Candidates’ election statements
Progress strategy board elections 2014
– Members’ section –
Election statements have been reproduced exactly as they were submitted, including any grammatical
and/or spelling errors and the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those held by Progress.
Please read carefully before casting your vote.
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Progress strategy board elections 2014
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Chris Bain
Gender: Male
Constituency Labour party: Tamworth
I am standing for election to the strategy board because I am passionately committed to the
values that underpin Progress and I believe that the Labour Party must publicly embrace those
values if we are to win in 2015.
I have been a member of the Labour Party for more than 30 years, and a member of progress for
many years. I am a committed campaigner, a former PPC and member of Warwickshire County
Council’s Cabinet. I have very clear ideas about how we can win at the local level.
I am also very aware of the ways of influencing the Party. I am currently a member of Tamworth clp Executive,
Secretary to the Socialist Health Association and Secretary to the Cooperative Party in the greater Birmingham area.
Much of what I do in those roles centres on influencing the Labour Party.
Much of my working life has been spent in voluntary sector, mainly within health and social care. I am Chief Executive
of a local Healthwatch organisation and sit on the Boards of 2 social housing providers. I have previously been Chair
of a Primary Care Trust and sat on a Hospital Board. I also bring a range of other experiences promoting the voices of
those who are seldom heard or are in some way excluded.
It is local people that can deliver victory next year and, if elected, I will work hard to ensure that all voices are heard
and all views respected.
Paul Brant
Gender: Male
Twitter: @pauldbrant
Constituency Labour party: Liverpool Riverside
I am standing for re-election to the Progress Strategy Board because it is essential that Progress
plays a key role in getting Labour elected at national and local level over the next 2 years.
As an engine for ideas and campaigning, Progress is a powerhouse, and the strategy board
should ensure it continues.
Labour is already in power in local Councils all over the country, showing how we can deliver progressive values
despite austerity. Progress has a key role in broadcasting best practice and ideas to a wider audience.
I have spoken at Progress political weekend about the longer term challenges facing the nation, and local government.
If elected I will be able to bring my experience as a Party member for 29 years, and as Deputy Leader of Liverpool
City Council to the strategy board.
Stephen Twigg MP, Progress’s honorary President said ‘I have worked with Paul over many years, and I know he
would continue to bring a valuable contribution to the strategy board’.
Matthew Doyle, former adviser to Tony Blair said ‘Paul’s knowledge and experience as an activist and campaigner,
combined with his passion for a Labour victory, mean he’s exactly what the strategy board needs.’
Thom Brooks
Gender: Male
Twitter: @thom_brooks
Constituency Labour party: Sedgefield
I’m standing for election because I believe that I can promote Progress effectively to the Labour
Party and wider electorate with new ideas. I am a proud member of both and believe that a
strong Progress can strengthen Labour. I am an effective, award winning media commentator
with frequent television, radio and newspaper interviews well placed to defend our message and
make the case for Labour in the next general election.
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I lecture at Durham University’s Law School and recently promoted to Professor of Law and Government. I teach
advocacy and public policy with special interests in criminal justice and immigration policy. My research develops a
new model for better incorporating the voices of victims in the criminal justice system through greater support for
restorative justice. My work features in an award winning book, Punishment, and the spring issue of Demos Quarterly,
a new online journal from Demos. These ideas have also caught the attention of the Labour Party and I am quoted
in the Labour Party’s ‘Stronger, Safer Communities’ policy consultation on Your Britain. I am also known for my work
on immigration. I’m originally from the US earning UK citizenship two years ago and made international headlines
exposing serious flaws in the ‘Life in the UK’ test in my report Ò the most authoritative availableÒ covered by over
300 news outlets.
I’d be honoured to join the Strategy Board and ensure our voices are heard within Labour and win over voters to win
the next election.
Bob Glaberson
Gender: Male
Constituency Labour party: Brighton Pavilion
Photograph
not received
I first became active in the Labour Party in the eighties and I am active in Brighton Pavilion
Labour Party. I’m a writer on the Middle East, and have contributed to many publications including
Progressonline. I would like to see greater emphasis placed on foreign policy. It is harder to avoid
these days; the world is interconnected. Putin’s interventions, the actions of ISIS in the Middle
East and western military engagement in Iraq have all brought the rest of the world closer.
I have been involved in community organising and campaigning both here and in the US. I’ve been campaigning for
greater devolvement of power to communities. It’s important to involve people in communities in issues which concern
them. I would like to see campaigns around saving social services which would involve both Labour Party members
and non-Labour Party members, for example in campaigning to save the NHS.
Sonny Leong
Gender: Male
Constituency Labour party: Wantage
I am putting myself forward because I believe I am able to contribute to the strategy board.
As an entrepreneur, I have the necessary skills to ensure that all projects/enterprises are selffunded and sustained for the future. I am able to ensure that the organisation is on a sound
financial footing.
Tal Ofer
Gender: Male
Twitter: @TalOfer
Constituency Labour party: Ilford North
I stand in the elections for Progress Strategy Board because I think that Progress can be the
driving force for a Labour win in 2015 and for driving a radical progressive agenda which will
provide social justice. I have been a member of Progress for 5 years and been involved in its
activities, including the annual conferences, and writing several articles (latest one here: http://
www.progressonline.org.uk/2014/08/11/the-wrong-stance-on-gaza/).
I have worked as parliamentary researcher to a Labour MP in the last parliament and stood as candidate in this year’s
local elections in Redbridge, where I also helped our party winning majority in the council for the first time in the history.
Although I stood in a non-target ward, which is always won by the Tories, I have managed through a hard campaign to
close a majority of 1200 to 100 votes only, which makes me confident we can win the Ilford North parliamentary seat
next year. The progressive approach I took, helped me to be on the brink of a historic win in a ward where nobody
gave me a chance.
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The future of our country will be shaped by us, the progressives, who always look forwards not backwards, it is us who
look for challenge the status-quo. I think that by learning from past mistakes we have done, we can develop better
policies, but at the same time we should also stand proud for New Labour achievements, in which Progress played
in a major role.
It is therefore my intention, if elected to Progress Strategy board, to instill dynamism and fresh thining to our strategy
and help Labour win the battle for the centre ground, which will ensure a Labour government for many years.
Lawrie Quinn
Gender: Male
Twitter: @lawriequinn
Constituency Labour party: York Outer
With months to go to the next General Election Labour needs to reconnect with the world away
from the Westminster bubble.
As someone who has been a Party member for 44 years, worked at every branch, constituency,
county, regional and national level as an party officer, candidate, councillor and MP I offer the
perspective of 1997 and the years I occupied that bubble until 2005
The strategic and policy work we all contribute to as members of Progress have never been more necessary as in the
few hundred days left before Election Day 2015.
So 9 years of reflecting, observing and listening to my fellow citizens, friends, work colleagues and family members
convinces me of the need for the unfinished progressive realignment of our politics.
The voices I’ve heard point to a decline of political process continuing apace as the social media cynicism destabilises
our democracy, the impact of progressive ideas and policies.
I see a political mountain needing to be climbed and offer my energy, analysis and experience as a potential member
of our strategy board.
Tommy Ricketts
Gender: Male
Twitter: @TommyRicketts
Constituency Labour party: Hampstead and Kilburn
British economic and industrial policy is in the doldrums. The liberal orthodoxy of cut to recover
has finally delivered growth for the Coalition but at a cost of chronically under-investing in our
future. Britain needs a vision for a 21st century economy and a political economy capable of
delivering it lead by a Labour Government.
But we are not there yet. That’s why Progress’ strategic board is so important. It is an invaluable platform to debate
and articulate practical policy ideas to help Labour realise Britain’s future.
I currently work as a policy advisor for the Strategy Director and Chief Economist at the British Bankers’ Association
and am a long standing member of the Labour Party. My present role offers me a unique insight into an industry that,
whilst needing reform, is essential to understanding the politics of growth. Previously worked as a press officer and
prior to that worked as a political consultant for various leading transport and infrastructure clients.
I have been had articles published in numerous newspapers, policies citied by ministers and research referenced by
various industry bodies.
I hope to use my experience to help Progress develop ideas on how to create a nation of savers and exporters, offer
a path to balanced growth with competitive industries and build infrastructure that the Victorians would write home
about.
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Jo-ann Robertson
Gender: Female
Twitter: @RedRobertino
Constituency Labour party: Hornsey and Wood Green
I joined the Labour party in my first year at university because I was passionate about the scale of
change this country needed and wanted to be part of Labour’s effort.
I am proud of what the last government did, and while many of its achievements will last, we must
not relearn the lessons that lead to those victories. We must not look back. It is our agenda going
forward that we must focus on. Progress are integral to this and that is why I am putting my name forward for the
Progress strategy board.
It is so important to recognise that we can be radical and ambitious, while also being business friendly and focused
on the centre ground. Aspiration is critical to Labour’s success in 2015. People want to live in a fair and equal society
that celebrates success, and where the ladder isn’t pulled away from them.
I am Scottish and watching the debate in my home country reminds me why politics is so important. For all being
said about the process, the fact that 80 per cent of Scots will turn up and vote should inspire us to make our politics
more real to people. We need to be focused on policies and causes that people care about and will get them to ballot
box in 2015. I believe passionately that we can be the Party of fairness, of equality, and of aspiration. I hope I get your
support.
Joan Ryan
Gender: Female
Twitter: @joanryanEnfield
Constituency Labour party: Enfield Southgate
I have taken part in Progress events across the country, at party conference, with affiliates. I am
impressed with the events they organise, the debates they encourage, the speakers and the
audience participation. We need this kind of engagement to develop our political thinking. I want
this to continue and am therefore seeking your support to continue on the elected strategy board.
Throughout my time in the Labour Party, as a member, a councillor, and an MP and candidate in a marginal seat, I
have always been, above all else, a campaigner. I know how much difference local campaigning can make, especially
in the marginal seats that we have to win to deliver a Labour Government. I am standing in one of those seats, Enfield
North, and know that the Campaign for a Labour Majority is central to Progress’ purpose and reason for being.
Together we can make it happen.
We need policies that are rooted in the values and principles of the Labour Party, that we can communicate with
conviction and passion on the doorstep. Progress wants to win for Labour a mandate for change that will make the
next government more successful that the last. I hope you will support my re-election.
Hopi Sen
Gender: Male
Twitter: @hopisen
Constituency Labour party: Greenwich and Woolwich
I’m a blogger, political writer, former Labour staff member and ex-councillor.
Mostly though, I’m someone with no political ambition other than to see a Labour government
and a Labour party that is outward looking, forward-thinking and self-critical. (People with such
ambitions are great, I just need more lie-ins than they do!)
What does that mean in practice?
For me, it means a Labour party as committed to fiscal stability as fighting inequality, as focussed on combatting crime
as preventing injustice, and as keen to help people get on the housing ladder as to get people off housing waiting lists.
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This is the Labour party I am passionate about winning power, because these are not contradictions, but aspects of
the same fight for social justice.
I’m also a proud ‘metropolitan liberal’, which is less electorally straightforward. But it’s worth the fight, because from
gay rights to abortion to immigration, these are issues we’re right about. Hey-ho. Politics is tough sometimes.
I’m standing for the Strategy Board because Progress is vital to shaping a Labour party, and a Labour government,
true to these values. I want to help with that.
Whether campaigning in seats we need for a big majority, debating policies we need to get that majority, or standing
up for an inclusive, broad church Labour party in everything from rules to selections, Progress needs to be right at the
heart of our movement.
If you think I can help us do that, do vote for me!
John Whitting
Gender: Male
Twitter: @JohnWhittingQC
Constituency Labour party: Banbury
As a member of the Labour Party and of Progress, I believe passionately in a fair and just society:
one where there is equality of opportunity for the young, where those in work are protected from
exploitation and one where the sick and elderly are treated with both compassion and respect by
a health and social care system which does not discriminate on the grounds of wealth.
My parents grew up during the Depression: my father in the East End of London and my mother in Cardiff. I learned
from them the vital importance of solidarity in achieving a better society - one which works for, not against, the many.
I have tried to articulate my beliefs in writing not only for Progress but also for the New Statesman and others. More
importantly, those beliefs have informed my professional life - both representing those who are vulnerable and in
desperate need and fighting against this Government’s invidious, and unprecedented, assault on our justice system.
If elected, I would bring to Progress’ strategy board not only my passion and my experience and expertise in the areas
of justice and healthcare but also, I hope, an ability, developed over many years of professional practice, of articulating
and arguing our cause. I am counting the days until the country is rid of this administration and I want to play my part
in achieving that goal.
Ashley Wise
Gender: Male
Twitter: @HuskieWalleyes
Constituency Labour party: Bethnal Green and Bow
Sittingbourne & Sheppey in East Kent is my home constituency, and I was an activist there for
five years before moving to London where I am involved in Labour’s campaign on the ground as
an organiser.
There is a misconception about Kent and the wider South which fails to recognise that there are
many people there who need a Labour Government. I know the poverty, inequality and lack of opportunity which
exists across the South, especially in our coastal towns. The struggle to rebuild Labour support in Kent has been
fundamental to shaping my idea of what Labour needs to offer voters.
Our small number of activists in the South and East do a brilliant taking our message to voters. But winning there is
no longer just about finding Tory-switchers, we must rise to the challenge UKIP poses. Progress has played a key
role in encouraging us to develop a strategy to tackle UKIP. The work Progress does to encourage debate about how
we empower people and communities to meet their potential, and seek and create opportunity, is critical to how we
defeat Farage’s party.
Progressive politics is the positive alternative to the divisive and dated vision UKIP has for Britain; I want to ensure
Progress continues to take the lead in our campaigning, events, policy work and publications to help Labour realise a
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vision that speaks not just to Labour voters in the South and East, but the disaffected and disenchanted, and those
who remain sceptical about Labour.
Rohullah Yakobi
Gender: Male
Twitter: @Kohnadeh
Constituency Labour party: Wolverhampton North East
I am a man with a story, a story of despair, hope and determination. I have experienced torture
and persecution at the hands of the Taliban. Fought for survival in different countries. I have a
good understanding of different social and political cultures. Speak five languages. After years of
hopelessness and trauma, I have rebuilt my life in Britain. Brought normality to my life, something
I never had as I grew up in Afghanistan and other countries.
My life has bestowed valuable experience, often not pleasant, upon me, which I am committed to use to promote
progressive politics. With almost a decade of life in the UK; supporting a young family, a full time job (with just above
minimum wage) and studying to gain a Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree, I have an in-depth experience and
knowledge of the British society and better understand of the hardship most families go through.
As a political activist, I am committed to use all my experiences, skills and education to promote the Progress’s
objectives. Above all, Britain has given me and my family so much, through the Progress, I can pay back some of
what I owe this great country.
A web link to my story: http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2014/04/22/tortured-by-the-taliban-aged-12/
Martin Yuille
Gender: Male
Constituency Labour party: Manchester Withington
How many scientists do we want on the Progress Board? How many people with direct experience
not only of working in academic research but of extensive interfacing with industry?
I am a committed member of Progress and of Scientists for Labour where I lead on health research
issues. I joined the party when it had given a clear committment to break with tribalism. I do my bit
for the local branch and constituency.
We all know that research, development and innovation (RDI) is central to our society’s success. But we so rarely have
all the right experts to get the right strategy. I am closely involved in getting the right strategy across Europe to ensure
we get the new treatments and medicines we need either with or without the troubled pharmaceutical industry. The
principles involved in getting such progress apply across the breadth of RDI.
I may be pale and male. But I’m not stale.
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