The LabOUR/YouGov polls of current and ‘lapsed’ Labour Party members, reported in the Guardian newspaper on Saturday 17 June, are the first such comprehensive studies since Labour was re-elected to power nine years ago.

They were paid for by individual, Constituency Labour Party and Trade Union donations.

The LabOUR/YouGov polls mark the beginning of Phase 3 of LabOUR’s work: the formulation of proposals to restore democracy, rebuild membership and reconnect government to party, parliament and people. Recommendations will be based on evidence. 

Phase 1 involved Focus Groups in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff. Phase 2 comprised the design of the questionnaires and fieldwork gather data from members and ‘lapsed’ members now completed. Gathering of personal accounts - My experience, and suggestions - My solution continues.

 To download the YouGov Survey Results click here

Professor Stuart Weir of the Democratic Audit at the University of Essex is leading the research programme and advising LabOUR on the significance of the findings. Commenting on the results, he concluded, “This is a responsible and largely loyal party, of the left and centre left. Members understand that it is difficult to govern Britain. These are people who can be trusted, but feel that the Labour leadership does not trust them. They want to resolve the leadership impasse sooner, not later. But they do not want Labour MPs to push Blair out.”

LabOUR Commissioner Angela Eagle MP told a LabOUR fringe meeting at the Compass conference on 17 June, “These results show how the Party has changed and matured since the 1980s. The Party has become more sophisticated and the party leadership needs to trust the Party.”

670 Labour Party members and 704 ‘lapsed’ members took part between 1 and 6 June 2006.

The results cover length of membership (more than 6 years = 72%), where respondents see themselves on a standard political spectrum of the country as a whole (slightly left of centre/fairly left wing = 74%), and trade union membership (54%, of which membership of a trade union affiliated to the Labour Party = 67%).

Next, respondents were asked to name THREE reasons why they joined the Labour Party (ideals and aspirations = 58%, Socialist = 49%; Keep Tories out = 41%) Where they active in the Party? Very = 20%; Inactive = 28%. But among Party members who also belong to an affiliated trade union Very = 31% Inactive = 20% (Bearing in mind the federal structure of the Labour Party with the Trade Union link, this is a key finding – members of affiliated trade unions are 50% more likely to be active Labour Party members and 40% less likely to just be happy to pay their subscriptions.)

There were than a series of questions about party membership and voting behaviour to help clarify degrees of loyalty to the Labour Party from its own membership. Also a question about membership of single issue campaign groups was included, showing 47% of members are also active in support of a 3rd world charity or campaign.

Moving on to policymaking 44% had been involved in a local policy forum; but 47% had not. On the Election Manifesto 56% said it was mainly the work of the Prime Minister and his advisors. But 55% said the Election Manifesto should be put to an all member ballot, even though the alternative question explicitly stated this would involve ‘trouble and expense’.

Asked whether Labour in government had been faithful to Labour values, members were split 50/49%.

Six top achievements were: economic stability = 78%, help for poor = 77%, reducing hospital waiting times = 50%; improving standards of education = 43 %; increasing overseas aid = 38%; Sure-start = 30% and expelling most hereditary Lords = 30%

Six worst mistakes were: Iraq = 52%; subservient to US = 49%; relying on privatisation = 46%; refusing to increase top rate of income tax = 36%; introduction tuition fees = 32 %; using terrorist threat to curb civil liberties = 29%. Despite Iraq being seen as a mistake, only 25% said they were close to resigning, whereas it had no impact in that regard on 58% of members. Of those tempted to resign 46% said they want to change the party from the inside and 24% remained out of loyalty.

Nearly 100% of local members expect influence over policy; but 75 % recognise they have none or not much say. Whereas they perceive 75% of wealthy donors having influence, when 62% of members say the wealthy should have no influence at all. A clear majority of members (57%) say policy should be driven by values and agreed policies, not the vagaries of public opinion. Only 21 % think Cabinet government exists. According to 46% the Prime Minister and his advisors decide policy, despite Partnership in Power and the National Policy Forum structures.

Asked about the role of MPs in taking policy through Parliament 61% said they should negotiate firmly with government, and 28% were prepared to risk defeats, while only 8% thought MPs should support the government come what may.

The role of the NEC since 1997 will have to be rethought with 43% supporting it holding ministers to account over policy to protect and build membership, and as many as 20% wanting a return to a full-blooded political role.

A series of questions about the Leadership and a recent initiative to recruit supporters showed that 64% of members believe the current Leadership does not trust members to make policy. While 51% think the Labours Supporters’ Network might be a good way of recruiting new members, 54% were opposed to supporters being given any membership privileges, such as a say in policy making, or votes in internal elections. Asked when Tony Blair should resign 37% said in the next three months before Conference 2006, and a further 34% said within the next 15 months before Conference 2007. But offered a choice between regular leadership elections and the incumbent making his own mind up about when to go 55% said Tony Blair  should decide. Just to be sure a second question was asked based on the provisions of the Rule Book and 66% said he should not be forced to leave office by MPs.

A LabOUR/YouGov poll of ‘lapsed’ members was conducted at the same time offering rich material about how the Party needs to change to successfully recruit and retain members. Reasons for leaving: dissolution with Labour Government =34%; party failure to assert values = 24%; subservience to US = 19%; reliance on privatisation =18%. Recently appointed Party Chair Hazel Blears told the Compass conference on Saturday 17 June that declining membership was due to members leaving after Labour succeed in defeating the Tories.

If you would like to discover what might encourage them to rejoin read the results in full. To request a copy go to Contacts under the banner and use the message facility.

Peter Kenyon
Clerk to the Commission

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