Mainstream

All those involved in the disastrous appointment of Peter Mandelson as Ambassador to the US must be held to account, and it is right that personnel in Number 10 most supportive of Mandelson face consequences. We now need to tear out the regressive politics of elite privilege and toxic factionalism that enabled this scandal - and which will only produce more - root and branch.

A statement from Mainstream's Interim Council on the departure of Morgan McSweeney from Number 10.

The appointment of Peter Mandelson was the direct result of a corrosive political culture that must be torn out by its roots. A failure of this magnitude does not happen by accident. It requires a system that elevates factional loyalty over integrity, that values connections over character and that treats rigorous vetting as an inconvenience. Everyone who participated in this process - from those who championed the appointment, to those who turned a blind eye, to those who silenced doubts in the name of political convenience - must be held to account. The politics of deference and backroom patronage enabled this. A culture that fears internal challenges enabled this. A mindset that puts party management before moral clarity enabled this. All of it must end. While this is a systemic failure, those who designed and operated the system cannot evade consequence. True accountability means a total overhaul of personnel, of process and of the rotten priorities that brought us here. We will not settle for less.

It's time for true accountability.

Those who participated in the appointment of Mandelson - from those who championed him, to those who turned a blind eye, to those who silenced doubts in the name of political convenience - must be held to account.

Peter Mandelson represents an old politics of elite privilege, spin and toxic factionalism taken to its most grotesque conclusion. While working people faced the fallout of a financial crisis he helped manage, he was exchanging power and access with a convicted criminal. And then, despite all this, he was handed one of the most powerful diplomatic posts on the planet. This is an affront to all victims and survivors of sexual violence and exploitation. This is a fundamental betrayal of the people we are meant to serve. It shows a party culture that too often rewards connections over character and factional loyalty over basic integrity. Our members feel this betrayal deeply. They joined Labour to transform the country, not to watch it succumb to the same old sickness. That era must end now. It’s time for a clean break. We need a Labour Party led by its members, built on transparency, principle and radical change.

We need a Labour Party led by its members, built on transparency, principle and radical change.

We need representatives on our NEC and NPF who will fight for that democratic, member-led future. Pledge your support to bring that future to life: actionnetwork.org/forms/mainst...

Is Denmark's asylum policy an exemplar or a warning for the UK? ❓❔❓

We were pleased to explore this question today at Mainstream's February parliamentary seminar, with speakers from @ippr.org, @futuregovforum.bsky.social and Mälardalens University.

Building a Fairer Financial Future: Why Labour’s Financial Inclusion Strategy Must Deliver | Mainstream Labour Elizabeth Dennis | Elizabeth Dennis undscores the urgency of building a financial system that works for everyone.

www.mainstreamlabour.org/blog/buildin...

✍️NEW on the Mainstream blog:

Elizabeth Dennis takes on the flaws in Labour's Financial Inclusion Strategy and why it needs to deliver.

🌹Ballots are open for Mainstream members on our endorsements for this year's elections to Labour's National Policy Forum (NPF).

If you're a member, search your inbox for a ballot from Mainstream.

"The country can see through the technocratic, procedural and, frankly, dishonest arguments that have been made over the weekend to block Andy [Burnham]."

Mainstream National Coordinator Luke Hurst on why members need to be listened to in Gorton & Denton.

A sad day for the Party to be losing such a revered figure from the front lines.

Hopefully Party members will heed Ann's support for Cat, Jovan and Kerry for the NEC elections, who are endorsed by Mainstream.

Labour's hyperfactional need for control has resulted in them alienating a majority of voters in Manchester - one of their historic strongholds.

It is vital that the people in Gorton & Denton have the final say in who their candidates are.

Labour must reverse this decision if it is serious about putting country before party.

We urge the party to reconsider in the interests of taking on Reform and building the strongest possible team in Westminster.

Agree? Take action👇

actionnetwork.org/petitions/gu...

Guarantee a Fair and Open Selection for the Gorton and Denton By-election Labour can win in the Gorton and Denton by-election if we lead with our values and allow a fair, democratic and open selection for our candidate. Sign the petition below calling on the Chair of Lab...

Local party members, and the people of Gorton and Denton, must have the opportunity to select and elect the strongest possible Labour candidate to take on Reform - with no qualified candidates excluded.

Sign our petition to the Chair of the NEC👇

actionnetwork.org/petitions/gu...

Great to chair the @mainstreamlabour.bsky.social & @unitetheunion.bsky.social briefing on the Birmingham bin strike.

The workers on strike told us about the horrendous impact this is having on their lives. It must be resolved and soon. I will continue to work with them until it is.

Solidarity ✊

An image showing MPs, Peers and reps from Unite the Union discussing around a table, with a Mainstream banner in the background.

A wider image showing MPs, Peers and reps from Unite the Union discussing around a table, with a Mainstream banner in the background.

It was a privilege to welcome @unitetheunion.bsky.social to Parliament on Wednesday for a briefing we co-hosted with @paulabarkermp.bsky.social on the Birmingham bin dispute.

If Labour is going to truly transform the country, our relationship with working people across the UK must be strengthened.

In The Guardian today, Mainstream Founding Signatory and Mayor of Greater Manchester @andyburnham.bsky.social makes the case for why Manchester is working so well.

The positive story of Manchesterism is essential to transform the country and defeat the rise of authoritarian populism.

Thrilled to be standing with these formidable candidates for Labour Party's NEC. Please do get in contact if you have any questions and let us/we know when your NEC nomination meetings are. Thanks Cat

Will you help elect Mainstream's champions to the NEC? In this year's elections to Labour's National Executive Committee, we have a huge opportunity to elect champions for the popular, principled and practical left politics the country needs - and the ope...

Pledge to nominate our CLP candidates in your CLP and our Local Government candidate in your Labour Group👇
actionnetwork.org/forms/mainst...

A purple and red graphic with a white Mainstream logo. The graphic reads: 'Your candidates for the NEC. Cat Arnold, CLP section, L1452611. Jovan Owusu-Nepaul, CLP section, L1232610. Kerry Postlewhite, CLP section, L1212372. Elizabeth Dennis, Local Government section, L0145211. This year, vote to reconnect Labour with its mainstream.'

🌹📢 Introducing your 2026 Mainstream candidates for the NEC!

Thank you to our members for participating in our ballot and voting to endorse a strong team of determined, progressive candidates for Labour's NEC.

This year, let's reconnect Labour with its mainstream.

The Government must deliver the Hillsborough Law in full Paula Barker MP on why the Government must make good on its commitments and deliver the Hillsborough Law in full.

www.mainstreamlabour.org/updates/the-...

A red and pink gradient graphic with a picture of Paula Barker MP and text reading: 'The Government must deliver the Hillsborough Law in full. As a Liverpool MP and someone who had family & friends at Hillsborough as well as representing the family of one of the 97, I am bitterly disappointed that the Government is backtracking on its commitment. We were promised "The Hillsborough Law", not a half-measure. Not a version with loopholes. A Bill that would deliver in full. When the law was initially going to be introduced in April 2025, the families did not agree with that version & nor did Merseyside MPs. The Prime Minister promised the law in full. We were elected on it. Yet the Government’s latest amendments partially carve the intelligence services out of the duty of candour.' This is 1 of 2 graphics, the second of which continues with further text.

This second red and pink gradient graphic reads 'That would allow the very behaviour exposed by the Manchester Arena Inquiry to happen again, where MI5 was able to withhold information and avoid accountability. The Bill in full is not incompatible with the security of our nation. I am devastated that we find ourselves here again but as a city we have fought for nearly 37 years. We will not give up that fight. I cannot & will not betray the families, the survivors or my city. I urge the government to do the right thing. Paula Barker, Labour MP for Liverpool Wavertree.' A Mainstream logo is shown in the bottom right.

The Government must deliver the Hillsborough Law in full.

Labour MP for Liverpool Wavertree @paulabarkermp.bsky.social explains why she is backing @ianbyrnemp.bsky.social's amendment to the legislation on Monday - and why the Government must make good on its commitment.

A red and purple gradient image which reads: ‘Tackling Inequality and Poverty: How Should Labour Build a Popular, Principled and Practical left Politics? 4pm Sat 31st Jan. Exeter Street Community Hall, Brighton, BN1 5PG.’

A red and purple gradient image which reads: ’How Should Labour Build a Popular Principled and Practical Left Politics? Professor Danny Dorling, Dr Sue Goss, Neal Lawson, Dr Carlie Goldsmith, Cllrs Jacob Taylor and Tim Rowkins.'

How can Labour build a popular policy platform which tackles the inequality, poverty and cost of living crises haunting the country?

Mainstream will be in Brighton with a panel of special guests to debate these issues on Saturday 31st January.

Join the debate: actionnetwork.org/ticketed_eve...

A yellow graphic with the following text in red - ‘Have your say on Mainstream’s candidates for Labour’s NEC’ - and the following text in purple ‘Cast your vote by 11.59pm on Tuesday 13th January’. There is also a red Mainstream logo in the bottom right corner.

🗳️🌹We're balloting Mainstream members on our endorsements for this year's elections to Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC).

If you're a member, search your inbox for a ballot from Mainstream.

You can also catch up on our efforts to organise for a Labour Party reconnected with its mainstream in our December Organising Report:
www.mainstreamlabour.org/updates/dece...

A purple and red gradient graphic showing the Mainstream logo in white and the following text: 'The home for Labour's radical realists.'

As we wind down for the festive season, we reflect on the progress Mainstream has made since September and thank our brilliant members and supporters for their faith and determination.

Read our Chair's end of year reflections here 👇
www.mainstreamlabour.org/updates/eoy-...

I’ve just signed up to be a CLP organiser for Mainstream … The current hyperfactional leadership of the Labour Party doesn’t represent its members or our base … I’m fed up with shouting at the radio … The time for action is now!!!

Off-white graphic with a red rose growing out of a ballot box, a red Mainstream flag logo and the following words in red: ‘We’re organising for a broader, bolder and brighter Labour Party.’

🌹We're building power for the democratic socialist vision and values that Labour was founded to champion.

Yesterday, we invited members of Mainstream to join our CLP Organisers Network and Local Groups Network.

Not yet a member? Join the movement today: labourmainstream.nationbuilder.com/join

Mainstream’s Interim Council sends its congratulations to Andrea Egan on her election as General Secretary of UNISON. This result shows clearly that vast swathes of Labour’s historic coalition feel the Party has fallen out of step with its mainstream. By working hand in hand with our partners in the trade union movement, the Labour Party has ushered in huge advances for working people before and it can do so again - but only if the Party rediscovers its progressive instincts. We look forward to working with Andrea and all those who share our commitment to a more open Labour Party with the energy and ideas to transform the country.

Mainstream's Interim Council sends its congratulations to Andrea Egan on her election as General Secretary of @unison.org.uk.

A picture of Professor Daniela Gabor speaking at the seminar.

❓❔Where are the boundaries of government action in the economy? How do we pursue a transformative economic agenda in a financialised system?

These are some of the issues we explored yesterday with @danielagabor.bsky.social at the first of our PLP seminars, organised with @labourlewis.bsky.social

www.mainstreamlabour.org/blog/epping-...

✍️NEW on the Mainstream blog:

The protests in Epping this past summer were an orchestrated attempt to divide a community - here is a resident's story.

Read it below: