Do the candidates share your vision?

14.06.10 - Helen Symons

A couple of weeks ago, I asked our supporters to share their thoughts about where Labour should go next.

I've been really inspired by the number of people that took the time to reply to me, and by the clear passion there is for renewing and reenergising our movement.

I'm still reading through the last of the submissions, but already there are some strong recurring themes. Many people said something similar to Vino:

"I think Labour needs to focus on increasing trade union rights and promoting trade unionism, particularly in the private service sector. We also need to focus on defending public services - and arguing against privatisation and contracting out."

I want to make sure that trade union issues like these are firmly on the agenda during the leadership election. Now that the first part of nominations have closed, and we know who the five leadership candidates will be, we want to start asking them the questions that matter to you.

Find out what they really think. Ask the candidates a question:

http://www.unionstogether.org.uk/SubmitYourQuestion

Our members sent in clear ideas about where the party should be heading. But where do the leadership candidates stand on these issues? Which questions mark out the candidates that share your vision?

Each week, we're going to put a different question to the leadership candidates, and we want you to tell us what to ask. What do you want to know before you cast your vote?

One of the other themes that's come up in your responses is the need to be a campaigning movement. Jon said:

"The party needs to become a mass, campaigning movement - which isn't only about getting people elected to office, but fights for real change in our communities and workplaces."

Who are the candidates who have the answers to the hard questions?

http://www.unionstogether.org.uk/SubmitYourQuestion

Many of you said we start renewing the party by having an open debate. You've started that debate by sharing your vision for the future, now it's time to find out if the candidates also share it.

Helen

P.S. Last week, we asked the candidates to tell us how they see the role of trade unions in the 21st century? You can read the answers here.