Where you fit in

New ideas are vital if the party is to grow and develop - and we welcome your views and experiences. From your local branch to conference, the party structure has been devised so that Labour Party members can have a say on policy and contribute to our next general election manifesto.

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.