Candidate booklet

The Labour Party NEC Elections 2016 

Candidate 

booklet 

National Executive 

Committee Division III 

(Constituency Labour 

Parties) Page 2 – 9 

Luke Akehurst 

Bex Bailey 

Johanna Baxter 

Ann Black 

Parmjit Dhanda 

Dr John Gerard Gallagher 

Amanat Gul 

Eddie Izzard 

Ellie Reeves 

Christine Shawcroft 

Claudia Webbe 

Peter Wheeler 

Darren Williams 

Peter Willsman 

Rhea Wolfson 

Treasurer Page 10 

Diana Holland

National Executive Committee Candidates 

Luke 

Akehurst 

Bex Bailey 

Nominations: 132 

Johanna 

Baxter 

Ann Black 




I’m totally focused on a Labour victory and 

deeply concerned that we made a huge strategic 

error shifting leftwards when the message from 

voters is that they want a moderate, united 

Labour Party with realistic, credible policies. 

I will hold the leadership to account and give 

frank advice about what needs to be done to 

beat the Tories. 

I will fight against Hard Left factionalism whether 

that is opposing partisan rule changes, defending 

hard-working incumbent MPs and councillors 

from sectarian deselection bids, or stopping the 

Momentum faction from becoming a bridgehead 

back into the party for the entryist far left. 

Labour activist for 28 years, I am passionate 

about tackling poverty and inequality. As a 

parent and cancer survivor I will fight to defend 

our NHS and schools from Tory cuts. 

NEC Member 2010-2012, strong record of 

fairness and defending democracy in taking 

decisions, and openness and accountability in 

reporting back to members. 

Extensive campaigning experience: Borough 

Campaign Manager in four Hackney elections 

increasing Labour seats from 29 to 50; 

parliamentary candidate in Aldershot and Castle 

Point; full-time Organiser in Camden. 

Councillor 12 years, trade unionist (Unite) 23 

years. www.luke4nec.org.uk 

I recommend voting Akehurst, Bailey, Baxter, 

Dhanda, Reeves, Wheeler. 

Tel: 07949 152 562 

Email: akehurstluke@gmail.com 

Twitter: @lukeakehurst 

Facebook: facebook.com/luke4nec 

Web: luke4nec.org.uk 

Address: 125 Oxford Road, Old Marston, 

Oxford, OX3 0RB 

I’m standing to make our party fairer. 

I’m 24 and I joined Labour because we’re the 

party of equality. We’ve done a lot to make our 

society more equal – and will do so again. 

But in our party young people still feel excluded, 

if you’re working class you still can’t afford to 

stand for election, and women still face sexism. 

We need to put our values into practice within 

our party, so everyone can get involved. 

I’ve spent three years on the NEC helping 

young women get involved. From leading a 

grassroots homelessness campaign to organising 

nationwide election campaigning, I’ve fought for 

members and for equality. 

I’M FIGHTING FOR: 

1. A PROPER SAY IN POLICY FOR ALL MEMBERS 

2. A COMPREHENSIVE SEXUAL HARASSMENT 

POLICY – NO ONE SHOULD FEEL UNSAFE 

3. NEC REPRESENTATION FOR EACH NATION 

AND REGION, AND BETTER RESOURCES FOR 

LOCAL PARTIES 

4. MORE WORKING CLASS MPS 

5. A PARTY UNITED AROUND OUR VALUES 

FROM THE GRASSROOTS UP, FOCUSED ON 

BEATING THE TORIES 

As your representative I’ll never stop fighting for 

members, fighting for equality, and fighting to 

beat the Tories. Working together, we can make 

our party fairer. 

I’m also supporting Ellie, Johanna, Parmjit, Luke 

and Peter Wheeler. 

Tel: 07963018281 

Email: bexbailey6@hotmail.com 

Twitter: @bexbailey6 

Facebook: facebook.com/BackBex 

Our country faces its biggest post-war crisis. Now 

is no time for division in our Party. No labels, no 

factions, just Labour. 

So many people’s hopes for a better future rest 

on us. We owe it to them to be the best we can 

be - an NEC focused on delivering solutions, not 

paralysed by arguments of the past. 

In 6 years on the NEC I’ve never stopped fighting 

for members or our Party – from securing our 

commitment to repeal Employment Tribunal 

Fees, campaigning against Tory attacks on tax 

credits, visiting over 180 CLPs across the country, 

listening to members and as a candidate in 

Scotland. 

As your representative I’ll fight for; 

• Unity around our values; taking our fight to 

the Tories and SNP. 

• Equality in our Party – no-one should be 

held back because of their class, gender, 

sexual orientation, race or disability. 

• A more welcoming party where everyone 

can participate. 

• A real say in policy making. 

• All nations and regions to be represented 

on the NEC and better resources for local 

parties. 

No labels, no factions, just Labour. 

As an independent I’m grateful for broad support 

across the Party and CLPs including from Reeves, 

Akehurst, Bailey, Wheeler, Dhanda 

Tel: 07811 450 410 

Email: johanna.baxter@btinternet.com 

Web: johannabaxter.com/ 

Twitter:@JohannaBaxter 

Johanna Baxter Putting Members First 

As I write, Britain has just voted to leave Europe. 

With the Tories split from top to bottom, it’s 

never been more important for Labour to unite 

and defend our values through uncertain times 

ahead. This means bringing together new 

and long-serving members, trade unionists, 

councillors, MPs and other representatives, 

respecting each others’ views, working for a 

more inclusive society. 

Whatever happens next, Labour must be both 

an effective opposition and a government-inwaiting. 

We stopped the Tories forcing schools 

to become academies and cutting tax credits 

and disability benefits. We urgently need faster 

rebuttal, better campaign strategies and credible 

policies on health, housing, education, defence, 

social security, workers’ rights, international 

affairs, the environment and the economy. We 

must find alternatives to austerity and rebuild 

community relations. 

For sixteen years I’ve talked with members 

from Labour heartlands, Tory shires and key 

marginals, from Scotland, England, Wales 

and Northern Ireland. I’m loyal, discreet and 

experienced and I’m on the NEC to speak for you, 

so tell me how we can go forward. 

I’m secretary of Oxford Labour and a member 

of UNISON, the Ramblers’ Association and 

the Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform. I 

shall also vote for Shawcroft, Webbe, Williams, 

Willsman, Wolfson. 

Tel: 07956 637958 

Email: annblack50@btinternet.com 

Address: 88 Howard Street, Oxford OX4 3BE 

Web: annblack.co.uk 

2 Vote online at labour.org.uk/Ballot2016 

The Labour Party NEC Elections 2016 3


Parmjit 

Dhanda 


Dr John 

Gerard 

Gallagher 

Amanat 

Gul 


Eddie 

Izzard 



In 2001 a newspaper in Gloucester said ‘the 

people of Gloucester haven’t reached the 

advanced state of consciousness to accept a 

foreigner as their MP.” They were talking about 

me - a ‘brown’ face in a ‘white’ constituency. 

Gloucester proved them wrong - I was fortunate 

enough to serve there as the MP and a Minister 

in a Labour government. I helped to develop 

Sure Start, and put in place policies to support 

vulnerable children in care. 

I believe our party needs strong organisation to 

support our councillors, MPs and leadership as 

well as policies that reflect our membership but 

will be appealing to those in key marginal seats. 

We need to be more representative of all of our 

communities. We can’t take anyone’s vote for 

granted. 

Labour faces challenges on diversity. The 

parliamentary party should better reflect the 

various communities that make up Great Britain 

and I’m worried because we polled behind the 

Tories in 2015 amongst many minority groups. 

I’ll listen to your views and use my experience 

to make the party more aware of class, gender, 

sexual, faith and race equality. 

I hope you will support me, and consider 

supporting Akehurst, Bailey, Baxter, Reeves and 

Wheeler too. 

Tel: 07961173862 

Email: fparmjitsdhanda@hotmail.com 

Web:parmjitdhanda.co.uk 

Twitter: @ParmjitDhanda 

Facebook: facebook.com/ 

ParmjitDhandaLab/?ref=br_rs 

I am a scientist and have spent my working life 

in research and development. I have carried out 

many leading roles at Branch and CLP levels. I 

want everyone involved in the formulation and 

policy building process. All voices must be heard 

and respected. 

The referendum result illustrates a divided 

nation. The task for Labour is to find a strong 

leadership voice capable of speaking out with 

a credible message that unites all sectors of 

society. 

How we are perceived in the country is vital. 

We need to be united, tolerant and inclusive, 

engaging all views across the Party. We must be 

intolerant of intolerance. 

The Labour government had a good record 

on the economy. By not defending that record 

we surrendered our credibility on running the 

economy. I want to attack the Tory’s persistent 

failure to deliver on the economy. 

It was right to oppose bombing in Syria, the 

largest humanitarian disaster since the second 

World War. We have a responsibility to alleviate 

this calamity. 

I have a different perspective, a different bag of 

skills, an analytical mind, which will contribute to 

and enhance the range of expertise available to 

the NEC. I offer a new and fresh voice. 

Tel: 01684 569 509 

Email: john.gallagher@keme.co.uk 

Address: 20 Chase Road, Upper Welland, 

Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 4JY 

Professionally, I am a doctor and share 

compassion which is why I have a deep interest 

in politics. 

The Labour Party stands for fairness, equality 

and social justice, values deeply rooted within 

me. The Labour Party needs to set a vision 

based on fairness, compassion and integrity to 

pave the way to win the next General Election. I 

believe my work as a doctor would support such 

compassionate politics. 

There must be a clear distinction to show we are 

the party of the people. 

I believe, 

• We must fight for our NHS, Social and 

Community welfare. 

• A balanced immigration policy, free from 

discrimination in order to support our 

vibrant society. 

• The “living wage” should be just what it 

says, where work pays for individuals and 

families, so families don’t have to be reliant 

on food banks or go through hardship. 

• Zero hour contracts should be scrapped 

which adds to the inequalities in society. 

I believe that the Labour Party works best when 

we are all fighting on the same side to meet the 

aspirations of the people of Great Britain. 

I would bring compassion to the Labour Party 

as your representative and support your 

aspirations. 

Tel: 01217712364 

Email: Amanat4NEC@hotmail.com 

Address: 

11 Oakfield Road, Balsall Heath, BIRMINGHAM, 

West Midlands, B12 9PX 

I joined Labour 20 years ago. I’m passionate 

about our values of fairness, social justice and 

compassion. I’m a radical moderate, doing 

radical things with a moderate message, 

reaching out to everyone. Most of all, I believe in 

hope. 

The Tories are wreaking havoc on our society, 

our economy and our politics. We must take the 

fight to them. 

As your NEC representative, I will: 

• Continue meeting members to understand 

your concerns; be a bridge to the leadership; 

and campaign with you. 

• Ensure Labour values and ordinary people 

are central to our agenda. 

• Use my profile to engage and bring on board 

young people and those who don’t normally 

get involved with Labour. 

• Stand up for the whole country, BME, LGBT, 

disabled and non-disabled, women and 

men. 

• Keep the NEC focused on winning elections 

so we can make Britain a fairer, kinder, more 

prosperous country. 

I am not standing on a slate, but there are 

excellent women on the NEC who I’m voting 

for: Ann Black, Bex Bailey, Johanna Baxter, Ellie 

Reeves. 

I’ve campaigned for Labour nationwide, 

supporting hundreds of CLPs, fighting for Labour 

over many years. Now I want to fight for you. 

Email:eddie@eddiefornec.com 

Twitter: @eddieizzard @eddiefornec 

Facebook: eddiefornec 




Ellie 

Reeves 

Christine 

Shawcroft 

Claudia 

Webbe 

Peter 

Wheeler 





About Ellie 

I have spent my life fighting for rights at work. As 

a trade union lawyer I represented blacklisted 

construction workers, I now provide help to 

women facing pregnancy discrimination. 

For 10 years I’ve been a strong voice for 

grassroots members on the NEC, elected with 

broad support across our party. 

Fighting back 

This government is attacking our communities 

and the EU referendum result was devastating. 

We need a Labour government more than ever. 

We must re-engage voters in our heartlands and 

re-connect in the marginals. The next Labour 

government should: 

• Reverse the privatisation of the NHS; 

• Support comprehensive education; 

• Repeal attacks on employment rights, 

abolish tribunal fees; 

• Invest in maternity services & Sure Start; 

• Build council housing, regulate the private 

rented sector. 

A strengthened Party 

Members are the life-blood of our party. I report 

back after meetings and have the experience and 

independence to face the challenges ahead. 

I support 

A cap on spending in parliamentary selections; 

• Giving members a greater say in policy 

making; 

• A social media code of conduct; 

• Welcoming new members, valuing the 

commitment of our longstanding ones; 

• Increased representation for women, 

LGBT, BAME, young and disabled members. 

I’m backing Akehurst, Bailey, Baxter, Dhanda, 

Wheeler 

I was delighted by Jeremy Corbyn’s election and 

welcome all new and returning members. For too 

long, our Party has accepted Tory parameters 

of debate, with predictable, dire consequences 

at the last two General Elections. To win we 

must reframe the political argument – oppose 

austerity, challenge racism and Islamophobia, 

challenge the demonization of working class 

people and refugees, support the building of 

truly affordable housing, support the NHS free 

from profiteers, support defence diversification 

and oppose Trident renewal, and defend public 

services and welfare. 

I have been a member of the NEC for 17 years, 

and thank all the members and CLPs who have 

supported me. I try to raise issues of concern to 

grassroots members, especially their right to put 

resolutions to, and take an active part in, Annual 

Conference. I support members’ right to choose 

their representatives free of central or regional 

interference. 

Demanding fair working terms and conditions, 

and fair taxation, doesn’t make us anti-business. 

It makes us anti-inequality. We need to build 

an economy from which we all benefit, with 

investment and job creation. Let’s build a mass 

Party! 

Please also support Ann Black, Claudia Webbe, 

Darren Williams, Peter Willsman and Rhea 

Wolfson. 

Email: christineshawcroft@btopenworld.com 

Website: christineshawcroft.co.uk 

My main priority is the election of a Labour 

government; to win we need a Labour Party 

united behind Jeremy Corbyn’s anti-austerity 

message. 

I have ambition, feelings, and desires, above all 

ideas for a Labour Party that will bring about 

democratic socialist change, not just for today 

but for future generations. As a strong united 

party we must challenge concentrations of 

power, inequality and social injustice. 

When black young people are more likely to be 

over represented in our criminal justice system 

than in our universities, the political oppression, 

economic exploitation and social degradation of 

my community should never be forgotten. 

I have campaigned long and hard for children 

and young peoples’ rights. I am a long standing 

campaigner against injustice, inequality, 

discrimination, antisemitism and racism, 

opposing the scapegoating of migrants and 

refugees, standing up for trade union rights, 

bringing an end to fuel poverty and challenging 

rip-off energy bills. As an elected Councillor, in 

the face of Tory government attacks on the poor, 

I know how hard Labour councils are working to 

defend services, build council homes, protect 

communities and boost local economies. 

Please vote for Claudia Webbe, Ann Black, 

Christine Shawcroft, Rhea Wolfson, Darren 

Williams and Peter Willsman 

Tel: 07973816885 

Email: claudia.webbe@gmail.com 

Address: Flat C, 6 Moreland Street, 

London, EC1V 8BE 

Twitter: @claudiawebbe 

Facebook: facebook.com/claudia.webbe 

British politics is ludicrously over centralisedand 

that applies to the Labour Party too! 

We were established to provide a voice for 

working class people throughout the country, yet 

all our elected NEC reps come from London and 

the Home Counties. No disrespect but we need 

to ensure that all parts of the country are directly 

represented at the highest levels of our party. 

The Referendum shows we need to hear and 

respect the views of people in the North , 

Midlands, Scotland , Wales, South West and the 

East. 

That’s why I am standing for election-to ensure 

a voice for Labour people in every part of the 

Country. 

As a local councillor, active in my local 

community, local party and trade union I see at 

firsthand what this Tory Government is doing 

-our top priority is to defeat them at the next 

election! 

The key to success is our membership-new and 

old! We need to harness their talents connecting 

with every community in the country. We 

particularly need to support and listen to our 

members in Scotland. 

I am also voting for Reeves, Akehurst, Bailey, 

Baxter and Dhanda. 

Feel free to get in touch. 

Tel: 07880 790 182 

Email: wheelerpeter@hotmail.co.uk 

Address: 6, Victoria House, Victoria Road, 

Salford M6 8LF 




Darren 

Williams 


Peter 

Willsman 


Rhea 

Wolfson 


Jeremy Corbyn’s election as leader demonstrated 

that Labour’s members and supporters want 

the party to present a clear alternative to Tory 

austerity. At the general election, despite many 

positive policies, voters were left unsure as to 

what Labour stood for. Jeremy offered bold, 

radical solutions on the big issues like jobs and 

housing and promised to make our politics more 

transparent and inclusive. 

I was actively involved in Jeremy’s campaign 

and would, if elected, support the adoption by 

Labour of his platform, having backed similar 

policies throughout my 27 years’ active party 

membership. I have served Labour at all levels, 

from branch to National Policy Forum, and have 

been a Cardiff councillor since 2013. I am proud 

to be a socialist and trade unionist. 

The experience of devolution in Wales and 

Scotland also offers lessons for the wider party. 

Welsh Labour has remained in government since 

1999 by implementing policies consistent with 

our historic values and principles – promoting 

equality and rejecting market-based ‘reform’ 

of public services. If elected, I would bring that 

experience to bear and would offer regular 

reports on my work. 

Please vote for me and for Ann Black, Christine 

Shawcroft, Claudia Webbe, Pete Willsman and 

Rhea Wolfson. 

Tel: 07880 546019 

Email: Darren.s.williams@hotmail.co.uk 

Address: 33 Lansdowne Road, Cardiff, CF5 1PQ 

I enjoy the privilege of representing members 

on the NEC, having uniquely served on every 

National Committee. I have addressed over 200 

Party meetings (Scotland, Wales and all Regions) 

and am a phone call away for advice/help (01865 

244459). For 32 years I’ve sent every CLP my 

(updated) Annual Conference Guide. After every 

NEC I report back to CLPs. 

The Tories are in crisis, we must be united. The 

NEC’s priority is to ensure the whole Party pulls 

together behind Jeremy (I recently tabled a 

motion to this effect). Jeremy has dedication, 

integrity and a basic decency, that is exceptional 

– I know, we worked together in NUPE. 

The Tories truly are the Nasty Party. Party 

Members know the solution – a Labour 

Government making fundamental changes, like 

1945. 

My long record of service shows I have the 

commitment/determination/enthusiasm to play 

a full part in our drive to victory. Together we will 

win. 

Experience – Party/Union/Co-op: 

NEC: 1998-1999, 2005-2010, 2015-2016 

National Conference Arrangements Committee: 

1981-1994 

National Constitutional Committee: 1995-1998 

National Policy Forum: 1998-1999, 2002-2010, 

2015-2016 

Constituency GC/EC: 1975-2016; ward secretary 

1994-2010 

Co-op Group Area Committee/Party Council: 

1988-2010 

Research Officer NUPE/UNISON: 1979-1994 

Branch Secretary APEX/GMB 1980-1998 

Please also support Black, Shawcroft, Webbe, 

Williams, Wolfson. 

Tel: (H) 01865 244459 

Email: Willsman@talk21.com 

Britain needs a Labour Party that can deliver 

a confident and credible, democratic socialist 

agenda; an alternative to the inequality of 

conservatism and the inertia of nationalism - 

with fairness and equality at its heart. 

I am a Branch Secretary for GMB in Glasgow 

and an active member of Scottish Labour and 

Scottish Young Labour. I am fighting for a more 

representative party with its priorities in our 

communities. 

We have a huge new membership but the 

majority of it remains inactive. In order to engage 

this new membership, the Labour Party must be 

the exciting alternative that they signed up for 

and reflect the values of the leader they voted 

for. 

Labour must be the party that stands against 

austerity to improve the lives of working people 

across borders. Our party needs to be strong 

and united, with all levels of the party working in 

a transparent and tolerant manner. 

I will work to empower members, local parties, 

and activists; to fight for a more democratic 

party that can deliver change - and ultimately, 

deliver victory. 

Thank you so much for your support. Please also 

support Ann Black, Christine Shawcroft, Claudia 

Webbe, Darren Williams and Pete Willsman. 

Email: rhea4nec@gmail.com 

Twitter: @rheawolfson 

Facebook: facebook.com/rhea4nec 



Treasurer Candidate – elected unopposed 

Diana 

Holland 


It has been an honour to be elected as Labour 

Party Treasurer. 

I remain determined to keep Party finances on 

a sound and transparent footing – standing 

firm against Conservative attacks on our Party’s 

funding, supporting the pivotal role of local 

Parties. 

While we have defeated the worst, serious 

threats remain. I am a strong supporter of 

Labour’s affiliated trade unions and socialist 

societies. Labour always achieves most when all 

parts of our Party come together. 

My top three priorities are: 

• Ensuring the resources we need to 

campaign and win; in marginal seats, and in 

our heartlands 

• Strengthening our funding base to ensure 

sound and transparent finances, now we 

have eliminated historic debt 

• Taking the fight to the Tories – campaigning 

year-round, building Party membership and 

extending our reach even wider 

My experience is as the longest-serving Labour 

NEC member, chair Party and NEC 2002/3. As 

Assistant General Secretary of Unite, I have 

a proven track record against injustice and 

exploitation, for investment in jobs, communities 

and equality for all. I also have experience of 

financial management. 

We must be the Party that is standing up for 

communities, the alternative to poverty, division, 

fear and hatred. 

10 

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