The Labour party needs to accept that the sovereignty of conference over policy is a myth when it debates reform on Sunday, says Fabian Research Director Tim Horton.

Gordon Brown's proposals for Labour party reform are the main issue being debated as the Labour party conference opens on Sunday.

Tim Horton, Fabian Research Director and author of the recent Fabian pamphlet Facing Out, says that Brown's reforms are a step in the right direction but will need go further for Labour to become an effective campaigning force.

Douglas Alexander will be among the speakers as the first Fabian fringe event (1pm Sunday, Connaught Hotel) discusses the future of party reform.

Gordon Brown's Guardian commentary draws on the 'Facing Out' argument that parties must reach out to new forms of campaigning activism.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/story/0,,2174644,00.html

A submision to Labour's NEC consultation by Tim Horton and Sunder Katwala, draws on the Fabian research evidence to argue that the leadership should go further in challenging the 'myth' of conference sovereignty in policy-making but this will only work if members believe they have a genuine say in policy-making. Placing a duty on Labour ministers to consult the NPF would help to close the 'credibility gap' of the National Policy Forum, ensuring it is a genuine opportunity to shape future policy not a ministerial briefing on decisions already taken.

Read the full NEC submission

index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=68&Itemid=101

Read Tim Horton's commentary piece for the Guardian Comment is Free site.

http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/tim_horton/2007/09/starting_a_new_relationship.html

Campaigning for Change

Sunday 23rd, 13.00 - 14.30

Join leading MPs, including Douglas Alexander, Andy Burnham and Natascha Engel, and grassroots members for a participatory debate about the Party we need.

Connaught Suite of the Best Western Connaught Hotel, West Hill Road, West Cliff, Bournemouth