Suspension of Labour Party meetings - further information

Iain McNicol, the Labour Party General Secretary, has issued the following clarification of the party's position on party meetings following the suspension decision taken at the NEC on Tuesday

"CLP meetings

In recent months there has been a marked increase in reports of intimidation and threatening behaviour taking place at party meetings. Whilst the NEC recognises that the majority of our members hold vigorous yet collegiate meetings, the NEC has a duty of care for individuals who feel that their safety is threatened. It was therefore saddened to have to take the decision to suspend all normal party meetings at CLP and branch level until the completion of the leadership election.

However, in recognition that there is some essential business which must be agreed by CLPs, the NEC has made a number of exceptions to this suspension while this timetable is in place. If there are any queries, please contact your Regional Director/General Secretary who will be able to provide guidance.

Meetings able to go ahead as agreed by the NEC include those:

• Meetings solely for the purpose of making a supporting nomination in the leadership contest and for essential Annual Conference business
• Campaign planning meetings for by-elections or devolved mayor campaigns
• Any other meetings (such as Executive Committee meetings or social or fundraising events) with the explicit permission of the Regional Director/General Secretary

Meetings which go ahead under these exceptions will not consider ordinary motions or other business, except as explicitly agreed by the Regional Director/General Secretary. This means any CLP meeting already scheduled should be postponed until after the completion of the leadership election. This will be with immediate effect."