In a Labour Conference first, the Party’s National Executive Committee, dominated by the leader’s supporters, overturned a key decision of the democratically elected Conference Arrangements Committee.

The move divided the motions on health into two categories, allowing the leadership to sideline any debate on NHS privatisation and funding. This would leave the way open for the plans of Keir Starmer and Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting for more private sector penetration of the NHS – a policy intensely unpopular with Party members, unions and the public.

NEC officers overturned the merging of discussion on health structures and NHS agreed earlier by the CAC, which would likely have resulted in both health structures and NHS being debated at conference. Labour NEC member Jess Barnard detailed the shock manoeuvre here. Instead, supporters of the leadership are promoting the ‘NHS fit for the future’ category, which is light on policy commitments.

Labour’s health affiliate, the Socialist Health Association, slammed this NEC stitch-up, designed to prevent discussion of NHS privatisation and NHS funding. Unite delegate called it “shameful” that the elected body for Conference organisation saw its decision overturned, in an unprecedented act, by the NEC.

Hilary Schan, Momentum co-chair, said: “This unprecedented breach of procedure is an outrageous slap in the face to Labour members, affiliates and trade unions. Once again, the leadership has ridden roughshod over their democratic rights. Once again, they can’t win the argument, so they rig the whole thing.

“Plainly, the Starmer leadership is running scared. Running scared of debating the funding of our public services. Running scared of losing a vote among members and unions. Running scared of public opinion, which overwhelmingly backs boosting investment in an NHS on its knees.

“They might succeed with their anti-democratic approach at this Conference, but they cannot duck these questions forever. The public want real change and real investment in a broken country. By desperately blocking out this reality, Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are making a rod for their own backs.”

Meanwhile reports emerged of Party staffers – supposedly neutral officials – pressurising delegates not to vote for housing in the priorities ballot.

There are also concerns about the scale of corporate influence at Conference. Momentum tweeted: “From gig economy employers, to arms companies, to climate criminals, to loan-sharks, the corporate love-in at Conference is an affront to Labour values. There is nothing progressive or ‘grown up’ about rolling over for  companies guilty of serious wrongdoing & immoral practices.”

Stay up to date with developments at Conference – read  the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy’s Yellow Pages here.

CLPD Conference Assessment meeting/ Review of Conference

6.30pm Tuesday 10 October, Friends Meeting House, 22 School Lane, Liverpool L1 3BT

Speakers to be announced.

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