Executive Committee Election 2011/2012 All full members of the Fabian Society can vote in this ballot. Associate members (those who are members of political parties opposed to the Labour Party) have no vote. You may vote for up to 15 National Society candidates and four Local Society candidates. At least two of the National Society candidates and one of the Local Society candidates elected must be under 31 years of age on the date of the 2011 Annual General Meeting, 12 November 2011, provided that such members are duly nominated. The candidates who are under 31 are indicated with an asterisk (*). Biographies of the candidates are given below. The 2010/11 attendance record of candidates (excluding meetings in September 2011) standing for re-election on the Executive (EC), Finance & General Purpose (F&GP) and Research & Publications (R&PC) Committees is shown in brackets. The poll closes at 5.00 pm on Friday 21 October 2011. Please post the completed ballot paper to: Chief Scrutineer, Fabian Society, 11 Dartmouth Street, London SW1H 9BN.
HONORARY TREASURER BUTLER, Nick. Chair of the Kings Policy Institute at Kings College London. Formerly senior policy adviser in No. 10 until May 2010. PPC for Lincoln 1987 and 1992. Chair Young Fabians 1979, Chair Fabian Society 1987. Author of various Fabian pamphlets and articles on economic issues. Treasurer 1982 to present. (EC 2/3, F&GP 3/4)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE NATIONAL SOCIETY CANDIDATES * ASATO, Jessica. Jessica “As the country faces huge cuts, slow growth and social unrest, the Fabians need to provide smart analysis, lively debate and grow its membership as a grassroots organisation.” Jessica has been a member since 1998; Executive member since 2004: Chair of the Young Fabians and Vice-Chair of the Executive. Jessica is an Islington Councillor; a School Governor at Tufnell Park Primary and has good governance experience from the charitable sector. (EC 2/3, R&PC 1/4) BAIRD, Vera, QC Former Solicitor-General, Assistant Regional Minister, MP for Redcar. Barrister, Writer, Lecturer, Chair of Haringey Labour Campaign Committee, Chair Hornsey&Wood Green Women’s Section, CoDirector of Astraea: Gender Justice (Research&Education) Board Member, Eaves Housing/Poppy Project, First woman Chair of Society of Labour Lawyers and Visiting Law Professor at South Bank University. Campaigning on NHS, Regional Employment issues, pensions.
Fabian since 1986; frequent contributor to Guardian cif, Huffington Post. BEACON, Geoff. Geoff A Fabian for decades, I am chairman of a software company. We must banish unemployment and combat dangerous climate change. See: "Jobs and climate change" http://www.brusselsblog.co.uk/?p=332; "Committee on Climate Change discounts important science" http://www.brusselsblog.co.uk/?p=293; "Green development corporations" http://www.renewalcities.org; "Pay UK debts with planning permission" www.brusselsblog.co.uk/?p=224 BREDE, David. David I have been a devoted member of the Labour and Co-operative Parties for many years. I believe that the parties are in great need of re invigoration following their defeat and the succession of Ed Miliband as the Labour Leader. The Fabian Society needs to be at the forefront of
this change and be leading the debate about how the parties rediscover their purpose in the 21st century. CHRISTIANSEN, Karin. Karin The Fabian membership has always been at the heart of the Labour movement and is needed more than ever to lead the revival. As the head of a not-for-profit international development campaign and longtime thinktank researcher, I have an excellent understanding of the practical challenges of running small, effective organisations that punch above their weight. I’m an author in the Fabian publication “The Change We Need” and a founder of LabourValues.org. DENHAM, John, John, MP I have continued to be an active supporter of the Fabian Society's work, including a response to Blue Labour in the latest Review. I gave a substantial amount of time to the shortlisting and interviews and appointment of our new General Secretary. The Fabians can and must help shape Labour's future policy and ensure this is a one-term Opposition. (EC 1/3) DUBS, Alf. Alf Fabian member for 40+ years, and former Chair. Former MP for Battersea and NI Minister, was CE of Refugee Council. Labour working Peer; campaigned against cluster munitions. Introduced Parliamentary Bill on Fabian recommendations ending religious and gender discrimination in monarchy. Member, Human Rights Committee, Supporter of elected Second Chamber, other interests include Ireland, EU enlargement. Labour needs fresh policy thinking and I want to help the Fabian contribution to this. (EC 2/3) FERRETT, Ben. I would bring important practical skills and experience to the Executive Committee. I established Warwickshire’s successful local society and am its current secretary. I therefore understand the grassroots, community organising that will build the Fabian Society’s future. Professionally, I am a Senior Lecturer in Economics at Loughborough University. This gives me clear insight into potential directions in research and policy advocacy that the Fabian Society could profitably pursue. Email: ben_ferrett@hotmail.com. FLEMING, Sylvia. I have been member of Sylvia Labour party and Musicians Union and Incorporated Society Musicians most of my working life. I see the power stripped away from
the Unions, as being one of the evils of the present. I have represented Ayrshire for the MU, and was Secretary for NCT there and Education Secretary in Bournemouth. I am currently working as a pianist and teacher, locally and in London. * GREEN, James. I am passionate about the Fabians and during past year on Fabian Executive helped recruit new GS. Just completed fourth year on Young Fabian Executive and second year editing Anticipations. Previously established YF Candidates Network which grew to 10% of Labour PPCs and developed YF schools project which engaged 600 students. If elected would bring my experience as PPC, community organiser and CLP Secretary to increase Society’s influence and reach. (EC 2/3, R&PC 3/4) * GROUCUTT, Kate. Kate is a Labour councillor in Islington, and a member of Unite the Union and the Co-operative Party. She is a former Chair of the Young Fabians and is Policy Director for a national charity that campaigns for quality, affordable childcare. “Now is the time for the Left to generate fresh ideas and find new ways to engage people in political discussion. The Fabians should lead this debate.” (EC 2/3) HAYES, Gavin. Gavin The Fabian Society should be the ambitious voice of the socialism that drove Beatrice Webb to write her Minority Report to the Royal Commission that established the welfare state. Professionally, as General Secretary of Compass, I campaign daily for the values of democracy and equality. Personally, I’m a longstanding Labour member and social justice campaigner. I’d like to make a greater contribution to the Society's work by joining the Executive. HEAWOOD, Jonathan. I was proud to edit the Fabian Review and Fabian pamphlets from 2004-05. Since then I’ve led the free speech charity English PEN through a period of growth and high impact, with successful campaigns promoting the freedom to write in the UK and internationally. I believe that Labour needs to reassert its commitment to universal human rights, and that the Fabian Society should be at the heart of this process.
* IBRAHIM, Sara. Sara Current Vice Chair of the Young Fabians. She has worked on the Young Fabian policy, with meetings at the London Stock Exchange and Europe House. Last year held events with the US, Swedish and Indonesian Embassies. She has given talks to the Cambridge and Bournemouth Fabian Societies. If elected, Sara would focus on reflecting the needs of young people, at a time when many are facing uncertain futures. KHAN, Sadiq, MP. MP "Fabian Society Chair 20082010. As a Fabian member, Fabian EC member and former Chair, I have participated in a number of projects and events co-ordinated by the Society – including my award-winning pamphlet 'Fairness not Favours’. As a former human rights solicitor, Chair of Liberty, Cabinet and now Shadow Cabinet Minister, I want to continue my work with the Fabians through this period of renewal and engagement." * LEIGH, Claire. Claire Current Treasurer of Young Fabians. International development and foreign policy expert. Ex-Number 10 advisor. Since 2007 I’ve driven reforms and innovations that have seen the Young Fabians become the fastestgrowing and most dynamic part of our Society. Shortlisted for General Secretary this summer and a leading member of the Fabian Women’s Network, I have the experience and ideas to help transform the Fabian Society in a similar way. (F&GP 3/4) * LOEWE, MarieMarie-Noelle. Noelle In two years on the Young Fabian Executive I launched 'YF Women' to encourage participation from female Fabians. I managed a Middle Eastern Programme plus a delegation of YF members to Israel/Palestine. I co-edited two pamphlets on female representation in politics and the Middle East. If elected I will work with members to increase their input to the Society’s work and strengthen links between YFs and the Fabian Society. MacSHANE, Denis, MP. Rt Hon Dr Denis MP MacShane MP has been MP for Rotherham since 1994 and a Fabian for nearly 40 years. He was Chairman of the Fabians 2001-2002. He speaks regularly to local societies and is well-known as one of the best-informed MPs on EU and international affairs. He is working on 2 books: On the future of the Democratic Left in Europe and Why Labour Should Make Anti-Trafficking Policy a priority. (EC 3/3, R&PC 3/4)
MALHOTRA, Seema. Seema Seema is Director of Fabian Women's Network and a former Chair, Fabian Society /Young Fabians. A former political advisor to the Leader of the Opposition, she is now a freelance consultant. Seema has written and spoken on equality, justice and public sector reform. She is a London Assembly list candidate, a former school governor who founded a community web site and local farmers' market and Unite/Coop activist. A regular speaker at local societies. (EC 2/3, F&GP 3/4, R&PC 3/4 ) * MAXWELL, Nick. Young Fabians Networks Officer, I established two member Networks, “Future of Finance” and “Science and Society”. As 2010/11 Young Fabians Fundraising Officer, I’ve arranged sponsorship totalling £7500 helping do more for members. Professionally, I work in research for the thinktank Chatham House. During these challenging times, I’d like to help the Fabian Society lead the progressive debates and thinking that this country needs. McCURRY, Dan. I am a Labour campaigner and blogger, a criminal defence solicitor and a photographer. I’m interested in ideas, which is why I’m standing for the executive. Right now, the Fabians are vital as a venue, for the Labour Party to rethink our core aims and values, in the run up to the next election. My interests are in community/immigration, drugs/crime, also economics. MITCHELL, Austin, MP. MP Never, since I joined the society in 1961, has there been a greater need for the Fabian strengths of debate, discussion and research to advance our values and chart Labour’s path to power and develop the policies it will need to govern successfully and build a better, more equal society. (EC 2/3, F&GP 1/4) * NASH, Pamela, MP. I am seeking to continue my role with the Fabians to help develop the relationship between Young Fabians and the rest of our organisation. This year an active Fabian Society will be crucial to the renewal and progress of the Labour Party; as an MP on the Executive I will be able to strengthen the symbiotic relationship between our Society and the Party as we develop policies for the future. (EC 1/3) * PRANDLE, Adrian. Current Chair of Young Fabians. Education policy expert. Record of high achievement and providing opportunities for
members: Obama campaign delegation; member-led policy groups; new YF pamphlets; fundraised thousands; growth in YF membership and activism. New General Secretary provides opportunity for strong governance from more active, involved and diverse EC. Knowing YFs and visiting local societies, there’s huge strength in Fabian membership across the country – I’ll help capitalise on this potential. (EC 3/3, F&GP 4/4, R&PC 4/4)
RATHBONE, Jenny, AM. AM Assembly Member for Cardiff Central. It’s taken a year on the Exec to get to grips with the role of Executive members, so keen to continue for another year. The Welsh Labour Government demonstrates there is an alternative to the UK Con Dem Government cuts and privatisations. Wales needs to draw on best practice wherever it is found to meet the challenge of improve public services with less money. (EC 2/3)
PRENTICE, Sally. Sally Has been a Lambeth Cabinet Member for five years and is a former Deputy Chief Executive of Age Concern London. Sally sees the main challenge for the Fabians as developing policies that promote sustainable growth, social responsibility and greater social mobility at a time of no new money. The Society needs to work more closely with Labour Councils and front line staff delivering public services.
* RICKARD, AnnaAnna-Joy. On the Young Fabian exec, I focused on broadening membership and making the Society accessible including establishing a Membership Ambassador scheme and online book club. Also in Fabian Women's Network and active Labour Party member. With a policy background, and voluntary sector experience in inner-city Nottingham, I am currently director of an international development network in Cambridge. In this new Fabian Society era, I would bring ideas, energy and creativity.
PUSHPANANTHAN, Suresh. Suresh A neuro-surgeon, current Chair of the Fabian Society and member of the Executive Committee and Research & Publications Committee since 2002. Previously Vice-Chair of the Young Fabians and Chair of Leeds Fabians. He is involved in developing AIDS and chronic disease policy in rural Africa. Interests include education, health and international development. Priorities: More events outside London, stronger Local Societies. (EC 3/3, F&GP 2/4, R&PC 2/4) QURESHI, Bibi. I am a person who cares about people. I was a chair of a WPCT group for seven years. I had many different responsibilities in this role; writing minutes of meeting, organizing agenda ,inviting health professionals to meetings and had a responsibility for advertising the group. I am a proud member of the Labour Party and am passionate about its values. I have supported equal pay for women. * RAMPULLA, Vincenzo. Vincenzo As a Fabian I want the Society to continue to grow, build its resources and its membership. The Society should lead public debate during this time of policy renewal. It should be the home for the new thinkers and doers on the Left. As a Young Fabian I've delivered popular, engaging opportunities for members to be involved and have their say. If elected I will champion innovation, engagement and involvement.
* ROBERTS, Marcus. The Fabians must unleash the potential of our greatest asset, our membership, to turn Fabian research, writing and discussion into the agenda that leads Labour's revival. I’d use my campaigning and fundraising expertise to put member ideas and activities at the heart of the Society. I’ve written for Next Left and 'The Change We Need', am a contributing editor atLeftFootForward.org and served as Field Director for Ed Miliband’s campaign. THIMMEGOWDA, Hanume, Hanume Dr. Dr I am a 65 year old GP, British citizen and a member of the Fabian Society. Labour party member since 1980 and past Labour councilor. BMA member and support Unison. Committed for fairness in industry and in the Community, social justice and equal opportunities. Good listener with excellent communication skills and knowledge of wider issues with which I want to make positive contributions to the Fabian Society. TICKRIDGE, Julia. Julia As a committed Fabian Society member, marketing professional and linguist, politically active as a Labour councillor, Labour Group Secretary and Deputy Spokesperson (Resources) on Cheshire West and Chester Council, VC (membership) and Women’s/Ethnic Minorities Officer (Chester CLP), Chair, CWaC Co-operative Party, Co-operative Group Area
Committee member (Cheshire) and member of Unite, I am well-placed to take the political debate into the wider arena to achieve a truly progressive “Good Society”. TWIGG, Stephen, MP. MP Labour & Co-Op MP for Liverpool West Derby, Shadow Minister for Africa and the Middle East, Usdaw member and Chair of Progress. Fabian General Secretary (1996-7), EC member (1997-2008), MP for Enfield Southgate (1997-2005) and Minister for Schools (2002-5). I stood down from the Executive in 2008 to focus on my Parliamentary campaign. I
hope I can bring experience to support our new General Secretary in this important period. WILLIAMS, Mari. Originally from South Wales, Mari is Deputy Headteacher of a newly opened secondary school in Hackney. She is passionate that effective school leadership can transform schools and close the achievement gap in our inner-cities. Mari has specialised in 20th century Labour history and developing the Citizenship curriculum. A life long Labour Party member and on the executive for over 9 years, she brings a front-line perspective to the Fabians. (EC 2/3)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE LOCAL SOCIETY CANDIDATES BOWIE, Duncan. Duncan Secretary of the South East London Fabian Society since 2004 and a member of the Fabian Executive since 2008. Her is a lecturer in planning and housing. He believes that the Fabian Society should focus on developing socialist responses to the current economic and political context and engage its individual membership and local societies in assisting the Labour Party to develop a robust alternative to the Coalition’s policies. (EC 2/3, R&PC 1/4) * CHAPLIN, David. David. As a former Chair of the Young Fabians I’m committed to increasing participation of all members in our Society. I’ve setup a new local society in Hornsey and Wood Green and if elected I’ll work to expand the number and relevance of our local societies. New members are vital to regenerate our Society, I’ll work with the new General Secretary to boost the Fabians’ influence and also our membership. (EC 3/3, R&PC 3/4) DARVILL, Keith. Keith I am Chair of the Havering Society. I was MP for Upminster 1997/2001 and am currently Leader of the Labour Group of Havering Council. I am a solicitor with experience in both public and private sectors. If elected I will work for the development of local societies to play a prominent role in facilitating and encouraging more members of the Labour Party and socialist organizations to participate in open debate. EVANS, Jonathan. Chair - Cardiff & District Fabians. After a year of constructive work on both the Executive and Research & Publications
Committee, I am seeking re-election. As a criminologist with practice experience in social work, youth justice and probation, I have contributions to make in criminal justice and youth policy. As a local activist I am committed to ensuring the Executive is proactive in developing and supporting local societies throughout the UK. (EC 1/3, R&PC 1/4) MARTIN, Sandy. Leader Suffolk County Labour Group; Trade Union Liaison Officer, Ipswich CLP; Member of SERA, War on Want, CND, FoE. We need enthusiasm and hard work to bring about a radical progressive government, but we also need an effective political programme. Democratic Socialism must be a coherent and convincing set of principles. Fabians are vital in helping define what our politics is FOR - I want to play an active part. (EC 2/3) * McGINN, Conor. Conor is Chair of Islington Fabians and was Chair of the Young Fabians. He has worked with members to develop their respective Local Societies, visiting several during the year. His priority, if re-elected, is to get more practical help for Local Societies to ensure they can play a full part in all aspects of the Fabians' work. Conor is also the Socialist Societies representative on the Labour Party NEC. (EC 1/3) * ROBERTS, James. James is the newly elected Chair of the Merseyside Fabians and a Membership Ambassador for the Young Fabians. He believes the Labour Party should not just be an electoral machine, and that the Fabian society is the perfect forum to engage in rigorous
thought and much-needed debate, as reflected in the successful programme of events he has organised outside the capital, where policy debates can often be overlooked by Westminster. SOBEL, Alex. I am the Vice-Chair of the recently reformed Leeds Society and a CLP Secretary. Being a northerner and from a new society will bring a different perspective to the executive. I work in co-operative and social enterprise development which gives me valuable insight into non-statist solutions for society. With a new Labour Leader and Fabian General Secretary, Fabians are crucial in developing new policy to get Labour back into power. SOLOMON, John. John Long serving Chair of Harrow Fabians; member of Harrow West CLP where received long service award followed by the distinctive Labour Party Merit Award, both in 2011. Now member of Ruislip Northwood Pinner CLP. Elected to Fabian National Executive 200608. Attempted to persuade colleagues to make stronger recommendations to Labour leaders to consider problems which could lose Labour
votes. Believes in socialism, though would approve progressive social democracy. STOATE, Howard, Dr. Dr Member of Parliament for Dartford from 1997, I stood down in 2010 and returned to General Practice. I have been involved with the Fabian Society for over 30 years and am the co-author of 3 health related pamphlets. The Fabian Society must provide the ideas to challenge the Government and energise the Labour Party. Local Societies are the unique backbone of the Society and I will continue to enthusiastically support them.
STERN, Peter. Central London FS, Harrow FS. The Society’s education and research activities (Rule 2) need to be developed to meet the needs of a changing world; for members to become more involved and have a greater input. Young Fabians, the Women’s Group and local societies need to work more closely together, than has so far been the case. Also the Society needs to work with other organisations, with similar interests and objectives.
SCOTTISH CONVENOR FOY, Noel. Secretary, East Lothian Fabians. The Fabian Society in Scotland needs a fresh start. The political situation demands it. The Scottish membership needs to be consulted as a matter of urgency to help chart a way forward for the Society. More support is definitely required for existing local Societies and a serious effort should be made to establish new local groupings. I am pledged to do this and I ask for your support.
WELSH CONVENOR OWENS, Geraint. Convenor since 2005. Local Societies Representative on Fabian Executive Committee 2001-5. We cannot rest on our laurels, Wales is changing, and the Welsh Left must change too. Local Societies throughout Wales are essential as are all-Wales Fabian activities, and working with other affiliates." (EC 2/3)