Thank You and Looking Forward
I have represented ordinary members on the National Executive Committee from 2000 to 2018 and from 2020 onwards, and the national policy forum from 1998. Throughout that time I have reported on every meeting, always aiming to provide useful, balanced and non-factional information. My latest account is here. To receive these directly by email, please send your address to annblack50@btinternet.com, together with any comments or questions.
During that time I chaired the NEC’s disputes panel from 2009 to 2018, the NEC in 2009/2010, and the national policy forum from 2018 to 2022. I am a member of the organisation committee, the complaints and disciplinary committee, the joint policy committee, the equalities committee and the business board, and I attend the national women’s committee. I currently represent Oxfordshire constituency parties on the south-east regional executive committee, I am vice-chair membership of Oxford Labour, and a lifelong UNISON member.
However all good things come to an end. Nominations are now open for the 2026 NEC elections, and I have decided not to stand again. After 24 years it’s time to hand over to future generations to see the party through the next general election and beyond, so I shall be leaving the NEC in September. Thank you for all your support in good and in turbulent times, in and out of government.
Until 2018 I was part of a loose centre-left alliance, where I tended to represent the “centre” element. After 2016, with the Brexit vote and the challenge to Jeremy Corbyn the party polarised into opposing factions, and is only just mending. I believe there is now an opportunity for new moderate voices not identified with Momentum or Labour First or Progress or any of the old adversaries to speak for the moderate majority of members. I shall therefore support these candidates:
Cat Arnold was elected to the NEC in 2024 as part of a hastily assembled women’s mini-slate. She is committed to accountability, and since joining the NEC she asks all the questions which I asked when elected back in 2000. Given time she may even be able to track down some answers. She has just been elected as the joint NEC vice-chair for women, and her statement is here.
Jovan Owusu-Nepaul worked for the party’s equalities team, and stood as the Labour candidate in Clacton in 2024. Few people know more about campaigning against the Faragists, and after he visited Oxford I can recommend him highly as a speaker for party meetings. His statement is here.
Kerry Postlewhite was also a parliamentary candidate in 2024, and can empathise with the experiences of candidates and members in non-priority seats. She worked for the Socialist Group of MEPs, including Labour MEPs, for more than ten years. Her statement is here.
They are all promoted by Mainstream, which brings together Compass and Open Labour and is providing organisational support. I am not a member of Mainstream, or of Compass, and I am backing them as individuals. It’s time for fresh thinking and new energy, and I believe they can provide both. I wish them, and the party, well.