Simon Darvill for Chair of Young Labour

Young Labour has come a long way in the past few years. I’m proud to have been part of a Committee which lobbied for reforms to our structures, reforms which allow us to be a fighting, campaigning organisation – a voice for young people in our party and in society. We’ve come a long way but there is so much more to do.

My experience of sitting on the Young Labour National Committee over the last

 two years has allowed me to hear directly from new and existing members as well as established and emerging Young Labour Groups. Members have told me they want more events to happen outside of London and need our events to be more affordable. Members want to feel supported and valued and that means giving members and YL groups a bigger say in our democracy, and opportunities to hold committee members to account.Our young members and Young Labour groups campaign tirelessly for Labour politicians, organise unique events, and help in their communities. But sadly I have also heard stories of our members being ostracised and patronised in their Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs).

My full manifesto is here. Below are some of my pledges on what I would do if elected;

• Put Young Labour groups at the heart of what we do, give them the tools to do work how they want to.

• Modernise our communications so members are kept informed of what is happening and know how to get involved. All members should feel a valuable and invested part of our movement.

• Create a fighting Young Labour, that takes seriously the financial burden our members often face

• Build a inclusive Young Labour that allows everyone to get involved in a clear motions based policy structure

• Lead a vibrant organisation that will be at the centre of a 2015 Labour election victory.

• Make Young Labour a representative organisation – by strengthening our autonomous liberation campaigns, giving them time to run campaigns and train their members. Putting an end to ‘stale, pale and male’ panel debates.

• Fight for a 21st Century Young Labour where all members get a vote in who is the Chair, are able to access minutes and details of meetings and can get involved by using new technology and social media.

• Open Young Labour up to the wider movement, encouraging our members to join trade unions and other affiliates, socialist societies including the Co-operative Party. Fighting against unpaid internships in politicians offices, encouraging member to be school governors, and support our young councillors.

• Help to create a social Young Labour that holds more events that are accessible to all our members, taking our events outside of London, and making sure that we make our social events suitable for our diverse membership.

I look forward to speaking to members over the next few months about what they want to see from the next Chair of Young Labour.

If you would like to get in touch with me email simondarvill99@hotmail.com or you can tweet me @SimonDarvill

I am proud to have members from all regions and sections of the party supporting me, if you wish to nominate me or appear on my supporters list contact me on the details above.

You can keep up to date with my campaign via Facebook and Twitter and on my website www.simondarvill.org.uk  .

Simon Darvill for Young Labour Chair – Full Manifesto