ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2003
GUIDE FOR CLP DELEGATES
(Published by The Campaign for Labour Party Democracy)
The Conference Agenda
The following items will comprise the Conference timetable:
· The National Executive Committee (NEC) Report and NEC statements that are often issued to delegates during conference.
· Documents from the National Policy Forum (NPF) and reports from the eight policy commissions.
· Contemporary Issue motions and Emergency Motions that cover matters that would not otherwise appear on the conference agenda.
· Elections for the NEC, Conference Arrangements Committee (CAC), National Constitutional Committee (NCC), NPF, Treasurer and auditors. (In 2003 the NCC (CLP seat) has been elected unopposed).
· Proposed rule changes from the NEC and from CLPs.
[Details of the last three items are set out in written reports from the CAC (ie the initial Delegates Report and daily CAC Reports)].
Documents from the NPF
The following five consultation documents from the NPF will be timetabled at Conference (each of them has been circulated to CLPs for comment) – The Best Education for All; Enhancing the Quality of Life; Justice, Security and Community; Sustainable Communities, Better Transport; Britain in the Global Economy.
The first round of consultation on these documents will end on the last day of Annual Conference. After the NPF has considered all of the responses to the documents they will be redrafted. The redrafts will then be circulated for further consultation. Final policy documents covering these five areas will be debated at Annual Conference 2004.
The following second round policy documents will also be presented to Conference (these have already been considered by CLPs and affiliated organisations during the first round of consultation. The NPF will examine the responses in March 2004 and final documents will be tabled at Annual Conference 2004) – Welfare; Industry; Democracy, Citizenship and Political Engagement; Improving Health and Social Care; Britain in the World.
Reports from the eight policy commissions
Each policy commission publishes an annual report. These are usually bundled together into one NPF Report. The eight policy commissions are; Britain in the World; Health; Crime, Justice, Citizenship and Equalities; Quality of Life (rural affairs, environment, media, sport); Economy, Welfare and Work; Trade and Industry; Education and skills; Transport, housing, local government and regions.
Contemporary motions (CMs) from CLPs/affiliated organisations
The closing date for resolutions on “contemporary issues” is 17th September (Emergency Resolutions cover an event that occurs after this date). Each CLP can send one CM provided that they have not already submitted a rule amendment. Head Office issues guidance on writing CMs and the criteria are very tight. CLPs need to ensure that the subject of their motion is not substantively addressed by the NPF/NEC Reports. The CM must be on one subject only. When assessing whether a CM is valid, the Conference Arrangements Committee (ie. Standing Orders Committee) will ask, “Could this have been sent to the NPF or NEC?” An issue will be deemed to be contemporary, therefore, if it arises after the publication of the NPF and/or NEC Reports or is not substantively addressed by the NPF/NEC Reports.
The Campaign for Labour Party Democracy has prepared several draft CMs for consideration by CLPs. (Available from CLPD on 020 8458 1501).
Emergency Motions
Emergency resolutions may also be submitted on issues that arise after the final date for submitting contemporary motions. The CAC has tightened the criteria for Emergency Motions. To be valid the issues in an emergency motion:
· Should not be covered by the NPF Report
· Could not have been submitted to the NPF in the ordinary course of its business
· Should not appear elsewhere on the Conference agenda
· Should cover an issue or issues of urgent and immediate importance to the discussions of the whole party at Annual Conference.
Unfortunately, there can be no guarantee that valid emergency resolutions will be debated at Conference. It is a matter for the CAC – delegates are encouraged to lobby the CAC as necessary.
Rule changes from CLPs
Conference will have the opportunity to debate and vote on the following important rule change proposals. These were submitted in 2002, but under the Party’s procedures are not timetabled until 2003. But they are not timetabled unless a request has been made to the CAC by the CLP/delegate (the closing time for making this request is likely to be 5.30pm on Sunday 28 September).
¨ From East Devon, Islington North, Faversham & Mid Kent, Stourbridge, Orpington and Mid Bedfordshire CLPs. This rule change provides for at least eight contemporary issues to be considered at every Annual Conference, (rather than only four or five as at present). Four would be chosen in the Priorities Ballot by CLPs and four by the unions and other affiliated organisations. At present the major unions control the ballot because they vote as a block.
In 2002, following pressure from CLPs, the CAC introduced a minor change, which allowed the CLPs to choose one extra issue, provided that at least 50% of the CLPs vote for it. This is only a very small advance. The way forward for CLPs is along the lines proposed by the six CLPs.
¨ From Erith and Thamesmead and Leominster CLPs. This rule change would increase the number of the CLP Seats on the NEC from six to ten. At Annual Conference CLPs have voting parity with the trade unions. But on the NEC the unions have twelve seats and the CLPs only six. (Up until 1997 the CLPs had seven seats but the “modernisation reforms” of that year, whilst considerably increasing the size of the NEC, reduced the CLPs by one seat). The long term aim should be parity with the unions. This rule change is a significant step in that direction.
¨ From East Yorkshire and Oxford East CLPs. This rule change would mean that if a person, elected to a rank and file CLP seat on the NEC, became an MP or an MEP they would have to stand down from the NEC.
¨ From Glasgow Kelvin CLP. This rule change provides for the drawing up of comprehensive democratic procedures for the election of leaders of the Labour Groups in the Scottish Parliament and in the Welsh Assembly.
Voting for the Conference Arrangement Committee (CAC), and NPF.
The CAC has seven members. There are five general section seats (of which two must be women) and two CLP section seats (of whom one must be a woman). CLPs, therefore, have five votes in the general section and two votes in the CLP section.
Biographies of the CAC candidates and information about obtaining the ballot papers at conference are issued to CLP secretaries in early September. GCs should then decide how the vote is to be cast. (The votes for the CAC and NPF are recorded and published).
Delegates will also vote for their representatives on the NPF. It is very important that delegates are fully mandated by their CLPs in all these elections. The NPF candidates’ biographies are likely to be sent out in early September and may be sent direct to delegates rather than to the CLP. An application form for obtaining a ballot paper at conference is also sent.
For the NPF the voting by CLP delegates is on a regional basis. Only one application form for ballot paper per CLP is issued. It is usually sent to the first named delegate. The CAC will report on the timing, etc. of all these elections, but the likely times are given below.
The NEC has issued a code of conduct for the election of the CLP section of the NPF, which includes the following:
· NPF candidates are allowed to canvass delegates but must not distribute literature inside the conference hall. Contact with delegates must not be carried out in a manner likely to cause offence or be seen to be applying pressure to any delegates.
· If one candidate is allowed to distribute literature at an official Labour Party event then that facility must be available to all candidates.
· Labour Party staff employed by the NEC shall not canvass or distribute literature on behalf of any candidate. (Please inform CLPD of any infringements of the Code).
CLPD and the Grassroots Alliance are supporting candidates in these elections (details from CLPD on 020 8458 1501). Details will also be given to delegates in our daily Campaign Briefing, distributed outside the Conference Centre.
In early September CLPs are also sent the card vote booklet and an application form for obtaining a ballot paper at Conference for the Priorities Ballot.
Late Accreditation
CLPs should advise the Conference Unit in writing and in advance of Conference of any change of delegate. Due to the tight security arrangements all registrations at Conference itself involve a long wait. New delegates are therefore advised to attend the Late Accreditation office on the Saturday before the start of Conference (the office usually opens at 9am and is open throughout Conference). New delegates need to have a letter of authority from the CLP Secretary, personal identification and their Party membership card (delegates must have been a member for at least 12 months).
Pre-Conference Regional Briefings
Before Conference delegates are usually called to a briefing meeting in their region. In the last couple of years the practice has developed of handing delegates their Conference credentials at these meetings. Any delegates unable to attend these briefings must contact their regional office to make alternative arrangements for obtaining their credentials.
Conference Times
Delegates should arrive early each day, as the security arrangements involve long delays. Any delegate who misplaces documentation will need to report to the CAC for replacements. (Before Conference opens the Secretary of the CAC can be contacted at the NEC hotel).
The Conference sessions will probably be:
Sunday: Doors open 12.30.
Plenary session 2.00 pm – 5 pm. 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm (Regional Briefings)
Monday:
9.00 am – 10.30 am (policy seminars) CAC and NCC ballot
11.00 am – 12.45 pm 9.00 am – 4 pm
2.15 pm – 5.30 pm
Tuesday:
9.00 am – 10.30 am (policy seminars) NPF ballot
11.00 am – 12.45 pm 9.00 am – 4 pm (or 4.30 pm)
2.15 pm – 5.30 pm
Wednesday:
9.30 am – 12.45 am
2.15 pm – 5.30 pm
Thursday:
9.30 am – 12.45 am
2.15 pm – 4 pm (approx)
(It should be noted that the sessions sometimes run over)
During the debates there will be a platform introductory speech and a platform reply. And during policy debates a member of the NPF will move NPF reports. Ordinary delegates often feel they are not given a fair chance to speak. Platform speakers usually make lengthy speeches but ordinary delegates, if they are lucky enough to be called, are strictly limited to three minutes.
The CAC attempts to timetable contemporary issue composites and Emergency Motions within the appropriate policy debates.
Daily Business
Saturday
In the last couple of years the CAC has adopted the practice of being in session on Saturdays. This is in order to receive appeals from CLPs and affiliates that have had their contemporary issue motions ruled as not “contemporary” and, therefore, not appropriate for the Priorities Ballot. It has to be said that major unions have had much more success than CLPs at getting the CAC to reverse its decisions. Nevertheless, it is always worth a try.
Sunday
CAC Report No 1 (and the Delegates Report) moved by the Chair of the CAC. Delegates who feel the CAC has acted unfairly should challenge the CAC’s position by moving “reference back”. Each day there is at least one report from the CAC. All of these can be challenged if a delegate is not satisfied with what is being said.
The Party produces a conference newspaper, which is usually available beside entry points to the centre every morning. The paper contains the very important daily Record of Decisions. Delegates should keep these for reporting back purposes.
The Priorities Ballot
Those Contemporary Issue motions that slip through the CAC’s nets and reach Conference will be grouped into subjects. These subject headings then go into the Priorities Ballot, which will be held on Sunday, probably between 1.30pm and 4.30pm. The Ballot opens before Conference opens, and therefore delegates are prevented from overturning any controversial decisions by the CAC in relation to what are, and what are not, valid Contemporary Issue motions. Thus, for the first time ever, the CAC is not accountable to Conference in respect of a major part of its decision-making powers.
Sunday evening – compositing
The delegates involved with the successful motions emerging from the Priority Ballot will be requested to attend the compositing sessions on Sunday evening. Every delegate must attend. If a delegate fails to turn up on time their CLP’s motion is likely to be deleted from the agenda.
In 1999, for the first time, side meetings between ministers and union officials were permitted, which meant that the compositing process was protracted over several days. And in 2001 a practice, borrowed from the NPF, was introduced, whereby, provided the delegates agree, ministers and officials are allowed into the compositing meeting to “facilitate dialogue”. This has led to unreasonable pressure being put on delegates and, therefore, this ‘helpful’ innovation should have a major political health warning.
Tips for Compositing
· The delegates alone are in charge of compositing and decisions are reached collectively. The chair and officials are present merely to give advice, which can be ignored if necessary. Don’t be bamboozled.
· During the meeting each organisation has equal standing. A general secretary of a major union is on the same level as a CLP delegate.
· The office will invariably produce a draft composite. Again, this is for guidance only and it carries a major political health warning.
· Compositing can be very confusing. Delegates need to be conversant with the key issues in all the resolutions.
· Delegates need to ensure that all key issues are covered in the composite(s). If necessary, as few as two CLPs can form their own composite – whether or not this gets timetabled is a matter for a future meeting of the CAC and is not a matter for the composing meeting. Sometimes this may be the only way to prevent a key issue being dropped.
· Delegates should avoid including any points that would guarantee the defeat of the whole composite, unless a majority of those present accept this situation. (Delegates should be alert to possible wrecking tactics).
· Any delegate can insist on their own resolution standing alone. It is unlikely to be timetabled unless it is a distinctly separate position that may be called to ensure a balanced debate.
· The delegates involved in a composite resolution must agree on a mover and a seconder. The mover is a vital person, since it is the mover who makes the decision, for example, about whether to remit or whether to insist on a card vote. Once Conference is underway movers can come under enormous pressure to remit. (Remittance of a resolution is tantamount to defeat). For this reason movers should be chosen with extreme care.
Monday – voting for the CAC
The vote for the CAC is likely to be on Monday between 9.00 am and 4 pm.
Tuesday – voting for the NPF
The vote for the NPF is likely to be on Tuesday between 9.00 am and 4pm (or 4.30 pm).
Referring Back sections of the CAC reports and NEC report
A delegate who wishes formally to challenge any recommendation by the CAC goes to the rostrum immediately after the Chair of the CAC has made a report and moves “reference back” of the relevant section of the CAC report. This is the established procedural convention which ensures a vote on the point raised and, if carried, is effectively a defeat for the platform.
Delegates also have the right to force a vote on any point in the NEC report by formally moving “reference back”. Delegates should have the same right in relation to NPF documents but this has not yet been accepted. At present only a whole document can be referred back.
The platform is invariably very unsympathetic to the democratic right of “reference back”. Nevertheless delegates should stand firm and insist on their democratic rights.
Voting at Conference is normally by hand unless a card vote is requested by a delegate (voting on rule changes is always by card, although they may sometimes be unhelpfully grouped together – delegates need to keep their wits about them. Quite often the platform gets in a muddle, which makes the situation doubly confusing).
Making a Speech
The makings of a good speech:
Thorough preparation. Set out your aims and plan the structure. Assemble a few choice facts but don’t overdo it – speeches that are a list of facts turn the listeners off.
Write the speech out in bold clear writing -= always use short punchy sentences and shorter words rather than longer.
Try to find a startling beginning or try working backwards from a stunning conclusion.
Develop an easy and logical progression of ideas.
Brief personal anecdotes can be helpful for illustrating a point.
Properly rehearse the speech several times in front of friends.
Time the speech to the precise minute.
Remember everyone is nervous before giving a speech to Annual Conference. This is natural.
At the outset say who you are and give your organisation. Indicate which resolution(s) you are speaking in favour of/against.
Stand easily. Avoid making distracting gestures. Don’t move about – the microphone has a short range.
Often a major argument is built up or emphasised by rhetorically asking three short questions/making three bullet points and raising the voice as you do this.
Vary the pitch.
Pauses for effect are a useful tool.
Clarity of speech, so the audience understands each word.
The knack is speaking to listeners and not at them.
Conclude with a flourish
Always remember:
- Matter, Manner and Method
- Preparation, Practice, Pace, Pauses, Pitch and Punch.
Finally some Don’ts
Learn your speech by heart and then recite it.
Speak so quickly that your listeners can’t follow.
Speak in a monotone.
Harangue or shout.
Give lengthy statistics.
Patronise your listeners.
Over-use slang expressions.
Use jargon.
Contrive to introduce humour or tell off-colour jokes. If a joke falls flat, ignore it and continue.
Be apologetic.
Name dropping should be avoided.
Movers and seconders of Contemporary Issue composites and rule changes should get together and aim to make their speeches complement each other, rather than repeating the same points. But vital points are worth repeating in both speeches.
Movers of composites who want a card vote should ask for one in their speech (remember there is no right of reply). As necessary the mover must press a point of order if the chair later forgets the demand for a card vote. Also remember that “remission is tantamount to defeat”, so unless the mover is sure the resolution will be defeated it is best that the mover does not agree to remit. Votes on rule changes are always by card vote. At other times delegates have the right to demand a card vote.
Having difficulty? Consult CLPD
CLPD are always available to give advice. Before Conference they can be contacted at 10 Park Drive, London, NW11 7SH (Tel: 020 8458 1501). At Conference they can be found outside in the street distributing their excellent daily Campaign Briefing – a must for all delegates and visitors!
HAVE A GOOD CONFERENCE !
Pete Willsman [phone 020 8854 7326]
[Pete Willsman has represented CLPs on all four of the Party’s national bodies: CAC (1981 - 94); NCC (1995 – 98); NEC (1998 – 99) and NPF (1998 – 99 and 2002-4)].
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