Labour Party Annual Conference 2022: Report – Avery Greatorex (Summarised Version)

I would like to note that this is summarised version of my full report which is more suitable to be presented or spoken aloud. The full report can be found here: https://averygreatorex.co.uk/2022/10/04/labour-conference-report-2022-full/

Introduction: I would like to thank members of the CLP for giving me the opportunity to go to the Annual Conference this year as one of three delegates.. It was a huge privilege to represent our CLP, to vote and make decisions on behalf of our members and to meet some incredible people along the way.

Our Rule Change: Unfortunately, our Rule Change was withdrawn as we did not have the support necessary for it to pass, as a result of this, we would not have been able to propose it again for a few years.

What Went Well:

– Angela Rayner’s speech was uplifting and incredibly well presented with highlights including the Value for Money Guarantee and the Green Prosperity Plan. – Labour’s National Campaign day will be on the 29th of October and the CLP can receive free materials by the 19th. – The motion for Proportional Representation was carried which was relieving for many delegates and me as our CLP is in support of the campaign. – To follow-up on a previous members meeting, I spoke to a member of the Justice for Colombia campaign and found that CLPs can affiliate with the campaign or receive talks by one of their speakers so if there is sufficient interest I can continue contact with that member.

What Did Not Go Well:

– Speakers for debates seemed to feature Parliamentary Candidates disproportionately therefore debates were less representative of the membership. Disabled members and members of the BAME community appeared to be chosen less often. – We would like a member of the executive committee to seek clarification from the CAC as to what the role of a lead delegate is because it was unclear whether they democratically represented the full delegation or if they were to act on their own judgement.

Conclusions: This Annual Conference was a vital one for the party because of the current state of the country and our political system. I am glad to say that the urgency to rally members and the media was present during the conference and that it was successful in presenting what Labour stands for. I personally enjoyed the experience of being a delegate and I would recommend that members give it a thought for next year. Lastly, I would like to thank the membership and the executive committee for giving me this opportunity and for providing me with excellent support and guidance throughout the conference.

Thank you,Avery GreatorexDerbyshire Dales CLP LGBT+ Officer