Ed Miliband is our new Party Leader

This is a great result for the Labour Party and the nation.  Ed narrowly beat his brother David in an incredibly close contest (50.65% to 49.35%)

David was in the lead until the very last stage.  The vote by trade union affiliates and the socialist society made the difference. 

The conference hall was packed with members even standing around the edges.  As the result was announced there was a huge cheer.  Around me delegates were hugging each other and some were openly crying. Ed was clearly emotional during his acceptance speech and I am sure it must have been also emotional for David as both brothers walked out of the hall together side by side.

Labour Leadership: Waiting for the Result

We're waiting patiently in our seats in the Manchester Central conference centre for it to begin (15:55). I'm with UNISON colleagues sitting next to the  Sky News room.

Apparently all 5 candidates attended a briefing at 3pm.  They were only allowed to take one aide in with them each and had to surrender their mobile phone.  Allegedly the aides are all  bringing 3 phones each! As if:)

A result is expected at 16.40.  Everyone is expecting it to be close.

"Don't delay - Vote Ed Miliband today"

I received this email yesterday from UNISON Labour Link. 

I am sure that many ballot papers will still be sitting unopened in the kitchen drawers of busy Party and trade union members. 

Check out "how to vote" and Ed's exclusive message to UNISON.

Ed Miliband in Leadership Lead

 Check out this report that a YouGov poll gives Ed Miliband a small lead over his brother.

Luke's blog breaks the figures down.  The Preference votes are going to be absolutely key.

Ed has a clear lead (57%) over David in the trade union vote (43%).

This news should give Ed further momentum.

It is going to be very close....

I read my emails properly yesterday and found out that my application for tickets to the actual Leadership conference on the 25th September had been successful! :)

Promoting UNISON in Labour: Vote Ed Miliband for Leader

This evening I received an automated telephone message from UNISON Labour Link. The message encouraged me to vote for Ed Miliband to be the next Labour Party leader as the person best to save services and protect jobs.

It also asked my current voting intentions and asked if I was a member of the Labour Party (and if not do I want to join).

I think this is a very constructive way for a union's political fund to engage with member's and also let them know who their democratically elected lay leadership think is best for the job.

Yesterday I received by post ballot papers via UNISON and the Fabians - today I got another ballot paper from the Labour Housing Group (LHG).  This makes 4 ballot paper's for the national Party leadership(Labour Party, Fabians, UNISON and LHG) and 5 for London Mayor (London Labour Party member; Co-operative Party, Fabians and UNISON Labour Link).  I think this is it?

The LHG ballot paper makes me remember to do something about contacting Labour "housing people" locally about seeing if we can form a London branch of the Labour Housing Group.  We need a stronger Labour Party voice on all forms of housing in London.  We cannot let the hardline right win the battle of ideas on this core progressive issue.

"How to vote for Labour Leader in five easy steps..."

2nd ballot paper: Co-operative Party vote for London Mayor

 This morning I received my 2nd ballot paper.  This was was from the the Co-operative Party (London region) which is affiliated to London Labour Party.  Therefore I can vote again on who should be the Labour candidate for London Mayor 2012.

I voted (on-line) for Ken.  See why here. 

In the preamble I noticed you had to tick a box:-

"To ensure your vote is counted in this election, all members of affiliated organisations eligible to vote are required to agree the following pledge:

"I support the policies and principles of the Labour Party, and am not a supporter of any organisation opposed to it and pay a political subscription to the body that issued this website."

Which I haven't noticed in previous elections. I assume if you want to vote you must support this.

Ed Miliband: Message to Unison members

1st Labour Leadership and London Mayor Ballot Paper's

This evening I came home from work to find my first ballot papers for the national Labour Leadership and London Mayor.  Since I am a member of UNISON Labour Link and other affiliated Socialist societies I expect to receive others in the next few days.

I will actually vote "on-line" to save the Party money.

(I am not entirely sure whether these particular ballot papers are due to my Party membership or that of the Association of Labour Councillors?)

I am voting for Ed Miliband and Ken Livingstone.

I think Ed is the best candidate for the Labour Leadership since he recognises that the Party does need to change and evolve.  He supports a significant shift (in my view) in Party thinking. 

He believes that there is a positive role to be played by the state in the economy such as protection for agency workers, a real living wage and progressive taxation to really tackle the destructive inequity of income inequality. He is a traditional Labour Party social democratic socialist who is motivated by social justice not outdated factional politics who will attract our core vote while not scaring off the middle class horses.

The fact that Ed has been attacked by the left and the right (you know who I mean) has confirmed to me he is the best choice.

I will post on Ken and the reasons I support him for London Mayor tomorrow.

UNISON urges vote for Ed Miliband

"Labour Link Enews - Aug '10

UNISON urges vote for Ed Miliband

Welcome to the 26th electronic newsletter from UNISON Labour Link. It is aimed at those both active in UNISON and those in the Labour party who are interested in our campaigns. UNISON is calling on its affiliated members to make Ed Miliband their first preference choice in the Labour Leadership ballot.

UNISON backs living wage call

UNISON has welcomed Ed Miliband's plans to push for a living wage. The Labour leadership candidate has proposed that companies which agree to pay a living wage of at least £7.60 an hour would get a tax reduction. Ed Miliband's Living Wage plan.

"I'll defend the public sector" says Ed Miliband

“If I’m the Labour leader I will be absolutely vigorous in my defence of the public sector” promises Ed Miliband in an exclusive interview with UNISON's InFocus magazine. Ed Miliband interview.

How to vote for Ed Miliband

Affiliated members of UNISON will receive their ballot papers with U magazine in early September. This handy guide will help members fill in the ballot paper correctly and ensure all votes count. Vote Ed Miliband.

Show your support for Ed Miliband

Visit Ed's website and see what events there are in your area and how you can help his campaign. Ed Miliband website.

Want to know more?

If you want to know more about our campaigns, help build the link between UNISON and Labour, or think there's something we should know contact: labourlink@unison.co.uk or call us on 0845 355 0845".

(I got this email yesterday from UNISON Labour Link)

New Ed Miliband for Labour Leader Video: Change to win

Check out this new "Ed Miliband for Labour Leader" campaign video featuring East Ham CLP comrades (there are two featured!)

I've been delivering leaflets this week on behalf of Ed's campaign and have a list of members to call.  Don't forget East London fund raiser this Saturday.

Ed Miliband Fund Raiser: Sat 28 August 7.30pm at Ilford

Redbridge Councillor, Barbara White and UNISON Labour Link national committee vice-chair, Rachel Voller are organising this fund raising Quiz for Ed on Saturday.

"Dear Comrades,

As some of you may know I am supporting Ed Miliband for the leadership election.

I am trying to help the campaign and because of this Rachel Voller and myself are arranging a quiz night at the RAFA on Saturday 28th August, commencing at 7.30pm. Entry to the quiz will be £10 and this will include a finger buffet. All of the monies will be sent to Ed Miliband’s campaign office the following day. If you have a raffle prize that we could have that would be most welcome.

It would be helpful if you could let me know if you are attending in order for us to buy sufficient food. Even if Ed Miliband isn’t your 1st or 2nd preference you are still welcome to come.

The RAFA Club is situated at 295 Cranbrook Road and it would be appreciated if you could contact me at bwATbarbarawhiteDOTco.uk if you intend supporting this event. The club is an old house opposite Valentines Park and the nearest side road is Beaufort Gardens. I’m very sorry to say that there isn’t any disabled access. There are three steps to the doorway but after that it is all on one level.

Please feel free to circulate this to other comrades.

Kind regards,

Barbara White".

UNISON Labour Link nominates Ed Miliband for Party Leader

I heard some great news this afternoon that the National UNISON Labour Link committee had voted decisively to recommend to members that they should vote for Ed Miliband to be the next leader of the Labour Party.

This was a decision taken by the elected lay leadership of the voluntary UNISON affiliated political fund “Labour Link” (it used to be known as the APF fund). The affiliated bodies to the Labour Party (dominated by the 3 million trade union levy payers) will make up 1/3rd of the electoral college that will appoint the new leader. MPs/MEPS will vote for 1/3rd and Labour Party members the final 1/3rd.

I can confirm now that in the consultation meeting here with Greater London UNISON Labour Link Ed Miliband was also overwhelmingly supported by regional delegates.

Check out why I support Ed Miliband to be Party leader here.

UNISON press release quotes Ed:-

"I am honoured and delighted to have received the support of UNISON.

UNISON has gone through a thoughtful and thorough process of consultation with their members. To have received the backing of a union representing millions of frontline workers is a real boost for my
campaign to lead our party.

Millions of those who work in the NHS, local government and in other front line jobs will be watching this Government very carefully. I pledge that if elected, I will lead a Labour party that stands up for hard
working public servants and defends the role of our public services.

(picture college from Sunday’s Husting at West Ham sponsored by Great London UNISON Labour Link)

West Ham Labour Party National Leadership Hustings

Many thanks to our MP Lyn Brown and her staff for helping to organise Sunday’s Hustings at the East London University lecture theatre in Stratford, Newham London.

There was about 170 Labour Party members and trade union affiliates there - not only from West Ham but also from all over East London. East Ham MP Stephan Timms was also present.

We did not have the usual “Question Time” panel format (admittedly due to candidate availability problems) but instead gave each candidate a 2 minute space for an opening address followed by 20 minute Q&A then a short minutes finishing address.

This seemed to work pretty well. There were a few scares on the way but all the candidates turned up in time to take their place, speak and go.

Since I was helping out with the stewarding I didn’t see all the speeches or Q&A’s but my impression was: - local MP Diane Abbott got the loudest applause for her ideas; David Miliband’s “who do you think will be the leader who will win the next general election for Labour” did hit home; Andy Burnham came over as a passionate contender with genuine working class roots even though I’m not sure that admitting that the he only usually comes to West Ham to watch “Everton win 3 points at Upton Park” was particularly wise (I declare a past youthful and present day interest in this matter); Ed Miliband was of course in my completely and utterly unbiased view - the clear winner (Nuf said) while Ed Balls in his contribution proved once again to be a cracking attack dog on the CON-DEMS.

It was a good night. Many thanks to UNISON Greater London Labour Link and local CWU for help and sponsorship. The Labour Movement family in our part of East London is alive and kicking.

Reminder: Labour Party Leadership Hustings tonight at Stratford. E15

Lyn Brown MP sends out an audio reminder to Labour Party members and affiliates to attend tonight's Leadership Hustings. I've thrown together some pics to make a quick video. All the Leadership candidates will be there. It is being held at Duncan's House, UEL, High Street, Stratford, E15. Only 5 minutes walk from the bus, train & underground station. Next to the Party rooms. All Labour Party members and trade union affiliates welcome.  Sponsored by London UNISON Labour Link.

GMB Nominate Ed Miliband for Labour Leader

Excellent news - The 3rd biggest trade union affiliate to the Labour Party the GMB nominates Ed Miliband.

hat-tip Left Foot Forward

London UNISON Labour Link Consultation on Leader & Mayor

I am sending this flyer to all stewards and contacts in my branch as well as all Labour levy payers that I have email addresses.

I will also invite them to the hustings in Stratford on Sunday July 18th.

It's been a bit rushed - but hopefully we will have a good response to both consultations.

West Ham Leadership Hustings: 7.30pm Sunday 18 July at Stratford

 West Ham CLP are putting on a hustings event sponsored by London UNISON Labour Link on Sunday 18 July in Stratford E15, the heart of the 2012 Olympics and the historic home of the first ever Labour MP.

London UNISON Labour Link is sponsoring the event and is writing to all 1100 union members in West Ham who pay the Labour Party political levy and inviting them to this meeting.

I am contacting the political officers of all the affiliated unions in West Ham to ask them to do the same.

Please pass this on to any Party members or levy players.

If everyone can bring photo identification with them.

West Ham CLP "deputy Leadership" hustings 2007 here and here.

Tooting CLP nominate Ed Miliband as leader

West Ham CLP nominate Ed Miliband as Labour Leader

 Tonight there was an “all members” meeting held before our Labour Party General Committee to decide who (if any) of the declared candidates we would endorse. All five candidates were nominated and seconded and there was a lively debate between their respective supporters.

Ed Miliband was nominated by Ellie Robertson who is a new Councillor and Chair of Newham Young Labour. I seconded Ed and was also able to speak in his favour.

My view was that Ed is the candidate best placed to beat Cameron and Clegg which is vitally important since without power - we can do nothing.

However, he also the candidate who has committed to tackling inequality and redistribute wealth, not only because it is fairer but because more equal societies are better societies in all measurable ways not only for the poor but also for the better off.

The previous Labour Government did many, many good things but instead of us having a balanced or truly mixed economy it let the pendulum swing too far to the right in certain areas and “the market” into public services and its provision - and it is now time to swing the pendulum back to the left in order to create balance and a centre left economy. An economy where the public sector does what it is good at and provides not for profit services direct to the public and the private sector does what is good at – creating wealth in the free enterprise business economy.

On a personal note I also mentioned that I supported Ed because I was very impressed with the way he conducted himself when he was the keynote guest speaker at the UNISON Labour Link forum in Manchester last year. Two things in particular struck me. One that he admitted to the forum that the Government did not get everything right. He would be listening to the Radio in the morning and hear about a government announcement and think “why on earth did we do that?” I thought at the time this was a brave thing for a Government minister to say. It was also something very much that I could relate to since I had also in the past choked on my branflakes at some of the things that I had heard the government get up to in the morning while listening to the radio!

The second things that struck me about Ed was that after his speech to Forum in the Q&A - the delegates got stuck in (as UNISON delegates do) with the questions and gave him a “bit of a hard time”. Yet Ed gave as good as he got and while passionate in his responses he was not rattled and in the end the forum organisers had to practically drag him off so they could move business on. Ed in the meanwhile told delegates that he wasn’t going to leave the conference venue and he wanted to continue the debate and invited questioners to carry on where they had left it outside the forum hall. Which he did!

It was a close race in West Ham but Ed was in the lead (just) on the 1st preferences but was confirmed as winner after the 2nd preference count.

On Sunday evening July 18 the West Ham (and East London) Labour movement will have a chance to judge the candidates at the Hustings (sponsored by UNISON who will invite affiliates to attend) that is due to take place in Stratford (home of the first ever Labour MP)

(Picture is of Ed Miliband at the East Ham meeting on June 11th - East Ham CLP have since also made a supportive nomination for Ed. I’ll post pictures of tonight’s event soon)