Vote MIKE CALVERT for Labour Link Officer

Vote MIKE CALVERT for Labour Link Officer

Why should you vote for Mike Calvert?

You probably do not know that I am a member of the Labour Party in Tottenham at the moment.

I have been active at different levels in the party for 35 years.

I was a member of the Labour Party Young Socialists in 1977 when just fourteen, and later joined the National Organisation of Labour Students and the “Benn4Deputy” campaign in 1981.

I have been involved at General Committee, Executive Committee, Local Government Committee and regional levels. I have sat on selection panels for Council candidates in North West Norfolk, Lambeth and Haringey.

I have always argued in favour of increased party democracy and supported the changes in the 1980s that led to rank and file control over the party hierarchy.

I believe we need enhanced democracy within the Labour Link/APF here in our own borough.

My view is the Labour Link post, if used properly, can provide us with a vital two-way network of communication with the Labour party in this Borough. We must tell the Party where we believe they are acting to the detriment of our members and use our influence to engage with them and get them to reverse their policy as I did twice over the ISEP closures. We must utilise the role of Labour Link Officer to ensure that we communicate our positions to the Party.

If I am elected I will:

Organise regular meetings at lunch time (and other times) that all members can attend (with refreshments) and interesting discussions. Not just to elect people to conferences and committees important though they are, but to act as a conduit to feed our views to the Labour Link regionally and the party locally. Where we disagree, such as the attempts to turn our library service over to a Trust, we should be clear and emphatic.

I will ensure that we continue a constructive but critical dialogue with local MP’s, Councillors, the Trades Council and local parties. This cannot be an appreciation society for the current Labour Group but must take our critical views into the higher echelons of the two Islington CLPs.

I will begin a dialogue over drafting and implementing a “needs based budget” (ie no-cuts) with those Councillors and Party members who will listen to us as a matter of urgency.

Finally the most urgent task we face is the need to defend the “link” between the unions and the party at all costs and ensure that it is not destroyed.

Join with me in this campaign and help me to develop the role of Labour Link Officer

If you agree with this then you should vote for me.

Please support me.

Thank you

Mike Calvert