May was a difficult month for Labour members and supporters across the country.
Our worst fears were confirmed in the devastating set of election results Labour sustained on 7th May. All across the UK, voters delivered a clear message: Labour must change. This cannot be ignored.
Now, attention turns to the Makerfield by-election, a contest that could prove one of the most significant political tests Labour has faced in years.
Yet despite the challenges ahead, there are reasons for optimism. Across the party, there is a majority working to rebuild Labour and offer a credible alternative to the status quo. Mainstream's rapidly growing membership reflects that determination.
A new conversation is taking shape within Labour. More voices than ever are questioning old assumptions and calling for a different path forward. Alongside friends across the movement, Mainstream has worked to help drive that debate.
Here's a round-up of what Mainstream got up to in May.
Labour's election results on 7th May were a watershed moment for our party.
We extended our solidarity to every Labour candidate who worked tirelessly in difficult circumstances, and our congratulations to those who secured victory against the odds.
On 11th May, we hosted an emergency members' discussion with Dawn Butler MP, Mick Antoniw and Sienna Rodgers to assess the results and consider what they mean for Labour's future.
Following consultation with Mainstream members at the event and through a subsequent survey, we joined voices across the party and wider movement in calling for a democratic transition to fresh leadership and a new political direction.
We also reiterated a simple message: defeat is not inevitable. Change is possible, but only if members organise for it.
Read our full 7th May response
The Makerfield by-election will be an important test of Labour's ability to reconnect with voters and demonstrate that it hears the message delivered on 7th May.
Earlier this year, Mainstream opposed the decision by Labour's NEC Officers Group to block Andy Burnham's candidacy in Gorton & Denton and deny local members a full choice of candidates.
When the Officers Group met again in May to consider Burnham's candidacy in Makerfield, we urged them to put democracy first and allow Makerfield members the choice to select Burnham as their candidate.
This time, the NEC did.
Since then, Mainstream has coordinated campaign days in Makerfield with Paula Barker MP and Dawn Butler MP, with many more events to come, including sessions with Mark Drakeford, Tony Vaughan MP and Miatta Fahnbulleh MP.
Our May Organising Forum also focused on the by-election campaign. Joined by Clive Lewis MP, members discussed the wider significance of the contest and the role it could play in shaping Labour's future.
Register for upcoming campaign sessions
This year's internal Labour elections matter more than ever.
The results of 7th May reinforced the importance of building a Labour Party that is democratic, member-led and capable of offering a compelling vision for the future.
With only a short time remaining to secure CLP nominations, Mainstream stepped up campaigning throughout May for our NEC and NPF candidates, and for Mainstream-endorsed independent candidates: Emily Pomroy-Smith (Disabled Members' Rep, NEC), Mick Antoniw (Welsh Members' Rep, NEC), and Rich Taylor (NCC).
There's now less than one month left to nominate candidates in your CLPs.
Support Mainstream's internal election candidates now.
Support the NEC and NPF campaign
This year's Labour Party Conference, taking place from 27th to 30th September, will be a crucial moment for championing the politics of radical realism that we share.
Will you be attending as a delegate?
Let us know using the button below.
If you aren't a delegate for your CLP but you know who is, please also make us aware of this, and let us know whether you think they're sympathetic to our common project.
I'm attending conference as a delegate
If Labour is to rebuild trust, it will need new ideas as well as new faces.
Throughout May, Mainstream members explored some of the biggest questions facing the country and the Labour movement on our blog - from technology and economic growth to higher education and public services.
Highlights included:
We're always looking for fresh voices and original ideas. If you have an article you'd like to write for Mainstream, we'd love to hear from you.
We ended the month by taking part in Compass' Change: NOW! conference, where Mainstream hosted a panel on one of the questions at the heart of Labour's future: how can a broad coalition of traditions and viewpoints work together effectively inside one party?
Joining us for Many Traditions, One Party: Labour and the Politics of Pluralism were Hannah Rich (Christians on the Left), Marc Stears (UCL Policy Lab) and Paul Fleming (Equity), who shared their perspectives on pluralism, participation and political renewal.
The discussion reflected a core Mainstream belief: Labour is strongest when it brings together different traditions within the party around a shared mission, rather than demanding conformity.
It was fantastic to see so many Mainstream members there, and we're exploring plans to bring this conversation to a dedicated members' event later this year.
The message from voters in May was impossible to ignore. The question now is whether Labour is prepared to listen.
The months ahead will bring important opportunities to shape the party's future - from the Makerfield by-election to Labour's internal elections and Conference.
Change will not happen by itself. It will happen because members organise for it.
Thank you for being part of that effort.
In solidarity,
Kerry
Chair, Mainstream
