“... is a democratic socialist party. It believes that by the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more than we achieve alone, so as to create for each of us the means to realise our true potential and for all of us a community in which power, wealth and opportunity are in the hands of the many, not the few. Where the rights we enjoy reflect the duties we owe. And where we live together, freely, in a spirit of solidarity, tolerance and respect.”
- Clause 4 of the Labour Party Constitution
The Labour Party was set up in 1900 to fight for representation for the Labour movement
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Though Labour was only in government for three short periods of the 20th century, its achievements revolutionised the lives of the British people. The values Labour stands for today are those which have guided it throughout its existence.
Our values :
- Social justice
- Reward for hard work
- Decency
- Rights matched by responsibilities
How the party works
As a democratic, socialist party we welcome people to join the party from all walks
of life, have their say and influence policy. We welcome membership applications
from individuals, families, young people, students, workers, unemployed, older people
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To newcomers, working out how everything fits together can seem a bit of a maze -
Where you fit in
New ideas are vital if the party is to grow and develop -
The set up
Branch (BLP)
Your local party, based on the ward boundaries for the election of councillors. A lot of Labour Party activity takes place at branch level. Labour members can take part in choosing local council candidates.
Constituency (CLP)
Made up of several branches and based on the electoral area for the election of MPs. Via your CLP, you can choose the members from your area to represent you at annual conference and you can help select your parliamentary candidate.
Local and regional policy forums
As a member you will be invited to attend local and regional policy forums throughout the year. Informal, friendly gatherings, they are places where you can discuss party policy. Each policy forum makes submissions to the policy commissions. This is where you can contribute to our next manifesto.
National Policy Forum (NPF)
Your CLP delegates to conference choose people to serve on the NPF, which also has representatives from local government. The NPF meets several times a year to make sure that policy documents reflect the broad consensus in the party.
Policy commissions
Eight policy commissions cover different aspects of policy such as welfare, health, crime and justice. They are made up of representatives from the government, the NPF and the NEC, who meet to discuss submissions from branches, CLPs, policy forums and affiliates. They prepare policy papers to be considered by members and others.
National Executive Committee (NEC)
Made up of representatives from each section of the party -
Annual Conference
The ultimate authority in the party, conference decides the policy framework from
which the next manifesto will be drawn and sets party rules. Conference considers
the policy papers prepared by the policy commissions after consulting local parties.
Members choose delegates to conference -