NEC election statements

Statements from the candidates on the national website

Statements issued by the candidates in the various sections and made available by the Labour party centrally are available here:

Internal Elections 2026 – Candidate statements – The Labour Party

Statements from the candidates directly to LI

Kerry POSTLEWHITE

I’m writing to ask for your nomination for election to the National Executive Committee as a CLP representative, and I hope you will also consider nominating Cat Arnold and Jovan Owusu-Nepaul.

Labour has been part of my life since the 1980s. I grew up leafleting, and our front room was often a committee room. Since joining the Party I’ve been active in many ways: in Labour Students, working for Labour councillors, and later for Socialist MEPs in Brussels. I campaigned in countless elections, stood as a parliamentary candidate in 2024, and continue to knock doors in by-elections and now the Senedd elections. I’m a member of Hereford & South Herefordshire CLP and volunteer in my community.

My political life has also been deeply international. I am a former member of Labour International – there at the set-up in 1997 – and of Brussels Labour, and I worked for over a decade for the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, including on transport and on environment, public health and consumer protection. I currently represent the West Midlands on the Labour Movement for Europe council and believe the government’s reset with Europe must go further and faster.

I also spent more than seven years living and working in Zambia – initially as a volunteer supporting young local leaders to use sport and play to build healthy communities, and later with the British Council. I also worked in international development, including with Irish Aid on programmes supporting water and sanitation and education for girls and young women. Those experiences made me a strong believer in the importance of soft power. Like many members of the Labour Campaign for International Development, I was deeply disappointed when international development funding was cut by our government and want to see this restored and grow.

I’m Chair of Mainstream because Labour is strongest when broad, open and confident in its values. I stepped away from the party over Iraq but returned because Labour remains the only party capable of transforming working people’s lives.

If elected, I would speak up for all members, including those based outside the UK. It is important that our overseas members are fully integrated into the party, and it is brilliant to see how active and vibrant Labour International is today. I’m excited that Labour International has taken its place on the National Policy Forum, notably in the Britain Reconnected Commission where its perspective will be vital. It is also important that first-hand experience of changes that affect UK citizens living abroad – to passports or benefits, for example – include the input of Labour International.

I am also very keen to be involved in liaison with our sister parties in Europe and around the world. These relationships are vital for cooperation and learning.

Winning the General Election in 2024 was huge – now we must be bold: tackling inequality, ending child poverty and delivering the change we promised.

In solidarity,

Kerry

Kerry POSTLEWHITE

Cat Arnold

I’m Cat Arnold, standing for a second term on Labour’s National Executive Committee. My work is grounded in protecting the Labour Party’s reputation, democracy, and values, both domestically and
internationally. I’m guided by Labour’s principles of social and environmental justice, equity, and transparency.

I was proud to see Labour return to government after 14 years. But to continue, the party is strongest when its members are included, respected and inspired. We thrive when we draw upon differing perspectives, experiences, and talent across our membership, trade unions, affiliates, and elected representatives.

I believe deeply in working collaboratively across borders. As a committed remainer, I want to see Labour rebuild strong relationships with our European partners and rejoin the EU. I see electoral reform as a key lever for rebuilding trust in politics. That’s why I sit on the Executive of Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform, and I fully support the work of the APPG for Fair Elections. A fairer electoral system would empower voters, strengthen participation, and ensure people feel their voices
truly count.

We are living through a period of global uncertainty: conflict in the Middle East, changing security dynamics in Europe, the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence, attacks on women’s rights,
environmental crises, and challenges around migration and human rights. These issues are increasingly weaponised by far-right movements across Europe and beyond, which seek to divide societies and undermine democratic institutions.

In this context, international cooperation matters more than ever. European collaboration has strengthened cross-border cooperation on security, travel, environmental standards, and human rights frameworks such as the European Convention on Human Rights – protections that some political forces now seek to weaken or abandon.

This is a critical moment for the UK’s international reputation, security, and economic future. Rebuilding trust and cooperation with Europe will be central to protecting these shared interests.

Across UK Labour, Labour International, and Brussels Labour, we must also focus on retaining members and inspiring younger generations. Many young people face rising living costs, insecure work, environmental challenges, and a housing crisis. Labour must offer a clear and hopeful vision for how we improve people’s lives.

I represent members’ views through open dialogue across the party, trade unions, and affiliates. I have helped drive improvements to safeguarding policy and procedures and remain committed to widening
access to party roles and systems for those under protected characteristics, while recognising the importance of intersectionality.
In my professional role as a charity leader, I work with volunteers to build shared vision, teamwork, and effective collaboration, skills essential for strengthening our party and movement.

Please support other Mainstream candidates: Kerry and Jovan