Labour Link elections 2021

An election will shortly be held for regional seats on the union’s National Labour Link Committee.

These elections are absolutely critical to determine how UNISON’s policy objectives are taken forward within the Labour Party. As the UK’s largest union, how UNISON uses its voting strength within Labour Party structures and conferences can go a long way to shaping the kind of party Labour will be.

Only full members and retired members who pay the Labour Link APF levy are eligible to vote in this election.

Ballot papers will be sent to members’ home addresses and online ballot codes will be emailed to members’ email addresses as shown on our membership system. Members will have the option to vote online or by post. The ballot papers will include a prepaid envelope for returning the postal ballot to the scrutineer, and unique security identifiers for returning the vote online.

The despatch of ballot papers to members will begin on 7 September 2021.

If individual members have not received a paper by 13 September 2021 then they should contact the ballot helpline operated by UNISONdirect on the following telephone number: 0800 0 857 857.

The deadline for receipt of ballot papers is 5pm on Wednesday 13 October 2021.

Branches were asked to nominate their preferred candidates prior to ballot papers being issued.

The UNISON West Sussex branch has nominated Billie Reynolds for the South East regional seat.

The UNISON West Sussex branch secretary, Dan Sartin, is currently a member of the union’s National Labour Link Committee. As an NEC member, Dan was elected by the NEC to represent the NEC on the National Labour Link Committee in July. These elections are for the 11 regional seats.

The West Sussex branch is allowed under the rules of this election to tell you in 100 words why its branch committee voted to nominate Billie Reynolds. We do that here:

Our branch has nominated Billie Reynolds to be elected to represent the South East Region on UNISON’s National Labour Link Committee. Our branch knows Billie well and she has a great track record of effective campaigning within the Labour Party and within our union. Billie is unafraid to speak up if Labour Party policies do not meet the aims and objectives of our union. If elected Billie will be a strong and passionate voice for Labour Link members, holding the national Labour Party accountable to the policies our members so desperately need in these tough times.

Billie Reynolds photo