As we enter the final few days of the local election campaigns in most parts of England, I’m in no doubt that the public doesn’t like what the government’s doing. There’s very little confidence in this Conservative-led government among the voters I’ve talked to – they’re worried about their jobs, the future for young people, public services (especially the NHS), how to make ends meet. How quickly the shine’s come off the government, just one year down the line. 

But although I think we’ll do well in the elections, reflecting the anger and the anxiety of the electorate at the government’s divisive and dangerous policies, it’s still hard to see that most voters have a strong sense of the alternative Labour agenda. And while that’s perhaps not surprising at this stage in the electoral cycle, we have to move on quickly after the election to begin to define what Labour stands for. After all, the next general election might come sooner than we think. 

The party’s policy review process under way now is therefore profoundly important,  but risks being blown aside by the high-profile debate that’s taking place among policy elite. The latest excitement around so-called Blue Labour emphasises the point. Most party activists have had no part in the debate that’s kicked off around this (most of us have been too busy lately fighting our local election campaigns), yet we’re told that the thinking’s heavily influencing our party’s future direction. 

I’m not arguing whether the Blue Labour vision’s right or not – rather what I’m anxious about is a policy debate that’s happening without the engagement of the party rank and file. So far, the policy review process has rightly devoted time to consultation with the public – but discussion within our party, with the opportunity for every party member to participate fully, contribute ideas, and shape our future direction, is vitally important too.  

When the National Policy Forum meets next month to take that debate forward, I want the input of our CLPs and affiliates to sit centre stage. That means that as soon as the elections are over, our local party bodies will need the time and the capacity to engage in the debate. We have plenty to draw on: our members bring a wealth of experience to bear on policy formulation, lived experience from their daily lives, expert knowledge from their day jobs or from community roles and voluntary activity, understanding of ordinary people’s concerns and priorities from their social networks, families and friends. Our policymaking process needs to systemise, legitimise and give voice to that expertise within our membership, to create the space for mutual political education and to ensure our members lead, shape and participate in the debate. 

That’s why I’m urging every CLP and affiliate to get involved now. Make time for local policy discussion,  invite a shadow minister or a national policy forum rep, a local councillor or your own or a neighbouring MP to initiate debate, or get online to www.fresh-ideas.org.uk to see and input to the themes and ideas that the party leadership’s exploring, for now is the time to make sure you have your say. It’s good the party’s consulting widely, and taking time for serious policy development  and debate. But for well rounded, values-led, well-grounded policymaking, it is absolutely essential that our party members lie at its heart.