Ellie Reeves

a voice for grassroots members on the National Executive Committee

Putting an active membership at the heart of the Labour Party

"I am proud that two years ago I was the youngest ever person to be elected by the
Ellie speaking at Party Conference membership to the Labour Party's NEC. In the last two years I have worked hard to provide
a real voice to the ordinary grass roots members of our party. I am now asking for your
support to be re-elected to the NEC.
The Labour Party faces huge challenges if we are to win a fourth term and truly change Britain for the better. With a resurgent
Conservative Party, albeit one still wedded to outdated values and policies, a strong organisation reflective of the views of real
members is more important than at any time in the last decade. As an NEC member I have, and I will, work to ensure the
Labour Party at all levels stands ready to meet these challenges."

A voice for the membership

Without its members the Labour Party would not exist.
It is crucial that ordinary members are listened to and can influence our
government's policies. Too often policies seem to appear from the top and have
not been discussed with the membership. The NEC must ensure that members
have a stake in what our government is doing.
As an NEC member I have worked to improve the communication of NEC decisions
and producing reports after every meeting. I have visited CLPs across the country, Ellie standing up for party members
consulted on Trident and on campaigning methods, and reflected those views back.
I am always available to listen to members' views.
At Party conference last year we passed reforms to put members back at the centre
of our policy making process. In two years time there will be a review of whether
they are working. I will consult with members and will not be afraid to stand
up for you if you tell me we’ve got it wrong.
On the National Policy Forum, I know the benefits of genuine dialogue with all
sections of the party. As co-convenor, with David Miliband MP, of the Britain in the
World Policy Commission I will ensure that you are effectively represented –
whether it be on genocide in Darfur, the killing of trade unionists in Colombia or the
need to negotiate with Iran on its nuclear programme. Ellie speaking at a London Young Labour
event with Dawn Butler MP

An NEC Representative of the members

On the NEC I stand up for grassroots party members.
As a trade union lawyer, who represented the sacked Gate Gourmet workers,
I understand the concerns of working people and their families. On the NEC I have
argued for increased rights for workers, hard-hitting corporate manslaughter
legislation and protection for the victims of asbestos exposure.
As a committed trade unionist, I have always fought to keep the link between the
unions and party, and for the full implementation of the Warwick agreement
Ellie, a trade union lawyer, As a member of the women's, race and equality committee I have worked both with
with Unite General Secretaries the party and ministers to prioritise recruitment amongst young people and ethnic
Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson minorities, and last year the NEC introduced a £1 joining rate for young members.

Ellie addressing
the Black and Minority
Ethnic (BAME) fringe
at Spring Conference.

Ellie Reeves - Tel: 0208 291 7158 (home) 07811 324 858 (mobile) - Email: eleanorreeves@aol.com
I have been a consistent advocate for young people – arguing for an end to the
national minimum wage differentials and increased access to university – putting
an end to elitism in parts of our university system.

An Active Membership
As a grass roots activist I don't just sit in NEC meetings talking about campaigning,
I get out there, knocking on doors and delivering leaflets. Over the last two years on
the NEC I have campaigned up and down the country – in Ealing Southall, Wrexham,
Medway, Thurrock, Leeds, Bromley, Glasgow and Tower Hamlets – and of course
where I live, Lewisham. Ellie campaigning in the snow
I campaigned in the Crewe and Nantwich by-election, and as campaign coordinator
of my ward, I led my local campaign for the GLA and London Mayor elections. I know
that as a party we must learn lessons from those campaigns if we are to move forward.

The next few months are crucial for laying the foundations for the next general
election and winning a fourth term. We cannot go in to the next election with local
activity, in some areas, declining at the rate it has in the last few years. Now is the
time for the national party to re-connect with the membership. If I am re-elected I
commit to do just that.

How you can help

Ellie with deputy leadership
Nominations to the NEC closed in April and I was pleased to receive 135 candidate, John Cruddas
nominations from CLPs across the country. I am really grateful to every CLP that
nominated me and for the widespread support across the party.

Every member gets to vote in the NEC election and the ballot will be sent out
towards the end of June. You can vote for up to six candidates in the election.

Two years ago, less than 20% of members voted in the NEC election. It is more
important than ever before that you have a say in how our party is run and if
re-elected, I will continue to stand up for grassroots members.
If you would like me to come and speak to your GC, if you have any questions or any
issues that you would like me to raise on the NEC please get in touch. I can keep you
up to date about the work of the NEC if you email me at eleanorreeves@aol.com Ellie campaigning with Jim Fitzpatrick
and activists in Tower Hamlets

About Ellie
Ellie has been a member of the Labour Party since she was fifteen. She is currently Chair and Campaign
Coordinator for Crofton Park Branch Labour Party in Lewisham Deptford. Ellie is employed by Thompsons
Solicitors as a trade union lawyer, mostly representing GMB, Unison and Unite members. Ellie also serves
on the Unite-Amicus London Regional Political Committee.

Labour Party Experience

1996 Joined Bromley and Chislehurst Labour Party aged 15.
2001 Chair of Oxford University Labour Club
2001-2006 London Representative on the National Policy Forum
2002-2003 National Chair of Labour Students
2003-present Amicus (Unite) Regional Political Committee
2003-2006 Vice Chair and Campaign Co-ordinator, Ladywell BLP
2003-2006 Political Education Officer, Lewisham Deptford CLP
2006 Council Candidate Lewisham East CLP
2006-present Member of the National Executive Committee
2007-present Chair and Campaign Co-ordinator Crofton Park BLP
2007-present Co-convenor Britain in the World Policy Forum

Ellie Reeves - Tel: 0208 291 7158 (home) 07811 324 858 (mobile) - Email: eleanorreeves@aol.com