Back our campaign to be NEC Local Government representatives

Meet the candidates

Claire Holland

I have been a councillor since 2014 and leader of LB Lambeth from 2021 to 2026. As a lifelong labour activist and trade unionist, I stood for my local council to fight for free access to sports facilities for local young people.

Since then, I have worked with residents, colleagues and community groups to deliver on this and, in addition to enshrining turn up and play for free in our local manifesto 2022, we successfully brought our leisure services back in-house a year later. We delivered on our commitment to offer concessions to low-income residents and young people and asylum seekers, fulfilling on our commitment as a leading borough of sanctuary.

We turned around our public services despite severe financial constraints due to tory/lib dem austerity. I know that you are all working hard, in your areas, up and down the country, whether your group is running the council or not, to deliver the best services for your communities.

Following the disappointing local election results in May 26 we now have a challenging landscape. We have fewer labour councillors, the rise of populism on the right and so called progressive left and many councils either gone to the Greens or reform or Not in Overall Control. It is vital we learn the lessons from 2026 to support labour colleagues to get elected in 2027 and 2028 and to win back those seats and councils, because our residents need us to remain focussed on them.

As councillors, we have been the last line of defence for our communities through some dark and challenging years. Now we are all leaders in re-building powerful, resilient communities in all parts of the UK.

Following 14 years of tory chaos and managed decline of our economy and public services, we need to continue to work with our Labour government to rebuild the economy and the country and to continue to implement a progressive policy agenda.

And as we rebuild, councillors must be at the table, bringing our experience of managing through austerity, Covid and the cost of living crisis, our learnings from May 26 and LGR to the centre of the debate. We are on the front line of our communities, delivering for and alongside them.

It has been an honour to serve as your NEC representative. I will continue to be a strong and passionate voice for Labour in local government. I will keep you informed and keep listening to you. I know that the best way to represent you is to draw from your knowledge and experience. That’s what I intend to do, and that’s how I will make our collective voice heard. I want to thank everyone who has been in contact over the last 2 years.

Please support me, and Peter Wheeler to be your local government representatives on the NEC.

Peter Wheeler

After 14 wasted Tory years, the General Election saw Labour winning across the country. Winning in areas that have never been Labour before as well as regaining the trust of former strongholds.

Our Government now has a real chance to work with local councils to tackle the key issues facing us — housing, the environment, poverty reduction and re-building the economy. It won’t be easy, there will be difficult times ahead but to be successful Labour local Government and Labour central Government need to stand shoulder to shoulder.

As a local Councillor, Trade Unionist and Labour Party member of 50 years standing, I believe I have the experience, passion and commitment to our Labour values to help secure the best possible partnership between our councillors and our Government – delivering real results for the people we represent.

I’d like to pay tribute to the work Tudor and Nesil have done for Labour local government and also ask you to support the election of Claire Holland, leader of Lambeth, to the NEC.

Our Pledges

Listening and accountable to you - Labour councillors.

We will provide NEC updates after every meeting and we will be accessible to Labour councillors whether it be by email, on Zoom or in person at Labour party events.

Fighting for councillors to be heard

Councillors must have a voice in shaping the programme of the Labour Government and learning from May 26. You have vast experience in campaigning and policy making and we have to make sure you are listened to at every level – from local branches to the NEC – that experience must be taken on board.

Fighting for the resources you need for local election campaigns

Councillors must be supported to start preparing for local elections in 2027 & 28 and take the learnings from 26. It is our councils at risk: we must be fully involved in any decision making that affects our ability to campaign.

Councillor Safety

Councillor safety is our top priority. We have worked hard with the party to ensure that our safety is taken seriously by both government and the police. We will campaign for Operation Ford to be consistently implemented in all areas of the country

Supporting councillors going through LGR

We know that many councils are going through the challenging process of Local Government Reform. We commit to support you and be your voice in the party to ensure your communities and your needs are listened to by government and the party