Introduction
Policy making in Welsh Labour broadly follows the practises of the Labour Party and builds upon the principles of the “Partnership in Power” process. However there are specific decision making structures for Wales which decide upon key policy decisions for the manifesto for the elections to the National Assembly for Wales.
Welsh Labour contributes to the work of the wider Labour Party in preparation for UK General Elections. That work is overseen by the National Policy Forum (NPF) and Wales has representatives on the NPF. It is noted that the current Partnership in Power arrangements are to be reviewed following the 2010 General Election.
POLICY MAKING IN WALES
A key aim of the Welsh Labour policy making process is to encourage party members and affiliates to engage in discussion about emerging policy. The party also ensures Assembly Ministers are engaged in debates in preparation for the manifesto. Reports on the process are submitted to the Welsh annual conference.
Welsh Labour is a broad church of ideas and can use the energy of elected representatives, affiliated organisations and local party members to generate debate.
WALES POLICY FORUM (WPF)
The party uses the Wales Policy Forum to bring together representatives for debate and decisions. All sections of the party are represented on the WPF.
EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
The party is also extending the dialogue which is undertaken with external stakeholders. There is added value in ensuring the views of external organisations are considered in formulating manifesto proposals.
NEXT STEPS
The policy work undertaken by Welsh Labour is primarily focused on the preparation of policy for the elections to the National Assembly for Wales, the next elections to which will be held in May 2011.
We also contribute ideas and material for consideration by the Labour Party in preparing a manifesto for the Westminster General Election.
PROCESS AND TIMELINE
Welsh Labour has a two stage consultation process leading to a Wales Policy Forum and a Special Policy Conference. The timeline is as follows:
Stage One consultation – ran between September 2008 and May 2009.
Stage Two consultation – commenced in February 2010 and will be completed at the end of July 2010.
Wales Policy Forum – to meet in September 2010.
Special Policy Conference - November 2010.
By Christmas 2010 Welsh Labour will therefore have completed the bulk of the work required to prepare a manifesto for the Assembly election of May 2011.
STAGE TWO CONSULTATION DOCUMENTS
There are three stage two consultation documents:
These documents are available for consultation until 31st July 2010. Comments can be e-mailed to martin_eaglestone@new.labour.org.uk
