Wow.

 I’ve just come home from conference. A space-time continuum so vast it has lost its article. Not only are you at ‘conference’, but some speakers address the audience as ‘conference’. You are both within it and it is you. Inspiring, exhilarating and exhausting. The stimulation hits you via new friendships, fresh perspectives, late nights and adrenaline (mostly whilst waiting to sing my LabourList karaoke song).

The first time you attend (the) conference you might be surprised to see so many people in suits. Who knew that Labour members from around the country were such sharp dressers! And then it dawns that this isn’t just a social club for the loyal contingent, gathering to share advice, to connect and relax but a place of work for business people, charity workers and lobbyists. All hoping to make their point and win over a stakeholder or two with their freebies, their snacks and, well, their wine.

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One resident of Cornwall, attending for the first time, was shocked that someone from a short-term holiday let company approached her at a reception to persuade her that the tourist tax was a bad idea. “Bad for whom?” she wondered. The conference feels surprisingly corporate to a newcomer and I spent my time wondering if Labour could compensate for its lack of £72 million in loose change by prioritising, invigorating and mobilising its 250,000 members instead. 

Here are some ideas for creating a people’s conference:

End duff sleeping

Coming to conference is expensive! Accommodation, travel and conference passes will cost many members (or their CLPs) at least £500. This amount is likely to be out of reach for some people (and also some CLPs). Imagine if Regional Offices booked up accommodation now for next year for their local members. Think how many more leaflets could be purchased by CLPs with the money saved by paying for cheaper accommodation.

Let’s create a system where members could volunteer for a few hours per day in exchange for a conference pass. They could form an official welcoming committee as newbies arrive on site or be involved in directing people to conference halls etc. Volunteer passes could be selected by ballot or based on need according to some specific criteria. For some members this could mean the difference between attending or staying at home.

Proportionate representation

Allow members to ask questions first in fringe sessions. This would be easily achievable and would immediately focus attention on members’ priorities.

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Value-added snacks

Encourage regional receptions to showcase local foods or drinks, and those made or grown by businesses run by members. I love a can of cider as much as the next teenager and would love to see the South West reception promoting some of our lovely local tipples (including perhaps some produced with apples from the village where I live).

Business mates reduction

Could Labour produce a publicly available sponsorship policy that accords with Labour values? I’m sure members would enjoy the debate around which companies they consider are acting in accordance with our standards.

A focus on the role and presence of members could see them being welcomed or thanked as they enter the hall, perhaps by different special guests. Gratitude from the party for the time, money and effort that has been expended would create good feeling and loyalty in the future. Members with particular roles in their CLP could be identified by different coloured lanyards and Councillors could be given something (a sash?) to demonstrate their immense contribution to the party. MPs can decide if they want to stand out or blend in. Extra awards could be given out in the hall to members for different aspects of their participation. I attended the CLP Chairs and Secretaries breakfast held at the Labour stand (and yes, that was the morning after the karaoke, my commitment to a free Danish pastry is as strong as my love for a Blink-182 song) though this was a general gathering rather than a celebration of members’ hard work. 

Transforming the conference into a member-centred celebration of the commitment of all those involved in our party will be hard work, painful at times and possibly messy, but, like real labour, the outcome will be worth the effort as the conference becomes more inclusive, collaborative and nurturing. Let’s call the project (baby) Hope.

All together now!

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