UNISON has one million women members – more than two thirds of our union – who lead our campaigns and workplace branches.
Could you take the next step and become a councillor?
Nottingham City has local council elections next year and Labour’s Local Government Committee are on the search for the city’s next female leaders.
Roy Lakey, Secretary of Nottingham’s Local Government Committee, has written an open letter to the women of Nottingham below:
As Secretary of the Nottingham Local Government Committee, I have responsibility of maintaining a programme of selection of candidates to represent Labour in the city elections.
At the same time, I have to ensure that the Party has a balanced team of candidates to maintain our goal of at least 50% of our council seats will be represented by women.
We are in the process of shortlisting and selecting our candidates for the city elections in 2023 and it is becoming increasingly obvious to me that we have not enough women candidates available to give our branches a reasonable choice of candidates.
I know that within your ranks you have women who are politically savvy, who understand the needs of community, and of course the need to work as a team to achieve our aims.
I am asking if they would consider putting their name forward for the training we are offering on Saturday 24th September for future City Councillors? The closing date for this is Wednesday 21st.
Thank you in advance for your co-operation,
Roy Lakey.
UNISON East Midlands regional manager and former councillor Rachel Hodson says: “Women are at the heart of UNISON and should be at the heart of public life too.
“Our members know what the issues are facing their colleagues and their communities – they make ideal candidates to stand for election for their local council.
“In many councils, far too few women put themselves forward for election. Women are 50% of the population and we need our voices heard.”
If you’re a woman who lives in Nottingham who wants to stand in next year’s local elections please contact Roy Lakey as soon as possible!