Solidarity conference report
Solidarity
Solidarity members from across Scotland came together today for the first in a
series of
national all-members conferences. Our party, launched in early September met
to
discuss
a proposed constitution, a name for the party and to appoint office bearers.
More importantly, it was a chance for members to come together for the first
time since
the launch rally to debate what Solidarity means to them and how we should
move
forward
in the future. The interim steering group, appointed by regions and political
platforms,
had drawn up a draft constitution which was discussed in a very spirited
political debate.
Several members expressed their belief that Solidarity could be more than just
a
socialist
party and could develop into a natural home for all anti-establishment protest
movements. The importance of linking up with growing movements against
Islamophobia
and reaching out to our Muslim communities was highlighted, as was the need
for
socialism to be at the forefront of our campaigns.
Eventually, after an excellent exchange of views the party's draft
constitution
was adopted
by a unanimous vote. The nature of the debate highlighted that Solidarity will
grow from
the members and that the party is packed with comrades with a huge
contribution
to make
to that development.
In a close vote, the interim title of "Solidarity - Scotland's Socialist
Movement" was adopted
as the name of the party. Rosemary Byrne and Tommy Sheridan, the party's two
MSPs,
were unanimously endorsed as Co-Convenors. Rosemary said:
"This party will be a party of members, branches and regions and Tommy and I
are
delighted to be asked to lead Solidarity into next years Scottish elections. I
fully endorse
the constitution as a document that allows the grass roots of the party to
decide on how
we build and organise in the future. I would hope that members will play a
full
and active
part in what will be a genuine, bottom up movement."
The conference also appointed Graeme McIver as National Secretary, Gordon
Morgan
as
National Treasurer and Jim Monaghan as National Press and Media coordinator.
Another
all-members party conference will take place in February.
October 2006
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