall be a woman.
B. Votes at meetings of the LGC will be cast in 4. Where this LGC is an accounting unit of the Party
three sections – the Labour Group, CLPs and with regard to the Political Parties, Elections and
Trade Unions. Referendums Act 2000, it shall have additional
officers of Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer. The
i. The votes for each section will be totalled.
Chair shall also be the deputy treasurer to be
ii. Each section’s votes will be apportioned so notified to the Electoral Commission. In
that each of the three sections has a voting exceptional circumstances, and with the prior
weight of one third. approval of the General Secretary, a different
person may be appointed.
C. Labour Group members may only act as
representatives on behalf of the Labour Group 5. The Executive Committee shall consist of the
and may not act as delegates representing officers, the leader and deputy leader of the
CLPs, affiliates or the Co-Operative Party. Labour Group and { } members elected on a basis
to be approved by the NEC (or by the SEC or WEC
D. Each CLP falling fully within the council area
in Scotland and Wales). Accredited Party
shall appoint the same number of delegates to
organisers within the area may attend Executive
the LGC.
Committee meetings without voting power.
E. CLPs which are only partially within the council
area shall appoint a reduced number of Clause VI.
delegates approximately in line with the
proportion of CLP wards within the council Meetings
area. Those delegates must reside within the 1. Where there is no overall majority following
council area. council elections in May, a special meeting of the
F. Trade Union delegates must be members of the LGC shall be held in the week following council
Labour Party. elections in order to consider any proposals from
the Labour Group Leader on the formation of a
G. Local and regional organisers and any coalition with other parties. The date, time and
campaign co-ordinators for the area covered by location of this meeting must be made known to
the LGC shall be invited to attend LGC meetings LGC delegates at least 4 weeks before the council
as non-voting delegates. election. The meeting may be cancelled after the
H. Any sitting MP, AM, MSP, PCC and/or PPC and local election if one party has an overall majority
Labour Group members who is not a voting of if a coalition is formed without support from
LGC delegate may attend LGC meetings as non- Labour Group.
voting delegates. 2. The annual meeting of the LGC shall be held in
4. The local Party should work to ensure that the May each year, or if such a meeting is not held, as
membership of the LGC is representative of the soon as possible afterwards.
communities in which it will work. 3. The LGC shall meet whenever necessary to
5. Variations to the above LGC structure must be deliver the best organisation and campaigns to
approved by the relevant REC/SEC/WEC. secure the best possible representation for
Labour in the authority. As a minimum, the LGC
shall have at least one meeting a year for each of:
Clause V. the creation of a manifesto for the next local
Officers and Executive Committee election, the creation of a campaign strategy, the
creation of a recruitment strategy, the creation of
1. The officers and Executive Committee shall be
a selection strategy and to convene a selection
elected at the first meeting of the LGC and
panel. In addition to this, the Labour Group
annually thereafter. The Leader and Deputy
leader shall report annually to the LGC on
Leader of the Labour Group shall be voting
progress which the Group has made towards
members of its Executive Committee ex-officio.
delivering pledges in the latest manifesto and
2. Where the number of LGC members make it recent manifestos.
practicable, the LGC may resolve that the whole
4. The Executive Committee shall meet as required.
LGC shall perform the functions of the Executive
Committee 5. Meetings should be conducted in a comradely
fashion. No one entitled to attend shall be
Chapter 15
Rules for Labour Party Local Government Committees Page 85
precluded because they cannot gain access to the 3. Candidates for the appropriate elections shall be
meeting room for any reason. Harassment or selected in accordance with the rules for the
intimidation of members on the basis of gender, selection of local government candidates laid
age, sexual orientation and gender identity, down in Chapter 5 of these rules and in the
disability or race is unacceptable. selection guidelines appended thereto along with
any other regulations approved by the NEC.
Clause VII. 4. In the event of a by-election arising the Executive
Finance Committee shall consult with the executive
committees of the CLP and branches concerned
1. The administrative expenses of this LGC shall be to ensure that a candidate is selected as far as
met from contributions subscribed by the CLPs possible following the procedure referred to
concerned in agreed proportions. above. In the case of an emergency, it shall take
2. The CLPs shall be responsible for the expenses whatever action that may be necessary to meet
incurred in contesting elections and by elections the situation and to ensure that the vacancy is
within their area. They shall also meet a contested by the Party.
proportionate share of any expenses which the
CLPs agree shall be incurred by this LGC in Clause X.
contesting such elections.
Relations with the Labour group
Clause VIII. 1. For the purpose of maintaining contact between
the group and the local Party, representatives of
General the LGC and CLPs (‘group observers’) may attend
1. The electoral policy and programme for the group meetings with the right to speak on all
appropriate elections shall be decided by the LGC matters coming before the group (subject to
in consultation with representatives of the Chapter 13 Clause IX below and Chapter 13
council Labour Group. In each case this LGC shall Clause XIII below of the group rules) but not to
work to organise opportunities for wider propose or second motions or amendments or to
consultation to assist the development of policy. vote. The number of group observers shall be
locally determined but shall not exceed one third
2. The Executive Committee of this LGC shall seek to of the membership of the group up to a
contest all seats in each electoral area in maximum of six observers.
consultation with the CLP concerned.
Clause XI.
Clause IX.
Miscellaneous
Candidates
1. The general provisions of the constitution and
1. The LGC shall select and convene an interview
rules of the Party shall apply to this Local
panel for the selection of candidates. This shall
Government Committee.
include a member of the LGC, and respective
CLPs and Labour groups may nominate a 2. Where this LGC is an accounting unit of the Party
member to sit on this panel. If a member of the with regard to the Political Parties, Elections and
Labour Group is also seeking selection as a Referendums Act 2000, it shall co-operate fully
candidate they shall declare the wards they wish with regard to its legal and financial obligations.
to stand in and shall be excluded from any
A. All accounting units will comply with their legal
discussion about selections in those wards until
obligations under PPERA 2000 including using 1
they been selected as a candidate. The LGC may January to 31 December as the financial year,
co-opt additional members, including members
maintaining adequate financial records,
from other Labour parties, when it is deemed
identifying and reporting donations and loans,
necessary, in line with the selection guidelines producing an annual statement of accounts and
approved by the NEC.
providing all relevant information as requested
2. Labour Group members and all members who to the Party. Failure to meet these obligations
have expressed an interest in standing as may lead to the NEC taking disciplinary action
candidates in the next local election must declare against individual members, the suspension of
an interest and not participate in any meeting the appropriate Party unit or both.
about candidate selection, for that election until B. Following each annual meeting of this LGC the
they have been selected.
secretary shall forward to General Secretary a
copy of the LGC annual report, including the
Chapter 15
Rules for Labour Party Local Government Committees Page 86
annual statement of accounts and such other
information as may be requested by the NEC in
the format required and in compliance with the
CLP’s legal and financial responsibilities under
the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums
Act 2000.
Chapter 15
Rules for Labour Party Local Government Committees Page 87
Chapter 16
of services, and that will provide community
leadership.
authorities
political matters. Attendance at group
meetings by all members is important to
ensure all points of view are heard and a full
internal discussion is possible. The content
Clause I.
of internal discussion is not for
General rules and provisions for communication outside the Party, and
Labour groups on local authorities internal disputes that are aired in the public
domain will be subject to disciplinary action.
1. These rules apply to all local government Labour
groups throughout England, Scotland and Wales, C. To ensure every Group member is enabled fully
operating for levels of directly elected local to contribute.
government above that of parish/ community i. All members and liaison members shall be
council. Where there are Labour groups on parish able to gain access to the room and attend
or community councils these should have a all group meetings (unless suspended from
similar relationship to the branch and/ or CLPs the whip). Harassment or intimidation of
covering their area as that of a Labour group with members for any reason, or on the basis of
a Local Government Committee. Where formal gender, age, sexual orientation and gender
arrangements are in operation these must be identity, race, religion or disability is
sanctioned by the CLP concerned with the unacceptable conduct and subject to
approval of the appropriate RD(GS) on behalf of disciplinary action.
the NEC (or SEC/WEC in Scotland or Wales). The
following rules apply to all Labour groups. D. To engage with the local Party and wider
However, recognising that different forms of community.
governance may apply in different local i. Labour groups shall engage in and
authorities, the Party’s standing orders and encourage active and constructive debate
guidance for Labour groups on local authorities and policy development with local Party
vary accordingly. Labour groups shall adopt the members on local government matters.
appropriate set of model standing orders Labour groups should be outward-looking
approved from time to time by the NEC (or and active in their local communities,
SEC/WEC in Scotland or Wales), according to local working in partnership with community
governance arrangements. Labour groups shall groups, tenants’ and residents’ associations,
act in accordance with guidance that shall be business groups, trades unions and all other
issued from time to time by the NEC (or SEC/WEC relevant interests, and support consultative
in Scotland or Wales) in the application of these mechanisms in their local authority.
rules.
2. Individual members of Labour groups and group
observers
Clause II.
Aims and Values A. To uphold the highest standards of probity and
integrity.
1. Labour Groups
i. The Party requires its representatives to
A. To work constructively in their local authority uphold the highest standards of probity and
for real and sustainable improvements in the integrity and they shall be guided in those
economic, social and environmental well-being standards by advice from the NEC.
of the communities and local people they
represent. ii. The onus of responsibility for upholding
those standards rests with the individual
i. Labour Groups shall campaign for measures councillor and group observer. Specifically, it
that will secure stronger and safer shall be the responsibility of the group whip
communities for local people, a high quality to establish a register of interests in the
of life and effective and responsive delivery form prescribed by the NEC, detailing for
Chapter 16
Rules for Local Government Labour Groups on principal authorities Page 88
each member of the group and group appropriate action if any Labour councillor is
observer their employment, financial referred to a Standards body.
interests in companies, membership of
ii. Should a standards body find against a
trade unions and other societies or
member, an investigation be established to
organisations.
decide on the appropriate internal sanction.
iii. Labour councillors and members must at all
C. To accept the rules and standing orders of the
times avoid not only wrong-doing but also
Labour group.
the perception of wrong-doing. Therefore if
there is any uncertainty regarding whether a i. Members of the Labour group must register
declaration of interest is appropriate, as members of the Labour group under the
Labour councillors and members must take provisions of the Local Government
the most open course of action and declare (Committees & Political Groups) regulations
an interest or disclose all relevant 1990. Failure to do so within 14 days of a
circumstances, taking advice if necessary. written request from an officer of the group
or the Party’s Governance and Legal Unit
iv. The statutory provisions relating to the
shall automatically render that person
declaration of pecuniary interests shall
outside the group for all purposes and
apply to full group meetings and other
ineligible to be or remain a Party member
meetings of all or part of the Labour group
(subject to the provisions of Chapter 6 A.2
(e.g. pre meetings). Councillors and group
above of the Party’s disciplinary rules).
observers are required to take the
appropriate actions in all those meetings in ii. All group members may have the
respect of any interest (e.g. an individual opportunity of participating in meetings and
with a pecuniary interest in the item under voting remotely using electronic means of
discussion must declare that interest and communication where appropriate.
leave the meeting while that item is under
iii. Members of the Labour group shall agree in
consideration).
writing to abide by the rules and standing
v. Members of the Labour group in orders of the Labour group, as agreed at the
administration must comply with the annual meeting of the group. The general
provisions of the Local Government Finance provisions of the constitution and rules of
Act 1988 and subsequent revisions and shall the Party shall apply to this group.
not vote against or abstain on a vote in full
D. To seek to the best of their ability to be effective
Council to set a legal budget proposed by
and influential councillors.
the administration. Members of the Labour
Group shall not support any proposal to set i. The Party expects its councillors to have at
an illegal budget. Any councillor who votes least minimum competencies in carrying out
against or abstains on a Labour group policy their public duties, and will intervene where
decision in this matter may face disciplinary political management leads to a failure in
action. public service and performance of the
authority, and where there is a lack of
B. To comply fully with the statutory ethical
commitment displayed by leading members
framework.
in the improvement agenda.
i. Members of the Labour group must sign
ii. Members of the Labour group also shall
and abide by any codes of conduct as may
commit themselves to certain minimum
be agreed by the local authority from time
duties and activities as councillors, as set out
to time. All members must sign up to the
in guidance that shall be issued from time to
local code within two months of it being
time by the NEC. This shall include
adopted, or they cease to be a member of
attendance at council meetings and other
the council. Members of the Labour group
meetings of which you are a member, the
must sign any other legal requirements
holding of advice surgeries, attendance at
relating to acceptance of office. Members
consultative meetings in the ward, and
must refer any wrong-doing by other
regular communications with local
members to the Group Whip and to the
residents.
Relevant standards committee for England,
Local Government Ombudsman in Wales or iii. Members of the Labour group shall have a
Standards Commission in Scotland, and/or responsibility to take up such opportunities
local Standards Committee and the Group of training and development that may be
Whip should immediately consider provided by the council or the group or
Chapter 16
Rules for Local Government Labour Groups on principal authorities Page 89
Party, in order better to carry out their automatically withdrawn, suspending them from
activities as effective and influential membership of the Labour group until their
councillors. Through their council duties and membership of the Party and/or elected
activities in the community, members of the representative levy and/or contribution to the
Labour group should seek to promote Party Labour group is reinstated.
policies and to represent and empower local
5. No amount paid under 2 and 3 above nor any
people and communities, and act in a way
other subscription payment or other levy paid
that does not bring the Party into disrepute.
under this Clause III by or on account of being a
member of the Labour group shall be refundable
Clause III. either in whole or in part to either the Labour
Membership of the group group or a member by reason of a member
leaving, being suspended or removed from the
1. Members of the Labour group must be individual Labour group at any time for whatever reason.
members of the Party with the subscriptions paid
at the standard rate by continuous authority and 6. For the purpose of maintaining contact between
must have been elected to and be eligible for the Labour group and the appropriate Party Local
membership of the local authority. Government Committee, representatives of the
latter (‘group observers’) may attend group
2. Members of the Labour group shall pay an meetings; the number of group observers shall
annual levy to the Party of 2 per cent of their total be locally determined but shall not exceed one
income from council and joint body sources, in third of the membership of the group up to a
line with all elected representatives of the Party. maximum of 6 members. Observers will have the
For a Labour Group with ten or more members, right to speak on all matters coming before the
or with an allowance amount of £1,000 or more, group (subject to Clause II.1.B.i above) but shall
the elected representative levy shall be paid not propose or second motions or amendments
through a group contribution by a continuous or vote. Group observers shall have access to all
payment method from group funds, the information under consideration by the group
deduction being the figure notified to the Party subject to any statutory or other conditions
by the group secretary by 6 September each year imposed on the council and individual
and taken in 5 instalments commencing councillors.
September. Labour Groups with fewer than 10
members or an allowance of less than £1,000 7. Accredited Party organisers within the area shall
may choose to pay either by a continuous be ex-officio members of the group without
payment method described above, or make a voting power unless eligible under 1 above.
single payment in December. 8. Attendance at group meetings shall be restricted
3. For the purpose of effective and vibrant electoral to members of the Party referred to in these
organisation, members of the Labour group shall rules except at the special invitation of the group.
pay an annual contribution to the Labour group 9. All those attending Labour group meetings shall
of a recommended minimum of 5 per cent of abide by the ethical behaviour requirements as
their total income from council and joint body set out in Clause II.1.B above.
sources, to cover group administration,
communications and other appropriate activity.
The amount and budget shall be determined by Clause IV.
local circumstances, agreed by the group at its Group meetings
AGM and paid within 30 days of such agreement
1. Ordinary meetings of the Labour group shall be
or on an equal monthly basis. Subject to the
held at an agreed time between the publication
motion to be agreed at the AGM, members of the
of the council agenda and the full meeting of the
Labour group shall give the requisite authority to
council, and on such other dates as may be
their council for payment of their due amounts
agreed at the annual meeting.
through the council’s payroll system if the council
affords this facility. 2. The annual meeting of the group shall be held, on
date/s to be determined, prior to the statutory
4. Membership of the Labour group is dependent
annual meeting of the council, for the election of
on payment of the elected representative levy
group officers, to make nominations to civic
and annual contribution to the Labour group.
office, council leadership, executive and scrutiny
Members of the Labour group who fail to
positions, chair and vice chair of committees and
maintain payments under 1, 2 and 3 above,
to allocate members to committees. All groups
according to the rules of the Party and standing
shall follow NEC guidance on good practice in
orders of the group shall have the whip
Chapter 16
Rules for Local Government Labour Groups on principal authorities Page 90
running annual group meetings (see the AGM rolling programme of policy discussion and
Toolkit). development during the year, where progress
with the implementation of policy or any new
3. All group members shall have the opportunity of
developments that have arisen since the election
participating in meetings and voting remotely
manifesto was produced shall be discussed. The
using electronic means of communication where
form of such a programme will include an annual
appropriate.
presentation to the LGC by the Group leader of
progress on achieving the manifesto and shall be
Clause V. jointly agreed by the Labour group and the LGC.
Group officers 3. The policy of the Labour group shall be
1. The Labour group shall appoint group officers at determined by the group meeting on the
the annual meeting in accordance with the group recommendation of the executive or otherwise.
standing orders, and in a manner that ensures In cases of emergency, where action is required
equality of opportunity and encourages under- by motion or otherwise, such action may be
represented groups to come forward. As a taken by the executive that shall report its action
minimum, the gender balance of the officer for approval to the next group meeting. In cases
group will reflect the gender balance of the of still greater urgency, which do not admit of
Labour group as a whole. Any deviation from this delay, the leader of the group (or in the absence
will require consent from your RD(GS). of the leader, a deputy), in consultation wherever
possible with other officers, shall have power to
act; such action to be reported to the next
Clause VI.
meeting of the group or group executive for
Group executive approval.
1. Where the Labour group chooses to appoint a
group executive, the group shall do so at its Clause IX.
annual meeting in accordance with the group Selection of nominations for civic
standing orders, and in a manner that ensures
equality of opportunity and encourages under-
offices, council leadership and other
represented groups to come forward. As a council appointments
minimum, the gender balance of the Labour
1. The selection of nominations for civic offices,
group executive will reflect the gender balance of
council leadership, chair and vice-chair of any
the Labour group as a whole. Any deviation from
committees and allocation of members to
this will require consent from your RD(GS).
committees shall be made in accordance with the
group standing orders, and in a manner that
Clause VII. ensures equality of opportunity and encourages
Casual vacancies under-represented groups to come forward.
1. Casual vacancies among the group officers or in 2. For councils which it selects to pilot direct
the executive shall be filled at an ordinary or election of the group leader, the NEC shall have
other meeting of the group. Appropriate notice of the power to require a direct election of the
an election shall be given. group leader by all eligible party members
resident within the council area. This rule is
subject to the power of the NEC to cancel or
Clause VIII.
amend procedure and subject to procedural
Determination of group policy and guidelines set by the NEC.
action 3. The Party expects Labour councillors in
1. The local government election campaign strategy leadership positions and in particular Labour
shall be determined by the local Party, normally cabinets to reflect the diversity of the area
the Local Government Committee in consultation represented by the local authority and to deliver
with the Labour Group. The Labour Group will at least a gender balance of leadership positions
play a lead role in developing local election to reflect the make-up of the group. Any failure to
manifestos and assisting the LGC in arriving at a do so should be discussed with the RD(GS).
local manifesto which is credible and deliverable. Where a Labour group wishes to amend their
standing orders to adopt measures that will
2. Labour group standing orders shall specify the
ensure such diversity is proportionately reflected
matters on which it shall be the responsibility of
in group leadership positions, they shall be
the group to take decisions. The group and the
permitted to do so with the prior agreement of
Local Government Committee shall arrange a
Chapter 16
Rules for Local Government Labour Groups on principal authorities Page 91
both relevant RD(GS) and the Party's Governance members of groups in neighbouring or other tier
and Legal Unit. Where a vote for a nomination is authorities.
necessary it shall be by secret ballot. The
3. Where matters of conscience arise (e.g. religion,
appropriate Local Government Committee of the
temperance) individual members of the group
Party shall have the right and opportunity to
may abstain from voting provided they first raise
submit names for consideration, but formal
the matter at a group meeting in order to
nomination and selection shall be as specified in
ascertain the feeling of the group.
the group standing orders.
4. In matters where the council or its committees or
Clause X. sub-committees are acting in a quasi-judicial
capacity (e.g. licensing of pubs, theatres and
Arrangements with other parties cinemas or the consideration of planning
1. Where no one Party has an overall majority on applications) or in the scrutiny process each
the council, the group shall operate under member shall form his or her own judgement
guidance issued from time to time by the NEC in according to the evidence, and not be bound by a
England, the SEC in Scotland or the WEC in Wales. group whip. However, the member should have
Where possible, Labour groups should seek regard to their membership of the Party and seek
approval from their LGC for any proposed to act in keeping with Party policy and values.
arrangement. Labour groups must not enter into 5. The demands of modern local government
any arrangements with other parties or requires the Party to have regard to competency
Independent directly elected Mayors, to in considering the performance of its councillors,
determine the political control and management especially those in a leadership position, and may
of the local authority, which do not comply with take action through the NEC to intervene to
the NEC’s approved options, and without the ensure effective political management and
specific prior approval of the NEC or the SEC in leadership, and a commitment to the
Scotland or the WEC in Wales. Groups and improvement agenda.
members must stand down from multi-Party
arrangements on the instruction of the regional
office, after discussion with the NEC, SEC or WEC.
Clause XII.
Any individual member of the Labour Group who Groups on committees
does not comply with such a request within 14
1. The group standing orders shall specify how
days shall automatically have the whip
these rules may be applicable to Labour groups
withdrawn, suspending them from membership
on, and members of, committees and sub-
of the Labour Group until they have complied
committees of the council including any co-opted
with the instruction of the regional office.
members.
Chapter 16
Rules for Local Government Labour Groups on principal authorities Page 92
A. report to the officers of the group and the NEC, application for restoration of the whip after
appropriate Party Local Government six months shall be made to the NEC.
Committee who shall ensure that there is no
8. Where a member of the Labour group is alleged
Party discussion on the proposed action
to have breached any element of the statutory
outside the procedure provided for in this rule
ethical framework, the chief whip shall follow the
until this procedure has been completed.
guidance issued from time to time by the NEC in
B. convene a joint meeting of the Labour group determining what action, if any, needs to be
and the executive of the appropriate Party Local taken by the Labour group.
Government Committee at which upon due
notice the matter shall be determined with the Clause XIV.
chair from the Labour Group and evidence
taken in writing, from the defendant, and from
Reporting to and consulting with the
witnesses as necessary). Party
4. Where the NEC determine there are exceptional 1. Members of the Labour group are entitled and
circumstances, the NEC Complaints and encouraged to attend meetings of their
Disciplinary Sub-Committee shall be charged with constituency Party and appropriate local Party
the responsibility to undertake procedures units. The group standing orders shall specify
relating to a breach of these rules, thus in such how the group and council leadership shall
instant relieving the Labour group and Local report to and consult with the appropriate local
Campaign Forum executive of such powers. Party on a regular basis; the leader and deputy
leader of the Labour Group, or other Group
5. Withdrawal of whip
officer as determined by the Group shall be
A. A decision to withdraw the whip shall take members of the LGC and its Executive
immediate effect but is subject to appeal within Committee. The Party expects the Group Leader
14 days to the appeal panel of the Regional to give an annual report on progress on the local
Executive Committee who shall hear the appeal manifesto and hold a number of policy
within 14 days where practicable of receipt and consultations within the year, to keep the Party
whose decision shall be final. informed of budgetary and service delivery
issues, and other policy areas.
B. Where a decision to withdraw the whip has
been made by a panel of the NEC, an appeal 2. The provisions for consultation between the
may be made to the General Secretary of the Party and Labour group set out in these rules and
Party within 14 days. The appeal shall be heard the model standing orders are the minimum
by a panel of not less than three members arrangements required. Local Parties and groups
drawn from the NCC, who shall hear the appeal, are encouraged to secure the greatest possible
within 28 days where practicable and whose degree of cooperation and consultation on all
decision shall be final. matters concerning local governance in their
area.
6. Any member of the group who has had the group
whip withdrawn shall at the time of such
withdrawal be informed of their right to appeal. Clause XV.
Once such appeal procedure, if any, has upheld a Group standing orders
decision to withdraw the whip without a time
limit being determined, the member concerned 1. Labour groups, in consultation with the Party’s
shall be ineligible to be or to be nominated as a Governance and Legal Unit, shall adopt and
Labour candidate or as a public representative at follow the relevant model rules and standing
any level of election as long as s/he is not in orders issued from time to time by the NEC,
receipt of that whip (this shall not apply when the according to the political management
suspension is for a fixed period). A member who arrangements in operation in their local
has had the group whip withdrawn must remain authority. These standing orders may be varied
registered as a member of the Labour group in from time to time by the NEC.
accordance with Clause II.2.C above. 2. Any insertions or proposed changes to Labour
7. Any member who has had the whip withdrawn group rules or standing orders are subject to the
without a time limit being determined shall after prior approval of the NEC.
six months be eligible to apply to the Labour
group for re-admission. In such cases, the Labour
group shall be responsible for restoration of the
whip. Where the whip has been withdrawn by the
Chapter 16
Rules for Local Government Labour Groups on principal authorities Page 93
Clause XVI. iii. They are also contained within the Labour
Group AGM Toolkit, issued annually to
Compliance with PPERA group secretaries
1. Labour groups are members associations for the
purposes of the Political Parties, Elections and
Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA). They do not form
part of the central organisation of the Party or
any of its accounting units, including any Local
Government Committee, for those purposes.
Group members shall ensure that they comply
with their individual obligations, and that the
group complies with its collective obligations,
under PPERA, in particular in respect of political
spending and donation reporting. Group
members shall co-operate with the officers of
other Party units to enable them to comply with
their obligations under PPERA, in particular in
respect of financial transfers between the group
and/or group members and those other units.
Should the group or any of its members fail to
cooperate with any relevant Party unit in respect
of any of its or their PPERA obligations, the NEC
will take appropriate disciplinary action against
individual members, suspend the group or both.
Clause XVII.
Miscellaneous
1. Labour groups on joint boards, committees, on
regional bodies and on local government
associations shall adopt appropriate rules and
standing orders in consultation with the Party’s
Local Government Unit and with the prior
approval of the NEC.
Chapter 16
Rules for Local Government Labour Groups on principal authorities Page 94
Chapter 17 Clause IV.
Officers and Executive Committee
Rules for LGBT 1. Where possible or necessary, the officers of this
LGBT branch shall be chair, vice chair, secretary,
Branches and treasurer, at least two of these officers shall
be women. This LGBT branch shall appoint two
auditors when required and other functional
Clause I. officers as required.
Name 2. This LGBT branch executive shall consist of the
1. The { } Constituency Labour Party LGBT Branch officers, the LGBT officer(s) of any CLP(s) covered
(this LGBT branch) by the LGBT branch and, if required, not more
than four other members.
Clause II. 3. Elections for these posts shall be held at the
Objects annual meeting.
Chapter 17
Rules for LGBT Branches Page 95
7. Ordinary meetings shall be held at such intervals A. building relationships with organisations, such
and on such notice as may be laid down in the as LGBT voluntary organisations, tenants’
standing orders, or as determined by this LGBT groups, trade unions and other organisations in
branch from time to time. Special meetings may which LGBT voters are active, through
be called at the discretion of this LGBT branch information exchange, personal contact, joint
executive or at the written request of 20 per cent meetings, events and campaigns
of the members of the component CLP(s).
B. working with the Party and Labour councillors
8. Notice of ordinary and special meetings shall be and MPs to consult LGBT voters in the
sent to all members a minimum of seven days in community about their views and concerns,
advance. using consultation meetings, policy forums,
surveys, listening campaigns and other
Clause VI. techniques
Chapter 17
Rules for LGBT Branches Page 96
4. This LGBT branch shall adopt standing orders
and procedural rules as may be agreed by the
appropriate RD(GS).
Chapter 17
Rules for LGBT Branches Page 97
Procedural rules
Chapter 18
membership card to gain entry to the
meeting room.
Chapter 18
Model procedural rules Page 99
been elected to it may vote at meetings of business highlighted above, the
the Executive Committee. endorsement and introduction of new
members and/ or delegates, the discussion
[Both:] When an annual or special meeting is of resolutions, Party policy items and other
not held for any reason or is abandoned matters of interest to Party members and
without completing the business on the the receipt of reports from public
agenda, such meeting must be reconvened representatives.
as soon as practicable in order for any
iv. Nominations for delegates and
necessary outstanding business to be
representatives to other bodies should be
transacted. Only those eligible to participate
sought as widely from among Party
in the meeting as first convened, whether or
members as possible. Wherever practicable,
not held, shall be entitled to participate in
any vacancies to be filled shall be advertised
any further reconvened meeting.
to all members as they arise and any Party
F. Chair member who has indicated willingness to
accept nomination shall be considered for
i. The elected chair of this body shall preside
any post, unless otherwise stated in the
at all meetings, except where otherwise
rules.
provided for in the rules of the Party unit.
v. Party business shall in general have
ii. In the absence of the chair the vice-chair
precedence at all business meetings of this
shall preside and in the absence of both the
body. As far as possible the officers and/ or
secretary or other officer shall call on those
Executive Committees should deal with
present to elect a member to take the chair
routine items of correspondence, finance
of the meeting. Should the office holder
and reports from other Party bodies or
arrive once a member has been elected to
functional officers, provided that the general
preside in her or his place then she or he
meeting shall have the opportunity to
may claim, if they wish, the right to preside
question, amend and/ or ratify any
at the meeting once the current item of
recommendations put to them.
business has been disposed of.
H. Notice of motion
iii. At the annual meeting the chair shall preside
until a successor is elected, except where i. [Alt A:] Original motions for the general
the chair is not a duly appointed delegate to meeting of this body shall be accepted only
the meeting; in which case the election of from Party units and organisations entitled
chair shall be taken as the first item on the to appoint delegates to it and must be
agenda. The new chair shall take over the received by the secretary in writing not less
conduct of the meeting forthwith and than 14 days prior to the meeting for which
proceed to the election of other officers and they are intended.
further business.
[Alt B:] Original motions for the general
G. Party business
meeting of this body shall be accepted only
i. The prime function of Party meetings is to from members entitled to attend and
provide delegates and members with the participate in the meeting and must be
opportunity to participate in Party activities received by the secretary in writing not less
through social contact, political debate and than 14 days prior to the meeting for which
policy discussion; and to establish objectives they are intended.
for the Party in the area for campaigning,
the development of Party organisation and [Both:] Motions for discussion shall be made
the promotion of links with sympathetic available to those entitled to attend with the
individuals and bodies within the wider notice and agenda of the relevant meeting,
community. except for emergency motions which must
be sent in writing to the secretary as soon as
ii. Plans for campaigning on local issues, the
the nature of the emergency allows before
development of community engagement
the commencement of the meeting.
and the strengthening of both links and
Emergency business may be accepted by the
communication with individual members,
majority of the meeting on the
affiliates, supporters and community groups
recommendation of the chair who shall
should be central to all business.
interpret the term ‘emergency’ in a bona fide
iii. The agenda of all Party meetings shall be manner.
drawn up to give due priority to the Party
Chapter 18
Model procedural rules Page 100
I. Discussion of motion M. Ballot votes
Appendix 1
NEC statement on the importance of our members Page 103
Appendix 2
get involved with our activities. The
recruitment of large numbers of ‘paper
members’, who have no wish to participate
NEC procedural except at the behest of others in an attempt
to manipulate Party processes, undermines
recruitment and
i. The following enrolment procedures shall
apply to applications for membership:
v. The health and democracy of the Party vi. An applicant shall be issued with an
depends on the efforts and genuine acknowledgement of provisional
membership and the details of the
participation of individuals who support the
aims of the Party, wish to join the Party and constituency in which s/he resides and any
Appendix 2
NEC procedural guidelines on membership recruitment and retention Page 104
available information about the local Party considered and dealt with by the Complaints
secretaries. and Disciplinary Sub-Committee of the NEC
in any manner in which it shall see fit and
vii. Provisional membership rights commence
the decision of the NEC Complaints and
from the date of production of the
Disciplinary Sub-Committee, once approved
acknowledgement following the receipt of
by the NEC, shall be final and binding on the
the application and the appropriate
CLP, branch Party, the General Secretary
membership subscription. A provisional
and the individual concerned.
member shall only have the right to attend
branch meetings in a non-voting capacity. C. Special Measures
viii. The CLP concerned shall be informed by the i. Where there is evidence of widespread
General Secretary of the application for membership abuse, a CLP may be placed
membership. Any objection to any into ‘special measures’ by the NEC. Such
application for membership may be made evidence may include, but is not limited to:
by the CLP to the General Secretary within multiple members with the same personal
eight weeks of this notification. Such contact details; multiple members paying
objection may only be made by the General their subscription from the same bank
Meeting or Executive Committee of the CLP account; impersonation; fraudulent changes
concerned, though such objection may of address; and/or higher than average join
initially be made on a provisional basis by a rates ahead of meetings such as those to
Party officer, pending further enquiries. select candidates and AGMs.
Where there is a provisional objection within
ii. In a constituency deemed to be in ‘special
eight weeks of notification, a further four
measures’ the Party will request additional
weeks may be allowed for an objection to be
information from all applicants directly. All
made, and in such circumstances the
new applicants will be asked to supply at
applicant will be written to by the national
least two additional forms of identification
Party informing them of the extension to the
as proof of name and address. These may
period of objection.
take the form of photocopies of utility bills,
ix. Subject to sub paragraph (viii) above, if no council tax, benefit notifications, passport,
objection is received by the General driving licence, student ID etc. Non-
Secretary within eight weeks of the permanent ID should be dated within 6
notification in (viii) above, and the months of the application. The Party
membership fee has been received by the reserves the right to ask to see the original
General Secretary the applicant shall be document rather than a photocopy.
deemed to be a full Party member.
iii. The Party will also check whether the
x. At any time before the individual is accepted applicant is on the electoral register at the
as a full member of the Party, the General address given for membership, and where
Secretary may rule that the individual this is not the case the applicant will need to
application for membership be rejected for lodge a claim for registration or provide
any reason which s/he sees fit. evidence of ineligibility to register (e.g. not
old enough) or evidence that they have an
xi. In the absence of any notice of objection
anonymous registration (some people may
from the CLP as in (viii) above, and/or any
register anonymously if they have good
ruling by the General Secretary as in (x)
reason for their details to be not published).
above, the applicant shall, on the expiry of
This information must be provided within 8
eight weeks from the notification in (viii)
weeks of the date of the letter of request.
above, become a full member. The
provisional member shall then be iv. If after 4 weeks, the Party has received no
transferred to the national membership list response, it will write to members again
as a full member as soon as is practicable. giving final notice that in a further 4 weeks
the individuals will be removed from the
xii. The reasons for the rejection of an
membership system unless information is
application for membership by the General
provide
Secretary or the objection by the CLP to the
application for membership must be sent to v. All new members will be required to pay
the individual applicant at the address given. using a continuous payment method at the
S/he shall have the right of individual written appropriate rate. Payment must be from
appeal to the NEC. Such appeal shall be
Appendix 2
NEC procedural guidelines on membership recruitment and retention Page 105
their own bank account unless there are iii. In the case of an objection the member
exceptional circumstances. concerned has the right of individual appeal
to the NEC, whose decision shall be final.
vi. Once all required documents are received
the Party will have a maximum of 8 weeks in iv. In the event of a member moving to another
which to respond to applicants. This will branch in the same constituency that
include a check by the CLP that where member shall inform the new branch
reduced rates are applied for, additional secretary and provide evidence of
evidence to support this will be required; membership. Head Office shall be informed
this may include trade union membership of the change of address.
card, JSA confirmation, wage slip or other
E. Method of Payment
appropriate documentation.
i. Members are advised to pay their
vii. If no response is provided within this
subscriptions directly to Head Office.
timeframe the applicant will be admitted
However, payments may be made by local
into membership.
collection. Members may opt to pay
viii. In circumstances where individuals fail to subscriptions by means of regular
meet any of these criteria the application contributions throughout the year or a
will be considered to be incomplete and will number of years in advance by arrangement
not be progressed further. with Head Office. All membership fees shall
be divided between the national and
ix. Membership will be audited annually to
constituency parties in the ratio prescribed
ensure that individual’s membership
under section 2 of this clause as they are
remains in compliance.
received at Head Office.
x. CLPs in special measures will be reviewed at
ii. Subscriptions paid through local collectors
each meeting of the NEC or it’s sub-
may be deemed as having been received by
committee to ensure that all processes are
the Party only when such payments arrive at
kept up to date and CLPs do not remain in
Head Office. It shall be regarded as an act
special measures longer than necessary.
grossly detrimental to the Party to withhold
xi. The NEC may vary the conditions of Special membership payments collected locally.
Measures within a particular CLP in order to
F. Membership year
meet the specific local circumstances.
i. A membership year shall be defined as 12
D. Move of residence
months from the date of joining the Party.
i. In the event of a member moving residence All members shall be issued with a card
to another constituency that member shall supplied by the NEC which shall indicate the
immediately inform Head Office who shall expiry of their membership year and the
transfer the member to the relevant subscription rate paid.
constituency and inform that CLP. If a
G. Arrears and lapsed members
transferring member makes contact with
their new CLP with proof of membership, i. An individual member shall be deemed to
the appropriate CLP officer shall inform be in arrears from the expiry date until they
Head Office. renew their subscription.
ii. Membership rights within the new ii. An individual member shall be deemed to
constituency shall commence from the date have lapsed from membership if s/he has
on which the transfer is recorded by Head been in arrears for six months and has not
Office unless an objection to the acceptance paid following a request to pay the arrears.
of the transfer is raised within eight weeks
iii. Once lapsed, previous members may
of the transfer date. Where there is a
reactivate their membership by paying the
provisional objection within eight weeks of
current minimum annual subscription,
notification, a further four weeks may be
subject to the endorsement procedure in
allowed for an objection to be made, and in
1.B above.
such circumstances the applicant will be
written to by the national Party informing iv. Following such endorsement the General
them of the extension to the period of Secretary may agree to grant continuous
objection. membership to cover the lapsed period on
the payment of any outstanding
subscriptions for that period by the member
Appendix 2
NEC procedural guidelines on membership recruitment and retention Page 106
concerned. In coming to a decision on with an enquiry to seek an
granting continuity, the General Secretary explanation* and to obtain a claim
may refer the matter to the Complaints and for registration where appropriate.
Disciplinary Sub-Committee of the NEC If no satisfactory explanation is
whose decision shall be final in all cases. received, then membership should
be withheld.
v. Where it is clear there has been an
administrative processing error, continuity 2. if the applicant is on the electoral
of membership will be granted to lapsed register then the following may also
members on payment of arrears and be pursued:
current subscription.
a. ‘reduced-rate’ applicants – is the category for
vi. Continuity of membership shall only be which membership is claimed clear, and
granted in exceptional circumstances and does this require any further verification? If
not in any instance where a member has so, an explanation should be sought and an
been lapsed for longer than 12 months. assurance of good faith from the applicant
obtained where appropriate.
vii. Where there is agreement between the CLP
and the Party that there were special b. ‘levy-plus’ applicants – is ‘levy-plus’ status
circumstances which led to a member being verified by the affiliated organisation
inadvertently lapsed, continuity of concerned? If not, the application shall be
membership will be granted on payment of referred to the affiliate to confirm this and if
arrears plus authorisation of direct debit unconfirmed the applicant should be invited
mandate for future payments. to pay full subscription.
viii. No person deemed to have lapsed from ii. If the above conditions are met then the
membership shall have any rights to application shall be accepted subject to any
participate in Party decision-making until other local objection. CLPs must note that it
membership has been fully reactivated. is their responsibility to make any local
Members in arrears may only participate on checks deemed necessary. If branches are
the basis that they intend to renew their to be involved in the process this must be
membership within the given period. done within the eight week auto-
endorsement period, unless an extension of
H. Procedural code for CLPs
four weeks has been granted as in B(viii) or
i. Applications could be regarded as falling C(ii) above, as referral to a branch shall not
into the following broad categories: on its own be accepted as a reason to delay
auto-endorsement.
a. Those who volunteer to pay the full
subscription rate. I. Follow-up procedures by CLPs
Appendix 2
NEC procedural guidelines on membership recruitment and retention Page 107
carry out local checks in the vast majority of relevant party systems for the purpose of
cases. The eight weeks may be extended in reporting back on and engaging with
certain cases, such as election periods or members on their work. It should not be
holiday periods, but only where the CLP has used for the purpose of campaigning in
identified a particular problem. internal elections or candidate selections.
iii. The investigating team should also be iv. The NEC will publish a Code of Conduct on
involved in arranging proper induction for appropriate use of data prior to internal
new members which would involve elections. This shall be circulated to all
explanatory material on the operation of the members with access to membership data
Party locally and encouragement to become and relevant Party systems.
involved both politically and socially. All
v. Misuse of information contained within the
parties should organise ‘new member’
membership lists could be a breach of the
evenings and other activities aimed at
Data Protection Act, and should be reported
involving recent applicants in their work.
to the Data Protection Officer at Head
iv. It is important that the above process is Office, who will assess whether this
seen as an opportunity to explain the Party’s warrants reporting to the regulator.
rules and requirements and to involve
vi. Any role holder found to be in breach of the
potential activists, not simply as a blocking
above may face disciplinary action including
mechanism. It is clear, however, that the
the removal of access to the membership
NEC shall support any CLP, which operates
data and relevant party systems.
the checking procedures as outlined and has
thereby identified any abuse of the vii. Wherever possible steps shall be taken to
membership system. limit the amount of access to data given to
individuals, including through the use of
J. Access to membership lists
Party systems where practicable, in order to
i. The following members shall have access to fulfil the Party’s obligations under the Data
membership lists: Protection Act 2018 and GDPR.
a. For CLPs: Vice Chair/Membership and viii. The NEC may from time to time grant access
CLP Secretary, or other designated CLP for other purposes including campaigning in
officers. internal elections and candidate selections.
Appendix 2
NEC procedural guidelines on membership recruitment and retention Page 108
Appendix 3
iii. Poor report from branch secretary with
regard to their role in Party activities or the
carrying out of their role as a councillor, i.e.
NEC Advice Note – attendance at council meetings and other
meetings of which they are a member, the
Appendix 3
NEC Advice Note – Interviewing sitting councillors or recent candidates Page 109
B. Should they feel the circumstances dictate, the
RD(GS) can instruct the LGC that an interview is
undertaken and must give such reasons in
writing. Should an interview not be requested,
the applicant will be recommended for
inclusion on the panel without interview.
Should an interview be required, this will be
undertaken by an assessment team. As
required by the NEC procedural guidelines an
LGC will need to set up a panel to review the
reports on a recent candidate who had not
been elected. This can be the LGC Officers or a
duly authorised panel put in place for this
purpose, hereafter referred to as “the Panel”.
Appendix 3
NEC Advice Note – Interviewing sitting councillors or recent candidates Page 110
Appendix 4
g. date for reopening of endorsement
procedure, where this is appropriate
Candidates
a period without new endorsements whilst
high priority selections are taking place. The
panel cannot be closed as such so all
These procedural rules supplement Chapter 5 of the nominations must be dealt with at an
Labour Party Rule Book – selections for election to appropriate time.
public office, and provide a framework for Local
Government Committees (LGCs) and Constituency v. The format of meetings that form part of
Labour Parties (CLPs) to follow when conducting this timetable can be online, in person, or
selections of local government candidates. hybrid (on a pilot basis) with the permission
of the RD. Throughout the period in which
Local Government Committees and CLPs must also these procedures are in operation, the
follow the good practice advice on these procedures Governance and Legal Unit will consult with
as provided from time to time by the NEC. the NEC Disabled Members Representative
A. Selection timetable to ensure that appropriate consideration is
given to the accessibility of meetings, and
i. The executive of the Local Government that any concerns that may arise are dealt
Commitee (‘LGC’) shall prepare a timetable
with promptly and effectively.
for the selection procedure. All timetables
and/or any variance to any of the selection
procedures must be approved by the RD or B. Positive action procedures
other national officer as determined by the
General Secretary on behalf of the NEC. i. For authorities with all-out elections
Amendments to the timetable, including any a. The Regional Director will agree a list of
meetings rescheduled for whatever reason, winnable wards with the LGC
must also be approved by the RD.
b. In winnable wards with two or three
ii. The timetable should be set so that, as far as members, at least one candidate must be a
possible, candidates are selected six months woman
in advance of the election (12 months where
the council elects on a two or four yearly c. For selection in a winnable ward, the ballot
cycle). will take place in two parts. The first ballot
will select a woman from the shortlist and
iii. The timetable should identify various stages the second ballot will select the remaining
as follows: candidates from the entire shortlist.
a. invitation for nominations to the panel of d. In order to achieve gender balance, the LGC
approved candidates shall also identify sufficient wards with all-
b. initial closing date for receipt of women shortlists (in one-member wards)
nominations and with at least 2 out of 3 women
candidates (in 3 member wards).
c. proposed interviewing procedure for
those who require an interview e. If the ward fails to implement these positive
action procedures then the selection will be
d. date of LGC to decide on endorsement of invalid and the RD will require the ward to
initial applications re-run its selection procedures.
e. submission of initial list of approved
ii. For authorities with elections where one
nominees (‘the panel’) to CLPs and ward third or one half of seats are up for election
selection committees
a. In all winnable wards/divisions where a
f. the agreed order for selection meetings sitting councillor is retiring, at least one
(i.e. first priority to Labour seats, second other councillor or candidate must be a
to winnable seats and last to other seats) woman.
Appendix 4
NEC Procedures for the selection of local government Candidates Page 111
b. If there are more women retirees than conditions of membership which include,
men then the current proportion of where applicable, membership of
women candidates must be maintained. recognised trade union.
iii. For each local authority area the RD will: ii. Each nominee must have paid the Party
membership contribution at the appropriate
a. agree a list of winnable seats with the
rate and have at least 12 months’
LGC; and
continuous national individual membership
b. determine which winnable seats will be of the Party in the relevant electoral area
selected from an all-woman shortlist and (defined as the local authority area in which
which from an open shortlist. the nominee is seeking selection) at the
date of nomination. This 12 month
c. If a ward fails to implement the agreed
continuous membership and residency
positive action procedure then the
qualification may be waived in exceptional
selection will be invalid and the RD will
circumstances to be decided by the LGC and
require that the ward re-run its selection
agreed by the relevant RD on behalf of the
process.
NEC or its relevant sub-committee as laid
iv. Where there is a by-election and the group out in Chapter 2 Clause II of the Labour
is less than 50% women the seat will be an Party Rule Book.
all women shortlist.
iii. All nominees must undertake, if elected, to
v. The Chair of the NEC Organisation Sub- accept and conform to the standing orders
Committee has the authority to vary the of the appropriate Labour group as
arrangements within a given ward due to approved by the NEC.
what they regard as exceptional
iv. All nominees must undertake to complete
circumstances, provided reciprocal
any course of equality and diversity or
arrangements are made to ensure that the
safeguarding training the NEC may
overall level of women’s representation is
prescribe, either before or after becoming a
achieved.
Labour Party candidate.
vi. The Chair of the NEC Organisation Sub-
v. Nominees must be legally qualified, and not
Committee shall not usually agree any
disqualified, to stand for the local authority
variations under iv above that would result
at the election concerned. It is required of
in a winnable multi-member ward being
LGCs that they take steps to check on
contested by all male Labour Party
disqualifications under the relevant
candidates.
legislation as well as any Party requirements
C. Panel of approved candidates when compiling their panel of prospective
candidates.
i. The LGC will invite nominations for the Panel
of Candidates which will be in the form of vi. Sitting councillors must be nominated and
self-nominations using an official considered for endorsement and selection
nomination form produced by the LGC in a in accordance with the provisions set out in
format specified by the Governance and section E.ii.A.1 below, unless varied by
Legal Unit. The form may include a number section F.i.A. below.
of questions (as well as a section for
vii. If a sitting councillor, the nominee must also
personal details) as approved by the LGC
have paid their annual elected
executive, but must include an undertaking
representatives levy, and be fully paid up to
to abide by the Party’s rules and procedures
date with their Party membership
relating to local government candidature
subscriptions at the standard rate and pay
and by the standing orders for the Labour
by direct debit.
group if elected.
viii. Sitting councillors who have had the Labour
ii. The LGC must ensure that all eligible
group whip withdrawn from them
members are informed of their right to self-
indefinitely are not eligible for membership
nominate to the panel of approved
of any panel.
candidates together with details of the
timetable described in section 1 above. ix. This Party shall not accept as qualified for
inclusion in its panel of approved candidates
D. Qualification of nominees
any sitting councillor whose sole legal
i. Each nominee must be an individual qualification for standing for election in the
member of the Party, in accordance with the
Appendix 4
NEC Procedures for the selection of local government Candidates Page 112
local government area is existing service as campaigning record or competence.
a councillor. Should they feel the circumstances
dictate, the RD may instruct the LGC
E. Endorsement of applicants to the panel of
that an interview is undertaken and
approved candidates
must give such reasons in writing.
i. There are three ways that applicants will be Should an interview not be requested,
considered for membership of the approved the applicant will be recommended for
panel of candidates. The particular method inclusion on the panel without
of approval depends upon the individual interview. Should an interview be
circumstances of the applicant as set out required, this will be undertaken by an
below: assessment team.
Appendix 4
NEC Procedures for the selection of local government Candidates Page 113
within 14 days. Any such appeal must a. waive section E.ii.A.i above and/or section
include specific evidence detailing how the E.ii.B.i above to allow for all recent
individual concerned considers that either candidates to be interviewed before
the assessment team and/or the LGC have endorsement;
acted irrationally in making the applicable
b. waive the requirement in section E.ii.A.i
recommendation and/or endorsement
or E.ii.B.i above for the branch
decision. Appeals that do not satisfactorily
secretaries to submit a written report to
demonstrate such evidence may be refused
the LGC if this is not appropriate due to
by the Regional Executive Committee.
local circumstances. Such a waiver shall
v. Such appeals shall be to establish the apply for all applicants.
suitability or otherwise of the nominee for
G. Withdrawal of endorsement from a member of
inclusion in the panel of candidates and on
the approved panel
this basis the panel established to hear the
appeal shall consider submissions from the i. The LGC may withdraw its endorsement of
appellant and representatives of the LGC any nominee if, in its opinion, there are
concerned. The panel shall receive any changed circumstances relating to that
submissions from both sides in the nominee including failure to meet the
presence of the other and, within reason, requirements of the candidate’s contract. In
witnesses may be called to support the exceptional circumstances and with the
submissions. A reasonable opportunity shall agreement of the RD an interview may be
be given for witnesses and submissions to dispensed with. Again, the individual
be questioned by either side. The panel shall concerned (or the organisation responsible
make all reasonable efforts to arrange the for her/his nomination) may appeal within
appeal hearing for a time and date that will 14 days of receiving written notice against
allow the appellant to attend in person, but such withdrawal of endorsement to the
reserves the right to determine any appeal appeals panel of the Regional Executive
in absentia should the appellant not make Committee who where practicable shall hear
themselves available to attend a hearing. the appeal within 14 days on the same basis
The panel may conduct the appeal hearing as in section E.vi above.
as a re-interview should they consider this is
ii. The NEC may remove the endorsement of
required by the circumstances. Should any
any nominee where, in its opinion, such
appeal be conducted by the panel as a re-
action is urgent and necessary to protect the
interview then, in the absence of any
reputation of the Labour Party and/or to
express decision to the contrary by the
meet its obligations to ensure high quality
panel, the result of such a re-interview shall
candidates.
constitute the final determination of the
appeal. When an appeal hearing against iii. The NEC’s powers outlined under G.ii above
withdrawal of endorsement is heard, the may be exercised by the General Secretary
hearing may be conducted where the panel on the recommendation of the RD.
consider it appropriate solely in relation to
iv. There shall be no right of appeal where NEC
the changed circumstances leading to the
endorsement is withheld or revoked.
LGC withdrawal of endorsement. The panel
However, the NEC will wherever practicable
shall also rule on any procedural issues. The
offer the affected candidate the right to
decision of the appeals panel shall be final
attend an interview or make representations
and binding on all parties in accordance with
in writing in order to regain NEC
the rules for local government selections.
endorsement.
Candidates whose appeals are not upheld
will be given reasons for such decisions. The H. Rights and responsibilities of members of the
reasons for the decision shall remain approved panel of candidates
confidential to the panel concerned.
i. Potential candidates who are on the
F. Authority to vary assessment procedures approved panel of candidates are entitled to
a list of ward secretaries from the Secretary
i. The RD may, with the agreement of the LGC
of the LGC. Once shortlisted by a ward,
and the endorsement of the NEC, vary the
potential candidates will be entitled to a list
assessment procedures in the following
of eligible members for that ward from the
ways:
CLP Secretary. In order to receive this list,
potential candidates will have to pay the
Appendix 4
NEC Procedures for the selection of local government Candidates Page 114
relevant CLP an administration charge as set directly responsible for convening such
out in the code of conduct. meetings on the instructions of the LGC
executive.
ii. The NEC maintains a code of conduct that
applies to all candidates at all stages of this f. Such meetings shall comprise only those
process including candidates applying to the fully paid-up individual members of the
panel of approved candidates. Party who are registered as electors or
who reside in the electoral area
I. Shortlisting and selection
concerned. Where this is impractical (for
i. Insufficient nominations instance on the grounds of geography or
travelling involved) the RD shall act on
a. In the event of an insufficient number of
behalf of the NEC to approve
valid nominations, the LGC executive
arrangements for a special meeting of
shall have power to take whatever action
delegates appointed by branches within
may be necessary to meet the situation
that electoral area.
and ensure that there are Labour
candidates available to contest any g. Only those members who have been a
election to the appropriate authority. member for at least 6 months are eligible
to attend any meeting in this procedure.
b. In cases of dispute the matter shall be
The 6 months shall be counted from the
submitted to the LGC whose decision
date of the first meeting convened to
shall be final.
discuss a shortlist for a particular
ii. Shortlisting and selection meetings – general electoral area.
a. Shortlisting and selection meetings shall h. A meeting in this procedure may be
be convened by the Executive Committee attended by not more than three
of the CLP concerned after consultation representatives of the LGC executive who
with and in accordance with the shall act in an advisory capacity without
timetable (referred to in A.iii.F above) laid voting power. Any CLP concerned may
down by the executive of the LGC. This is send one member of their Executive
to ensure that meetings are convened on Committee as an observer.
a priority basis so that candidates are
i. The LGC shall decide the number of
selected first for Labour-held and
members who shall comprise a
winnable seats.
necessary quorum for these meetings,
b. Notice of such meetings must be sent to which must be reviewed prior to each
all members entitled to attend. The round of elections, subject to the
notice shall state the business to be agreement of the RD.
conducted and give appropriate details of
j. A list of eligible members for such
the procedure to be adopted.
meetings shall be provided by the CLP
c. Notice of such meeting shall include secretaries involved from information
notice of any positive action procedures supplied by the national membership
as agreed under section B above, i.e. system. Where appropriate a check
whether at least one woman candidate is against such list shall be made at the
to be selected or the candidate will be door and membership cards and/or
selected from an all-woman shortlist other credentials shall be examined. The
LGC representatives present shall rule on
d. Notice of such meetings shall be sent out
the eligibility of any member over which
at least seven days in advance, except in
the meeting is not satisfied. The notice of
an emergency where the LGC executive
the meetings should indicate by when
has approved a contracted timetable for
and where subscriptions should be
a particular selection.
brought up to date to ensure eligibility.
e. Where only one branch is involved,
iii. Shortlisting procedure
notices shall be sent out by the branch
secretary on the instructions of the CLP a. The list of nominees endorsed by the LGC
secretary. Where more than one branch (‘the panel’) shall be sent to CLPs for
is involved, the CLP secretary shall be forwarding to the meetings of individual
responsible for sending out the notice. members covering the electoral areas
Where more than one constituency is where selections have been approved.
involved, the LGC secretary shall be
Appendix 4
NEC Procedures for the selection of local government Candidates Page 115
b. The shortlisting procedure shall 6. Following the result of the ballot the
incorporate any positive action meeting should agree the period of
procedures as agreed under section B time to be offered to each nominee to
above. address the selection meeting and
answer questions and agree any other
c. Those in attendance at the special
arrangements necessary. These agreed
shortlisting meeting convened as above
arrangements shall be communicated
shall decide which of the nominees shall
to the shortlisted nominees.
be invited to the subsequent selection
meeting. f. If the required quorum is not present at a
shortlisting meeting, then the meeting
d. Once a member has been nominated or
should proceed to draw up a shortlist
expresses an interest in being nominated
which shall then be put to the
s/he must withdraw from the meeting
subsequent selection meeting for
and take no further part in it.
approval or rejection before the business
e. Where a vote is to be taken at a of that selection meeting may
shortlisting meeting the following commence.
procedure must be adopted:
g. Any member arriving at the shortlisting
1. Members present shall be invited to meeting after consideration of the
make nominations from those names shortlist has commenced shall be
on the approved panel of candidates. ineligible to take part or to vote and this
Nominations should be moved and should be made clear in the notice
seconded. convening the meeting.
Appendix 4
NEC Procedures for the selection of local government Candidates Page 116
Executive Committee, or they may 9. A successful candidate must have an
proceed to draw up a new shortlist. overall majority of votes cast. Spoilt
Any new selection meetings shall be and blank papers shall be deducted
convened in accordance with the from the total number of ballot papers
procedure above. returned before deciding whether a
nominee has a clear majority.
6. If it is agreed to ballot, then the
method of balloting will depend on 10. Should no nominee have an overall
whether or not the ward is subject to majority, the nominee at the bottom of
positive action procedures as set out the poll shall be eliminated from the
in section B above. Where at least next round of voting together with any
one woman candidate must be others whose votes added to those of
selected from a multi-seat selection nominees lower in the poll do not
then a two-part ballot shall be held in equal the number of votes cast for the
accordance with section viii below nominee immediately above.
(except where the makeup of the
11. Where there is more than one
shortlist means at least one woman
candidate to be selected the
would be guaranteed to be selected).
eliminating ballot must continue
In all other cases the ballot will
removing the name(s) with the lowest
proceed as set out in section vii
votes until only the number required to
below.
be selected remain.
7. Where there is no positive action
12. Where there is a tie at the bottom of
requirement, or you are selecting
any ballot and the two (or more) votes
candidate(s) from an all women
added together are equal to or more
shortlist in line with positive action
than the next vote above, a separate
procedures, the ballot shall be held
ballot shall be held to break the tie and
as follows:
decide which nominee shall be
a. There shall be a secret paper eliminating eliminated from the following round.
ballot. Members may vote for as many as, or
13. If there is a tie on the final round of any
less than, the number of candidates
ballot, the chair is not allowed a casting
required to be selected.
vote so a further ballot must be held to
8. Where there is a requirement to select determine the result. Before taking this
at least one woman candidate from a further ballot the nominees tying may
multi-seat selection, the vote to decide be recalled separately for a further
which nominees shall be selected as period of questions. If there is still a tie
candidates shall be held as follows: then a fresh selection meeting shall be
convened
a. The ballot will be held in two parts. The first
ballot will select a woman candidate (or two 14. If after a further meeting no decision is
women candidates, if two seats are set aside reached there shall be a joint meeting
for women) from amongst those women convened on the same basis as in 16
nominees on the shortlist. If there is only below.
one woman nominee (or two where two
15. No shortlisted nominee shall take part
seats are set aside for women) then that
or vote as a member of the branch in
woman or women will be deemed selected.
the selection meeting unless they have
The second ballot will select the remaining
formally withdrawn from the selection.
candidate(s) from all shortlisted nominees
with the exception of the woman 16. If the required quorum is not present
candidate(s) selected in the part one ballot. at a selection meeting then the
selection of the candidate(s) shall be
b. Voting in both ballots shall be a secret paper
deferred to a subsequent joint meeting
eliminating ballot. In the first ballot,
of those individual members eligible to
members may cast one vote to select one
attend the first meeting plus members
woman candidate (or up to two votes where
of the Executive Committee of the CLP
two seats have been set aside for women).
concerned who are registered as
In the second ballot members may vote for
electors within the area of operation of
as many as, or less than, the number of
the LGC and who have the 6-month
candidates required to be selected.
membership qualification. Executive
Appendix 4
NEC Procedures for the selection of local government Candidates Page 117
members who have an interest in the circumstances the NEC shall require a
outcome of the selection shall not panel of the Regional Executive
participate in this joint meeting. Such a Committee to make a decision which
meeting shall proceed however many shall be final and binding on all parties.
members are present. However, the
J. Alternative Procedures
Executive Committee members present
at the deferred meeting shall have the a. An LGC may apply to the NEC to pilot new
right to vote in any ballot only if again or innovative procedures. Any such
insufficient members from the procedure must retain procedures for
electoral area concerned attend to ensuring the Party’s objectives under
form a quorum. positive action are met.
v. NEC endorsement
Appendix 4
NEC Procedures for the selection of local government Candidates Page 118
Appendix 5
A. CLPs would continue to receive a cash payment
based on the number of paid up members in
that CLP. The payment will be set at £1.50 per
NEC statement - A paid up member. For example if a CLP has 300
members it will receive £450 annual cash
minimum guarantee payment which shall be paid in instalments
every two months.
6. Create two new NEC administered funds: iii. the cash payments made to CLPs.
A. The NEC Diversity and Democracy Fund and B. The new NEC funds will be overseen by a panel
of NEC members chosen directly from the NEC.
B. the NEC Local Campaigns and Improvement
Fund. C. CLPs would be invited to bid for funding from
the committees which would meet at least twice
a year to consider applications.
Clause III.
The detail of the proposal D. The Scottish and Welsh Executives and General
Secretaries, and the Regional Directors and
1. Every CLP will receive a cash payment based on Regional Executive Committees would be asked
the number of members in that CLP for input and views on each bid received.
Appendix 5
NEC statement - A minimum guarantee of support to CLPs Page 119
Clause IV.
The aim of each fund is as follows:
1. NEC Diversity and Democracy Fund.
Appendix 5
NEC statement - A minimum guarantee of support to CLPs Page 120
Appendix 6 4. The overriding objective of these guidelines is to
Appendix 6
Procedural guidelines in disciplinary cases brought before the NCC Page 121
case may properly be determined without a NCC. But that obligation is subject to paragraph
hearing and, if so, brief reasons why. 13 (recusal). Account must also be taken of the
differing personal circumstances of members,
8. The charge sheet may include more than one
including their employment situation and (in
charge against a respondent arising out of the
the light of the likely venue for a hearing) their
same events. Where charges are referred against
place of residence and any additional needs.
more than one respondent arising out of the
same event, a separate charge sheet must be C. In appointing a panel, regard must be had to
provided in respect of each respondent, but a written guidance issued by the General
single charge bundle may be provided. Secretary, NCC Chair and Vice Chair on the
composition of panels. The guidance must
9. The charge bundle may include a brief statement
contain provision designed to ensure that each
explaining the NEC’s case against the respondent.
panel includes, so far as practicable, at least
The statement must be cross-referenced to the
one member sufficiently experienced to act as
evidence in the bundle.
panel chair, and that account is taken of the
10. A charge may be presented only against a person desirability of the panel reflecting the diversity
who was a member of the Labour Party at the of the NCC as a whole.
time of the alleged breach of rule. If the charge is
D. As soon as possible after their appointment, the
presented by a CLP, the person must also have
panel will appoint one of their members to act
been a member of that CLP at that time. A CLP
as panel chair.
may present a charge against a respondent who
has subsequently transferred out of that CLP. 13. Members must recuse themselves from a panel
if, at any stage during the proceedings on a
11. In this paragraph “NEC” does not include a CLP. If
charge, facts are, or become, known to them
the respondent ceases to be a Labour Party
(other than as a result of a request for recusal of
member after the charge is presented, the NCC
a member) which would lead a fair-minded
will normally suspend the proceedings on the
observer to conclude that there is a real danger
charge and will notify the respondent and NEC
that the member would be biased in favour of
(or CLP) that it has done so. If the respondent
the NEC’s or respondent’s case, or would not
later rejoins (or applies to rejoin) the Party, the
determine the charge with an open mind.
NEC may by notice to the NCC proceed with the
Examples of such facts include:
charge. The NCC may make use of any evidence
submitted before the proceedings were A. the member is closely associated with the
suspended. The three-month period for respondent, complainant or a witness (for
determination of the charge re-starts afresh example, a close friendship or a close family or
when the NCC Secretary receives notice from the business relationship);
NEC to proceed with the charge.
B. the member was previously involved in the
events to which the allegations relate.
Pre-hearing procedure
C. Previous participation as a member of the NCC
Reporting of charge and appointment of panel in an earlier stage of the proceedings, or in
12. On presentation of a charge, the NCC Secretary proceedings on a charge involving the same
will report the charge to the Chair and Vice-Chair individuals or similar allegations, does not in
of the NCC. As soon as practicable after itself result in the appearance of bias or a
presentation of a charge, the NCC Secretary, after closed mind.
consulting with the NCC Chair (or Vice-Chair if the 14. Paragraph 12 applies to the replacement of a
Chair is unavailable), will appoint a three-member member who is recused or otherwise unable to
panel to determine it. The following provisions continue to participate in a panel.
apply to membership of panels:
A. As required by Rule 1.IX.3.C, a panel must Notification of respondent and answer to charge
include at least one member from each of
Divisions I (trade unions) and III (CLPs). Notice to respondent
Appendix 6
Procedural guidelines in disciplinary cases brought before the NCC Page 123
22. That does not prevent the panel from deciding considers that a significant contested issue of
whether, as a result of such an error or defect, it fact cannot properly be determined without
would be grossly unfair in all the circumstances hearing oral evidence (which will not normally
to consider a particular charge, part of a charge, be the case where the alleged breach of rule
or item of evidence. A respondent who wishes lies entirely in the content of written material).
the panel to exclude a charge, part of charge or
25. Following receipt of the answer to charge, unless
item of evidence on that basis must make a
the panel has decided not to hold a hearing the
reasoned request in the answer to charge, and
NCC Secretary will fix a hearing date after
must include in the respondent’s bundle any
consulting the panel members and the parties.
evidence necessary to support it. After the
The NCC Secretary will so far as possible take into
notification date the Labour Party will not
account any information provided by the parties
consider a complaint about the pre-charge
as to the availability of the respondent (and any
process made in any other way.
representative), the NEC’s intended
NEC response to answer to charge representative, the complainant and any
witnesses. The NCC Secretary must give the
23. No later than seven days after receiving a copy of
parties at least 14 days’ notice of the hearing
the answer to charge, the NEC may (but need not)
date.
send the NCC Secretary a response. The
response: 26. Charges against more than one respondent
based on the same events will generally be heard
A. must be limited to accepting or rebutting the
together by the same panel. But the NCC
content of the answer to charge and of any
Secretary may decide otherwise. The NCC
witness statement or document accompanying
Secretary may also decide to arrange for charges
it;
to be heard together in other circumstances
B. must not duplicate any allegation or evidence where it is appropriate to do so. The NCC
already in the charge sheet or charge bundle; Secretary must consult the parties before making
a decision under this paragraph.
C. must be accompanied by (i) a signed witness
statement containing the evidence of any 27. Where a charge has been referred to the NCC by
witness on whom the NEC relies (whether a a Sexual Harassment Panel of the NEC and the
new witness or supplemental evidence from a complainant has asked for the special hearing
witness whose evidence is in the charge procedure for sexual harassment cases to be
bundle), and (ii) any additional relevant followed, then if a hearing is held in such a case
document on which the NEC relies. (including a case where the charge in question is
heard together with any other charge), it must be
Selection of procedure and notification of hearing
conducted in accordance with the special
date
procedure as set out in Annex B (model hearing
24. As soon as possible and in any event within seven agenda in sexual harassment cases). The NCC
days after receipt of an answer to charge, the Secretary must take that into account in deciding
panel must decide whether to hold a hearing or whether to hear charges together under
to determine the case solely on the written paragraph 26.
material submitted to it. In relation to that
Representation and assistance
decision:
28. The NEC is generally expected to conduct the
A. If the answer to charge indicates the
proceedings, including the presentation of its
respondent’s consent to determination without
case at the hearing, through an appropriate
a hearing, the panel need not hold a hearing
officer of the Labour Party (“the NEC presenter”).
unless it considers that the overriding objective
requires it to do so; 29. A respondent is entitled to be accompanied at
the hearing of a charge by a silent friend, so long
B. Otherwise the panel must consider whether the
as the respondent has notified the NCC Secretary
case can fairly be determined without a
of that person’s identity at least 7 days before the
hearing, having regard (among other things) to
hearing. The friend must be a member of the
any reasons given by the respondent and NEC
Labour Party against whom there is no current
for holding or dispensing with a hearing and to
disciplinary investigation or charge, or a
the penalty likely to be imposed if the contested
suspension imposed by the NCC. The friend may
charges are proved.
advise and assist the respondent but may not
C. Where the respondent has not consented to address the hearing, give evidence or question
determination without a hearing, the panel any witness.
should not dispense with a hearing if it
Appendix 6
Procedural guidelines in disciplinary cases brought before the NCC Page 124
30. Alternatively a respondent may be represented at otherwise, arrange a new hearing date after
the hearing by: consulting the parties.
A. a lay representative, such as a trade union 37. The NCC Secretary may not arrange or postpone
official, who must be a member of the Labour a hearing to take place more than three months
Party against whom there is no current after presentation of a charge unless satisfied
disciplinary investigation or charge, or a that there are exceptional circumstances
suspension imposed by the NCC; or justifying doing so. Such circumstances may
include:
B. with the permission of the panel, a legal
representative (that is, a person who is entitled A. Where the respondent, or one or more
to practise in the UK under a professional legal witnesses, are suffering from serious illness or
title), who need not be a member of the Labour incapacity preventing their attendance, and it is
Party. not possible to determine the charges fairly in
their absence (in which case the General
31. The respondent must make any request for
Secretary may invite the panel to reconsider, in
permission to be legally represented no later
accordance with paragraph 24, whether to
than 21 days after the notification date. The
determine the case without a hearing);
request must identify the proposed
representative and briefly explain why B. Where there are ongoing enquiries, or legal or
permission is sought. The panel will allow the other proceedings, about matters central to the
respondent legal representation only if fairness case, and it would be grossly unfair to hold the
requires it: for example where the case is hearing before they are complete.
particularly difficult or complex. In the interests
C. Any request by a party to arrange such a
of the complainant in charges of sexual
hearing must be made promptly and
harassment, the panel is more likely to give
accompanied by evidence of the circumstances
permission for legal representation in a case
relied on. The unavailability of a particular
proceeding under the special procedure for
individual to act as silent friend, or as lay or
sexual harassment cases than in other types of
legal representative, will not normally be
case, but will wish to be satisfied that the
regarded as exceptional. The party will be
proposed legal representative is suitably qualified
expected to nominate an alternative friend or
and experienced.
representative.
32. Where the panel gives the respondent
38. The General Secretary may, at the request of a
permission for a legal representative, the NEC is
party or on the General Secretary’s own initiative,
also entitled to be legally represented.
shorten or extend any time limit prescribed by
33. The NEC may, exceptionally, request permission these guidelines. But a time limit may not be
to be legally represented at the hearing even if changed in a way that would be incompatible
the respondent has made no such request. The with:
NEC must make any such request no later than
A. the currently fixed hearing date, unless the
seven days after receiving a copy of the answer to
General Secretary has postponed the hearing in
charge. The panel will grant the request only if
accordance with paragraphs 36 and 37 or
fairness clearly requires it. Where the panel gives
the NEC permission for a legal representative, the B. a hearing taking place within three months
respondent is also entitled to be legally after presentation of charges, unless the
represented. General Secretary has arranged such a hearing
in accordance with paragraph 37.
34. The panel will make and notify its decision on a
request for representation as soon as practicable Evidence
and no later than 14 days before the hearing.
39. The NCC determines a charge on the basis of the
35. Where representation is allowed, each party is evidence each party submits. It does not seek out
responsible for arranging and instructing their evidence itself, nor does it have power to compel
own representative and for the costs of doing so. a party to produce a document or the evidence of
The NCC has no power to order a party to pay a particular witness. However, the NCC Secretary
another party’s legal costs. will pass on to a party any request by another
party to produce a particular piece of evidence.
Case management and evidence
40. Each party must, at least 10 days before the
Hearing date and time limits
hearing, confirm to the NCC Secretary which of
36. Where a hearing date has been fixed, the NCC their witnesses whose statement they have
Secretary may, at the request of a party or submitted they wish to call to give oral evidence.
Appendix 6
Procedural guidelines in disciplinary cases brought before the NCC Page 125
The panel will determine which witnesses each C. any witness whom the panel has permitted to
party is permitted to call, and in relation to which give oral evidence (each witness will be brought
of the matters dealt with in their statements. The into the hearing in turn and will be asked to
panel will not generally hear oral evidence from leave immediately after giving their evidence).
more than four witnesses for each party.
49. Paragraphs 36 and 37 do not affect the power of
Permission to call a witness in excess of that
the panel to manage the procedure at the
number will be given only if the evidence relates
hearing in the ordinary way, including by pausing,
to a significant contested factual issue, does
or postponing the start of, the hearing, or
more than merely corroborate the evidence of
adjourning the proceedings part-heard (in which
another witness, and fairness demands that it be
case, unless the hearing is to continue the
tested by questioning.
following day, the NCC Secretary must fix a date
41. The panel will not generally permit a party to call for the resumed hearing). If the panel members
a character witness. A respondent against whom remain in the hearing room during a pause in the
a charge is proved may provide written hearing, everyone else except the panel secretary
attestations of character for consideration by the and any adviser must leave the room.
panel when it makes its decision on disciplinary
50. The sequence of statements and evidence during
measures.
the hearing is set out in:
Other procedural matters
A. Model Hearing Agenda A (see Annex A), or
42. Where legal representation is allowed, and in
B. Model Hearing Agenda B (see Annex B) for
other cases where appropriate, the NCC
hearings under the special procedure for sexual
Secretary may (but need not) convene a pre-
harassment cases.
hearing meeting of the panel to consider
procedural matters including the conduct of the 51. At the end of the steps set out in the Model
hearing. Hearing Agenda, the panel chair will ask the
respondent if she or he feels that the hearing has
43. Any meeting of a panel to determine procedural
been fair.
matters, and any determination of a charge
without a hearing (including determination of 52. The hearing is then adjourned for the panel to
disciplinary measures where a charge is reach its determination as to whether or not each
admitted), may be conducted by telephone or charge is proved. The determination may be
video conference or other digital means. made by simple majority. The burden of proving
any contested fact on which the charge is based
44. The panel may from time to time give directions
rests with the NEC. The standard of proof on
about the management of the case.
factual matters is the balance of probabilities.
45. A decision under paragraphs 30 to 34 or 40 may
53. Having reached its determination, the panel will
in case of urgency be taken by the panel chair.
reconvene the hearing and will:
57. The hearing will then be adjourned for the panel C. If the respondent has been notified of the
to decide on disciplinary measures. On charges but no hearing date has been fixed
reconvening the hearing the panel will inform the before the commencement date, paragraphs 24
parties of the disciplinary measures, if any, to be to 45 (which deal with all pre-hearing steps
imposed. The hearing will then be closed. following the answer to charge) apply to the
charges.
58. The NCC Secretary will send the parties written
confirmation of the outcome of the hearing, D. Where, at the commencement date, a hearing
including a brief statement of the reasons for the has been fixed to take place more than 21 days
panel’s decision on each charge and on the after 14 May 2019, paragraphs 28 to 45 (which
question of disciplinary measures, as soon as deal with representation, evidence and certain
possible following the hearing. other procedural matters) apply to the charges.
Appendix 6
Procedural guidelines in disciplinary cases brought before the NCC Page 127
4. Respondent briefly states his or her case and A. Complainant and silent friend/representative to
calls any witnesses in support. Each witness may leave the viewing room
be questioned in turn by:
B. Respondent and silent friend/representative to
A. The respondent; leave the hearing room and watch the hearing
live from the viewing room.
B. The NEC Presenter, who may also question the
respondent on any evidence he or she has 4. NEC Presenter calls the NEC’s witnesses
given; (including the complainant, if giving oral
evidence). The procedure for each witness is as
C. The panel. The panel may also question the
follows:
respondent about any evidence he or she has
given, or about his or her case. A. Before and during that witness’s oral evidence,
the respondent may prepare written questions
5. The NEC Presenter, and then the respondent,
that the chair will be asked to put to the witness
invited to make closing statements. A closing
on behalf of the respondent. Such questions
statement may not introduce new evidence. The
should be worded concisely and designed to
panel may ask each party questions about their
test the evidence on which the NEC Presenter
closing statement. The panel may permit the NEC
relies rather than to put the respondent’s case.
Presenter to reply to any new point raised by the
respondent. B. The witness is questioned by the NEC
Presenter.
6. The hearing then continues as described at
paragraph 51 onwards. C. The hearing will then be paused for the
respondent to give the panel the prepared
7. In this agenda, “NEC Presenter” includes a legal
questions to the witness (via the secretary who
representative on behalf of the NEC, and
will collect them from the viewing room).
“respondent” includes a lay or legal
representative of the respondent. But such D. The panel may adjourn to consider the
representatives will not be permitted to give questions. If it considers any question
evidence and so will not be asked direct inappropriate it may invite the parties to make
questions by the other party. submissions about the question. The panel will
then decide whether the question can be asked,
Annex B: Model Hearing Agenda B if necessary in an amended form.
for sexual harassment cases E. The hearing resumes and the chair asks the
questions on behalf of the respondent.
1. Panel chair opens hearing. The NEC Presenter,
respondent and any silent friend or F. Where necessary to ensure fairness, steps (C) to
representative are present in the hearing room. (E) may be repeated once to enable the
The complainant any silent friend or respondent to give the panel supplementary
representative may watch live from the viewing questions arising out of the witness’s answers
room. The chair: during step (E).
A. Introduces panel, secretary and any legal G. Steps (C) to (F) also apply to any evidence the
adviser and explains hearing procedure; NEC Presenter has given.
B. Ensures that all persons involved in the hearing H. The panel may then ask the witness any
have deposited all of their mobile phones with a questions. The panel may also question the
member of staff; NEC Presenter about any evidence he or she
has given, or about the NEC’s case.
C. Invites the respondent (or representative) to
indicate whether they have read and Note: the respondent is confined at this stage to
understood the provisions of these guidelines preparing written questions to witnesses called on
(including this model agenda) about procedure behalf of the NEC (including the NEC Presenter, but
at the hearing; only in relation to any evidence he or she gives). The
panel chair may wish to remind the respondent that
D. If it is proposed to record the hearing, informs the respondent’s opportunity to present their own
those present; case comes later in the procedure.
E. Takes procedural questions, if any. 5. Hearing briefly adjourned for the panel to decide
2. NEC Presenter briefly states the NEC’s case. whether the NEC has shown a case to answer on
each charge. If not, the panel will dismiss that
3. Chair invites: charge. Otherwise the hearing will continue as
follows.
Appendix 6
Procedural guidelines in disciplinary cases brought before the NCC Page 128
6. Hearing resumes. The chair invites: panel may ask each party questions about their
closing statement. The panel may permit the NEC
A. The respondent and silent
Presenter to reply to any new point raised by the
friend/representative to leave the viewing room
respondent.
and come to the hearing room.
10. The hearing then continues as described at
B. NEC presenter and any representative, to leave
paragraph 51.
the hearing room and watch the hearing live
from the viewing room. If the NEC Presenter 11. Arrangements are made throughout to ensure
agrees, the complainant may also watch this the complainant and other NEC witnesses do not
part of the hearing live from the viewing room. meet the respondent while moving between the
hearing and viewing rooms or at any other time
7. Respondent asked to briefly state his or her case
while on the hearing premises.
and call any witnesses in support. The procedure
for each witness is as follows: 12. If the panel members remain in the hearing room
during an adjournment (see paragraph 49), the
A. Before and during that witness’s oral evidence,
live feed to the viewing room will be switched off,
the NEC Presenter may prepare written
alternatively those in the viewing room will be
questions that the chair will be asked to put to
shown to another room.
the witness on behalf of the respondent. Such
questions should be worded concisely and 13. In this agenda, “NEC Presenter” includes a legal
designed to test the evidence on which the representative on behalf of the NEC, and
respondent relies rather than to put the NEC’s “respondent” includes a lay or legal
case. representative of the respondent. But such
representatives will not be permitted to give
B. The witness is questioned by the respondent
evidence and so will not be asked direct
C. The hearing will then be paused for the NEC questions by or on behalf of the other party.
Presenter to give the panel the prepared
questions to the witness (via the secretary who
will collect them from the viewing room).
Appendix 6
Procedural guidelines in disciplinary cases brought before the NCC Page 129
Appendix 7 Clause III.
Basis of representation
Procedural guidelines 1. The basis of representation of the General
Meeting shall be as follows: {here insert the basis
for the general of representation as approved by the NEC}
provided that:
organisation of 2. only a member in respect of whom an affiliation
fee or a membership fee for the full year or
Constituency Labour period of membership as the case may be has
been paid to this CLP for the previous year or
Parties part thereof to 31 December may be counted in
calculating the number of delegates
Appendix 7
Procedural guidelines for the general organisation of Constituency Labour Parties Page 130
Member Meeting meetings of, the CLP they
represent and report on their work.
Clause V.
Non Delegate Organisation
1. The General Meeting of this CLP shall consist of
all eligible members and delegates from affiliated
organisations.
Clause VI.
Other Methods of Organisation
1. The general procedures for other methods of
organisation will be shown here as they are
approved by the NEC.
Appendix 7
Procedural guidelines for the general organisation of Constituency Labour Parties Page 131
Appendix 8
c. Unwanted physical contact such as
hugging, kissing and touching;
All codes of conduct and NEC statements form part e. Indecent comments, jokes or innuendos
of the agreed relationship between individual Labour relating to a person’s looks or private life
Party members, and set the minimum code of or being subjected to sexual jokes or
conduct expected by the Party of all its members. propositions;
The NEC may supplement or amend these codes of
f. Requests for sexual favours;
conduct at any time. Further codes of conduct exist
relating to internal elections, selections and other g. Someone making sexually degrading
matters, including supplementary guidance on the comments or gestures;
codes of conduct contained in this Appendix. These
h. Your body being stared or leered at;
may be found in the rule book or on the Labour
Party website at www.labour.org.uk i. Someone displaying sexually explicit
pictures in your space or a shared space;
1. Code of Conduct: Sexual j. Offers of rewards in return for sexual
Harassment and Gender favours;
In the case of sexual harassment, the relevant The Labour Party will take allegations of third party
protected characteristic is sex. sexual harassment extremely seriously. Where a
complaint of third party harassment is received the
The following list provides examples of some of the
Labour Party will undertake an investigation of any
kinds of behaviour likely to be regarded as sexual
member of the party or member of staff. Where the
harassment (this list is not exhaustive).
individual is a member or employee of another
a. Sexual assault or rape; organisation the Labour Party will share information
about the complaint where possible, and in
b. Unwelcome or inappropriate behaviour
accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and
of a sexual nature. This may be either
GDPR, to ensure an investigation into the complaint
physical or verbal and includes
is carried out. The Party will encourage and support
unwelcome sexual advances;
complainants to report their complaint directly to
Appendix 8
NEC Codes of Conduct Page 132
other organisations or the relevant governing body support, or support from close family
where appropriate. members, trade unions.
Appendix 8
NEC Codes of Conduct Page 139
comfortable for all. No form of harassment will be • Physical conduct ranging from the invasion of
permitted or condoned under any circumstances. personal space and/or inappropriate touching to
Where a valid complaint of harassment is brought to serious assault.
the attention of the Party, prompt investigation and • Verbal, written and e-mail harassment through
corrective action will be instituted, which may derogatory remarks, jokes, insults, offensive
include disciplinary action against anyone found to
language, gossip and slander.
be harassing another.
• Sexually suggestive and unwelcome comments
This policy will be available to all staff, members and
or derogatory remarks including any regarding
volunteers within the Labour Party. Everyone has an
individual responsibility to comply with both the the sexual orientation or preference of an
spirit and the wording of the policy. individual.
Staff and members have an additional responsibility • Unwanted requests or pressure for sexual
for safeguarding children (anyone who has not yet favours.
reached their 18th birthday) participating in Labour
• Displays of racially suggestive or degrading
Party activities and must ensure that any suspected
pictures, graffiti or object in the workplace.
harassment or bullying of children is reported to
their Regional Director or General Secretary in • Unjustifiable exclusion, e.g. withholding
Scotland and Wales (RDGS), who will report it to the information, not talking to, not including in
Governance and Legal Unit (GLU). discussions or meetings, or exclusion from social
These procedural guidelines should be read in occasions.
conjunction with existing disciplinary procedures set
• Sexual graffiti or displays of pornographic or
out in rule and elsewhere.
degrading pictures or objects including
Definition of Harassment pornographic displays on computer screens.
There is not, and probably cannot be, a single simple • Intrusion by pestering, spying, following,
definition. This is because harassment takes many stalking, etc.
forms, occurs on a variety of grounds and may be
directed at an individual or group of individuals. It is • Unfair allocation of responsibilities.
not the intention of the harasser but rather their
• Incitement to commit any of the above.
conduct and its impact on the recipient, which
determine what constitutes harassment. The impact Bullying and Intimidation
of harassment can result in the following: discomfort
• Physical conduct ranging from the invasion of
humiliation, or may adversely affect the recipient’s
personal space and/or inappropriate touching to
performance, or create a threatening or intimidating
serious assault.
environment. It can also provoke aggressive,
retaliatory attitudes and actions. Certain behaviour • Verbal, written and e-mail harassment through
will be, by its nature or severity, unwelcome even on derogatory remarks, jokes, insults, offensive
a single occasion.
language, gossip, spreading malicious rumours
Social interaction involving mutually acceptable and slander.
behaviour should be distinguished from harassment.
• Open aggression, threats, shouting, and
However, it should be borne in mind that what is
unpredictable outbursts.
initially acceptable to some may be offensive to
others. • Deliberately setting objectives with
The defining feature of harassment is that behaviour unreasonable deadlines, or changing objectives
is offensive or intimidating to the recipient and unfairly.
would be regarded as harassment by any reasonable
• Belittling, marginalizing or ridiculing; taking
person.
credit for someone else's work but never taking
Certain types of harassment may constitute a the blame if something goes wrong.
criminal offence.
• Frequent unjustifiable criticism about minor
Examples of unacceptable behaviour under this things.
policy (this list is for reference and is not exhaustive):
• Frequent unjustifiable monitoring of someone's
Harassment
activities as volunteer or lay officer or other
misuse of power.
Appendix 8
NEC Codes of Conduct Page 140
• Twisting something someone says or does. 6. Code of Conduct: Confidentiality
• Threatening disciplinary or other action and Privacy
deliberately to intimidate e.g. making threats or
The Labour Party takes seriously its obligations of
comments about selection/deselection without confidentiality and privacy. The purpose of this Code
foundation. of Conduct is to provide clarity to its members as to
• Unjustifiable exclusion, e.g. withholding when matters should be kept confidential, whilst
also clarifying the circumstances in which the Labour
information, not talking to, not including in
Party and its members may disclose information in
discussions or meetings, or exclusion from social
an appropriate manner that does not risk breaching
occasions.
the Labour Party’s rules, codes of conduct, policies
• Intrusion by pestering, spying, following, and/or guidelines.
stalking, etc. 1. Labour Party members operate in a data-driven
• Unfair allocation of work and responsibilities. world, where personal data must be handled in a
lawful, transparent, fair and proportionate
• Inappropriate or derogatory remarks in manner.
connection with performance, particularly in
2. Members have a right to maintain privacy and
front of other members.
confidentiality over their personal affairs in
• Incitement to commit any of the above. accordance with the law.
Appendix 8
NEC Codes of Conduct Page 141
6. In order to ensure that members of such national NEC’s or the General Secretary’s
committees can be accountable to the Division delegated powers;
(or Divisions) they represent, paragraph 5(b)
c. The NEC or any national officer acting
above shall not prevent such members from:
under the NEC’s or the General
a. having such discussions, or sharing Secretary’s delegated powers may
documents that are not strictly disclose the fact of a disciplinary
confidential, as are appropriate and investigation to third parties if it is
necessary to prepare for in advance of necessary to do so in the Labour Party’s
such national committees; interests and only on condition that the
identity of the member subject to a
b. obtaining appropriate assistance in order
disciplinary investigation is not disclosed
to undertake their role and/or duties on
by the Labour Party;
such national committee(s);
d. The NEC or any national officer acting
c. reporting back to other Labour Party
under the NEC’s or the General
members; and/or
Secretary’s delegated powers may
d. reporting back to an executive committee disclose information to correct false
of such member’s relevant affiliated reports in the media where to do so is
organisation, necessary to protect the Labour Party’s
reputation or its interests;
For the avoidance of doubt, and with respect to
members of such national committees, e. The NEC or any national officer acting
reference to “reporting back” shall include those under the NEC’s or the General
members reporting back to the Division (or Secretary’s delegated powers may
Divisions) that they represent on such national disclose any matter in relation to a
committees of the Labour Party. disciplinary investigation or a
membership dispute to another national
7. Members of the Labour Party must maintain
officer, staff member or other person
confidentiality in all Confidential Matters.
appointed by the Labour Party for the
8. Members may not waive or breach confidentiality purposes of carrying out a duty or power
in respect of Confidential Matters save as under the Labour Party Rule Book; and
required by law or with the express permission of
f. The NEC, the General Secretary or any
the NEC or the General Secretary, or a national
national officer acting under the NEC’s or
officer acting under the delegated power of the
the General Secretary’s delegated powers
General Secretary and authorised to give such
may disclose the outcome of a
permission.
disciplinary complaint to the person who
9. It is important that disciplinary action taken by submitted the complaint.
the Labour Party pursuant to Chapters 2, 6, 7, 8
10. Paragraph 8 of this Code of Conduct does not
and/or 13 of the Labour Party Rule Book is kept
apply to disciplinary procedures taken pursuant
confidential by the Labour Party, its members
to the Standing Orders of the Parliamentary
and its officers so as to maintain the integrity of
Labour Party.
any disciplinary investigations and to preserve
any relevant evidence. Therefore, members must 11. The NEC may consider any breach of this Code of
keep information, correspondence and Conduct to amount to conduct that is prejudicial
Confidential Matters pertaining to individual and grossly detrimental to the Labour Party
disciplinary cases private and must avoid within the meaning of Chapter 2, Clause 1.8 of
disclosing any such information, correspondence the Labour Party Rule Book depending on the
or Confidential Matters to any party, except: facts of the case
Party Conference
C. Compositing
ii. The Chair shall retain the power to rule what A. The role of the Conference Arrangements
is and is not a legitimate point of order, and Committee
to instruct a delegate to end an illegitimate
point of order.
Appendix 9
Standing Orders for Party Conference Page 144
i. The Conference Arrangements Committee Committee, and a new Report will be
shall have the responsibilities outlined in prepared. In such circumstances, the Chair
Chapter 3, Clause II.2 of the Labour Party of Annual Conference shall move that
Rule Book. Conference continues on the timetable
published, up until a revised Report is
B. The Conference Arrangements Committee
produced.
Report
iii. Should the motion on continuing with the
i. The Conference Arrangements Committee
timetable published fall, Conference will be
Report shall set out the timetable for Annual
suspended up until a revised report is
Conference. Delegates may speak from the
published.
floor for up to one minute on the
Conference Arrangements Committee 7. Suspension of standing orders
Report, prior to a vote being taken.
A. Procedural motion to suspend a standing order
ii. Should conference vote not to accept the
i. Any motion to suspend standing orders may
Conference Arrangements Committee
only be moved on behalf of the NEC. Any
Report, the Chair of the Conference
such motion to suspend standing orders
Arrangements Committee shall report back
must specify which standing order is
to the Conference Arrangements
proposed to be suspended.
Appendix 9
Standing Orders for Party Conference Page 145
Contacts South West
Emery Road
Brislington, Bristol BS4 5PF
Tel: 0117 972 9440
Fax: 0117 972 9450
East Midlands
Email: southwest@labour.org.uk
Harold Wilson House
Website: laboursouthwest.org.uk
23 Barratt Lane, Attenborough
Twitter: @SWLabourParty
Nottingham NG9 6AD
Regional Director: Phil Gaskin
Tel: 0115 943 1777
Fax: 0115 943 1888
Welsh Labour
Email: eastmidlands@labour.org.uk
Transport House
Website: heastmidslabour.org.uk
Cathedral Road
Twitter: @EastMidsLabour
Cardiff CF11 9HA
Regional Director: Richard Oliver
Tel: 02920 877700
Fax: 02920 221153
Eastern
Email: wales@labour.org.uk
Whitehall Estate, Flex Meadow
Website: welshlabour.wales
Harlow CM19 5TP
Twitter: @WelshLabour
Tel: 01279 625860
General Secretary: Joanna McIntyre
Fax: 01279 418322
Email: eastern@labour.org.uk
West Midlands
Website: easternlabour.org
Terry Duffy House
Twitter: @EofELabour
Thomas Street, West Bromwich
Regional Director: Emma Toal
West Midlands B70 6NT
Acting Regional Director: Dominic Collins
Tel: 0121 569 1900
Fax: 0121 569 1936
London
Email: westmidlands@labour.org.uk
Southside 105 Victoria Street
Website: westmidlandslabour.org.uk
London SW1E 6QT
Twitter: @WMLabour
Tel: 020 7783 1170
Regional Director: Charlotte Walker
Fax: 020 7783 1266
Email: london@labour.org.uk
Yorkshire and The Humber
Website: Labourinlondon.org.uk
20-22 Cheapside
Twitter: @LondonLabour
Wakefield
Regional Director: Amy Fodé
West Yorkshire WF1 2TF
Acting Regional Director: Pearleen Sangha
Tel: 01924 291221
Fax: 01924 290098
Labour North
Email: yorkshire@labour.org.uk
Labour Central, Kings Manor
Website: yorkshireandhumberlabour.org.uk
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6PA
Twitter: @yorkshirelabour
Tel: 0191 246 5276
Regional Director: Paul Nicholson
Fax: 0191 246 5277
Email: north@labour.org.uk
Website: labournorth.com
Twitter: @LabourNorth
Head Office
Regional Director: Kate Bolger
South East
Southside 105 Victoria Street
London SW1E 6QT
Tel: 0118 923 9403
Fax: 0118 986 4493
Email: southeast@labour.org.uk
Website: Labour-southeast.org.uk
Twitter: @SELabour
Regional Director: Teddy Ryan
EC Executive Committee
GS General Secretary
MP Member of Parliament
YL Young Labour