At the forefront

02.09.10 - Diana Holland

In 2001 the Labour Party campaigned under the banner of "A lot done - a lot to do."

That slogan holds true today when it comes to the equality agenda. I am truly proud of what Labour achieved in government - from the national minimum wage and vastly improved family leave, to getting more women into Parliament, and acting to end the slavery of migrant domestic workers, to so much more.

But we must do more. As the ConDem budget means the most vulnerable will be paying the highest price for the economic crisis, Labour has to ensure we speak for the whole of Britain. We must be a diverse Party, grounded in the communities we represent.

I believe that the next leader of the Labour Party, whoever that may be, must make sure that we continue to be the Party of equality. Over the past weeks, TULO have asked each of the leadership candidates to tell us what they would do to make Labour more diverse, and to ensure that we continue to be at the forefront of fighting for equality.

This week, Party members and members of affiliated trade unions will receive their ballot papers for this important election - that's why I'd like you to read the candidates' responses on equality and diversity in full, and think about what they have to say when you cast your vote.

http://www.unionstogether.org.uk/party-of-equality

This is a snapshot of what each of the candidates has said:

Diane Abbott argues, "I hope to be able to double the membership of black and ethnic minority Labour Party members in the course of this campaign. Doing this would change the face of the party forever and make sure our politicians not only look like our voters, but have their interests at heart."

Ed Balls argues, "I am proposing a special Diversity Fund to help more under-represented groups - including women, BAME groups, disabled people and those from ordinary backgrounds - to become MPs or Councillors."

Andy Burnham argues, "I will ensure that the proportion of women across Shadow Government reflects, as a minimum, the proportion of women in the Parliamentary Labour Party."

David Miliband argues, "I would also continue my longstanding support for All Women Shortlists (AWS) and will aim to increase transparency - at least 50 of the top 100 target seats should be AWS. As leader, I would appoint a Shadow Women's and Equalities minister and would make sure that the Shadow Cabinet is made up of at least a third women, to reflect the current balance in the PLP."

Ed Miliband argues, "I've pledged to ensure that 50% of the cabinet should be women. Having a Cabinet-level Shadow Women's Minister as a visible and valued champion is essential, as is supporting and encouraging more women to stand for local government - because we need women to be fairly represented at all levels."

This agenda matters. It's becoming all the more clear that under this ConDem coalition it will be women, children, the elderly, those suffering from long-term illness, disabled people and the unemployed who will be hit the hardest. We have to speak out against the Coalition when their policies are in such opposition to the values of fairness that we hold so dear.

But to do that, we must go further in becoming a Party that is truly representative. That means our Party leadership and membership needs to be more diverse. Whoever is our next leader, we need to see real action to get more women into Parliament, and we need to ensure that Labour is better connected with ordinary trade union members - and that's just the start.

As we elect our new leader over the next weeks, we have the opportunity to ensure that equality remains at the heart of our Party, as we write the next chapter of our history.

Please take a moment to read what the candidates have to say on this important issue, and think about it when you're casting your vote.

http://www.unionstogether.org.uk/party-of-equality