Medway Labour AGM

They say a week is a long time in Politics which makes a year an epoch; as a newly elected Councillor last year this is only the second AGM I have attended which made it perhaps the most important. 

Last night saw a very positive and unanimously agreed change on the Labour Group. 

The Group has returned a campaigning leadership slate which is very much engaged in the issues which impact Medway residents; be they children at schools, commuting adults or working people. The Group also picked the youngest leader for an opposition group in the South East of England; highlighting just how influential and open to change the group is under a new and dynamic team locally; many of whom were Council candidates at the last local election 2011.

It presents an opportunity to be at the cutting edge of campaigning and a useful contrast with the tired and dated Tory front bench. A party of power so factionalised it is paralysed by infighting, dithering and poor calibre Councillors who are propping up some extreme right wing MPs. 

The Medway Labour Party has sought to rebrand and position itself as a true champion of local people under Cllr Vince Maple who has been a strong cheerleader for change as Deputy Leader. 

He will bring this energy and passion to his position as leader which is why his election was unanimous; he has the right mix of experience, character, diplomacy and campaigning ability. He is also able to build bridges with the community which is extremely important if politicians are to regain trust in Council. 

His Youtube video last night sent the right message that we want to engage voters who have lost faith in the political class locally

Despite the expected Conservative line that Medway Labour is tacking to the left nothing further could be the truth. 


As a party we aspire for power, and we aspire for Labour Councillor's representing their community across every single ward; we will present a centrist and reasoned prospectus for 2015 which will fully grasp the current financial constraints of local government with some exciting and notable differences in policy from the current Conservative administration. We want to run the Council; simple. 

Labour is a broad church locally; we have a healthy diversity of experience across age, creed, background and experience; from those who manage and work within small business to those from a campaigning and trade unionist background. 


We should not apologise for our upbringing but celebrate the fact that it is Labour locally that can attract solicitors, health professionals and bankers in addition to teachers and students. We are reaching out to new supporters weekly.

The election results for Council Spokespersons below

Leader & Finance:  Cllr Vince Maple

Deputy Leader & Health: Cllr Teresa Murray

Communities: Cllr Glyn Griffiths

Education: Cllr Adam Price

Planning: Cllr Nick Bowler
Group Whip: Cllr Julie Shaw

The election results for Executive positions

Chair: Cllr Paul Harriot

Deputy Chair: Cllr Nick Bowler

Treasurer: Cllr Dorte Gilry

Online Media & Press Spokesperson: Cllr Tristan Osborne

Secretary: Cllr Nick Bowler