The results of the elections for constituency representatives on Labour’s national executive show no change in the political composition compared with the current membership, the only change being that Peter Wheeler replaced fellow right-wing slate member Luke Akehurst. However, since Johanna Baxter replaced Oona King immediately after the previous election, this represents one lost seat for the right-wing Progress/Labour First slate, who also won only 32.8% of the votes compared with 47.3% for the Centre-Left Grassroots Alliance and 19.9% for independents.
In a much lower poll (which had been expected since the last election coincided with a leadership election) the relative position of Left and Right did not change much, although the positions are not easily comparable since there was no agreed Left slate in 2010. The Left remained dominant, with its share at 47.3%. In a first past the post election it is perhaps surprising that this yields only half the seats – which is because its votes are more evenly shared by its candidates. Incumbency, “independence” and being a non-Londoner were all factors which favoured election. All the established candidates in the top 9 places (apart from Ken) share the personal comfort that their personal share rose. Ken’s vote, though it did drop (by less than 4%), held up remarkably well – much better than predicted. Perhaps the most remarkable vote was that of Kate Osamor who very nearly got elected at her first attempt – missing out by only 124 votes. Expect to hear more of her.
Candidate | Slate | 2012 vote | 2010 vote | 2012 share | 2010 share |
1 Ken Livingstone (1) | Left | 31,682 | 88,235 | 11.3% | 15.0% |
2 Ann Black (3) | Left | 30,240 | 59,200 | 10.7% | 10.0% |
3 Ellie Reeves (4) | Right | 23,417 | 45,481 | 8.3% | 7.7% |
4 Christine Shawcroft (5) | Left | 22,236 | 44,338 | 7.9% | 7.5% |
5 Johanna Baxter (7) | Ind | 20,146 | 30,653 | 7.2% | 5.2% |
6 Peter Wheeler (9) | Right | 17,721 | 28,752 | 6.3% | 4.9% |
7 Kate Osamor (-) | Left | 17,598 | 6.3% | ||
8 Luke Akehurst (6) | Right | 17,475 | 30,825 | 6.2% | 5.2% |
9 Peter Willsman (8) | Left | 16,786 | 29,009 | 6.0% | 4.9% |
10 Darren Williams (-) | Left | 14,641 | |||
11 Florence Nosegbe (-) | Right | 12,745 | |||
12 Ruth Smeeth (-) | Right | 10,860 | |||
13 Joanne Milligan (-) | Right | 10,034 | |||
14 Lewis Atkinson (-) | Ind | 8,968 | |||
15 Shukat Ali (12) | Ind | 6,855 | 21,881 | 2.4% | 3.7% |
16 Darrell Goodliffe (-) | Ind | 6,147 | |||
17 Lynda Rice (-) | Ind | 4,864 | |||
18 Rajwant Singh Siddhu (16) | Ind | 4,726 | 13,252 | 1.7% | 2.2% |
19 Rob Carr (-) | Ind | 4,386 |
An analysis of the National Policy Forum elections will follow shortly.
Dear Jon
Has Grassroots Labour managed to prise a commitment from Ken Livingstone to report back?
If not, perhaps he could accelerate Kate Osamor’s progress by stepping aside. As you yourself conclude:
“Perhaps the most remarkable vote was that of Kate Osamor who very nearly got elected at her first attempt – missing out by only 124 votes. Expect to hear more of her.”
Quite so.
Peter Kenyon
http://bit.ly/LfGEmc
Written a few comments on the results (specifically Luke Akehurst) here:
http://representingthemambo.wordpress.com/2012/06/20/luke-loses-his-seat/
I think kate osamor got her vote more due to bieng on at ticket with Ann Black and Ken, rather than metioning who her motehr was,
I’m glad to see the left win again, but why can’t we take control of the leadership?