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Dear members A number of you have contacted us on the local EC (executive committee) requesting a statement on the recent leaked report. As you’ll see from the correspondence from the General Secretary (see below) we will be unable to pass motions at this time. The EC was shocked and dismayed at the content of the leaked report, not least what appears may be cases of racism, bullying and a failure to act on serious complaints including sexual harassment and antisemitism. Most of all we recognise and share the feelings of deep frustration and disappointment at the sense that some senior staff appear to have deliberately undermined the 2017 campaign or at least hoped for Labour to not succeed. Thankfully the majority of those referenced have since moved on. However the leaked document was also unredacted and has left many vulnerable members who made complaints in confidence completely exposed. This is unacceptable and was entirely avoidable. We as an EC completely support the move by Keir and Angela to push forward with an inquiry into how the report was commissioned and compiled, how it was leaked but critically into the content of the report and the serious issues it raises. Kind Regards Collectively Newbury CLP Executive Officers |
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Dear Chairs and Secretaries
We know that many of you have been in touch with Party staff in the regions and nationally expressing concerns with both the leaked document and its contents, and that many members will also have contacted you.
Please be aware that the party have condemned the leaking of the report, as with all leaks this damages our party and is unfair on staff who do not have the right to reply.
As soon as the Party was made aware of this leak, an internal investigation was immediately instigated and the ICO has been informed. In addition, the Leader and Deputy Leader have announced that in conjunction with our NEC they will be commissioning an independent investigation, this investigation will look at:
1) The background and circumstances in which the report was commissioned and the process involved.
2) The contents and wider culture and practices referred to in the report.
3) The circumstances in which the report was put into the public domain.
We are confident that the investigation will demonstrate that the overwhelming majority of members and staff work tirelessly for the good of the Labour Party but clearly it is essential to conduct a full and independent investigation.
As mentioned in the guidance issued to all CLP Secretaries, we are currently not holding any meetings within the Party whilst the Covid-19 lockdown remains in place. Executive Committees may organise informal meetings with members via telephone or video conferencing, however these calls will not have the status of a General Meeting. Therefore CLPs are not able to pass motions while these restrictions remain in place.
Any CLP in receipt of a copy of the report or its contents MUST NOT share or distribute that material in any way, including on social media. Any individual who shares or distributes the report or its contents on an unauthorised basis will be immediately exposing themselves to potential significant civil and criminal liability.
It would be inappropriate to say more whilst these investigations are ongoing so thank you for your understanding and patience.
Kind regards,
Jennie Formby
General Secretary