Resolutions are easy but now the hard work begins making that hope a reality.
Plans for another Convention are of necessity still embryonic but the LRC hopes other groups will come forward, as they did last time, to build a broad coalition of socialists and progressives who can find common ground for debate and discussion. At this stage, it seems pertinent to point out that in no sense will the LRC be taking "ownership" of any future Convention or aiming to dominate in a "top-down" way.
As a group working largely within the Labour Party, we have learned much by building alliances with those outside, including our affiliated unions the RMT, FBU and NUJ. So much so a new body, the Trade Union Co-ordinating group, was launched at the TUC Conference in September. The PCS is also involved in the TUCG.
COTL 2009 is likely to be planned around TUC or Labour Conference in Brighton in September. Our resources for building for it are still pretty much an unknown quantity. It might be a one-day event, a weekend school, or even if we are very resourceful on a scale comparable with the hugely successful COTL in Manchester
What is clear is that everyone interested in making it happen needs to make their views and contacts known as soon as possible. As one of two newly elected Vice-Chairs of the LRC, I'm keen to hear from others who want to get involved.
The Recall Conference on January 24 in Manchester will be an opportunity for us to move this forwarded - let's get to it!
Susan Press, LRC Vice-Chair, Calder Valley CLP
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