From the Chairwoman of the Labour Party

Sir, You report that Labour membership has fallen to 198,000 from a peak of 407,000 (“Members desert Labour Party”, June 13). This fall in membership is a phenomenon being experienced by political parties across the world. This global downturn in traditional forms of party membership should give us cause for concern, especially when we also consider the falling levels of activism and election turnout.

In Labour’s case, our membership surged when Tony Blair became leader in 1994, and dropped away after Labour’s election win in 1997. These members largely joined through national routes, for example national newspaper advertisements, rather than through contact with local branches. Many felt that the eviction of the Conservative Government was a “job done” and that they had no further role.

I draw three lessons from this: first, we need to analyse the success of membership organisations such as the RAC or RSPB, and learn how to recruit and retain members. Secondly, we need to focus on local activities — political or social — which engage people in their communities. If local book groups can involve thousands in local discussion and debate, so can political parties. Thirdly, we need to harness technology such as podcasting, texting and blogging, learning from campaigns such as Make Poverty History.

The only way to make sense of democracy is to have large, active political parties. I am motivated, not only by desire for the Labour Party to succeed, but also by my desire to see Britain’s democracy renewed and rejuvenated.

HAZEL BLEARS, MP
Minister without Portfolio
London SW1

Explore Letters

• Feedback