Backlash as some councillors refuse to sign ‘targets’ contract

THE Labour Party has also ordered its Birmingham councillors to sign a new contract which sets out clear targets that they must achieve in order to be considered for selection at the next local election in 2026. But many councillors in the group have refused to do so – particularly angry over the party’s imposition of minimum targets that they say ‘controls members’ precious spare time’ and orders controlling ‘published comments’. The contract states that they must all ‘abide’ and have an ‘active campaigning record across the authority, working in target seats, as well as your own ward’.

Their activity ‘will be monitored’. As well as rules on behaviour, they must also ‘comply with agreed group messaging when speaking publicly or communicating with local media outlets’.

The contract also sets out that each councillor must make at least ‘50 contacts’ a month with constituents, and support candidates in local, mayoral and general elections across the city and in target seats. They are asked to confirm they agree to the rules by signing: “I understand that if I fail to comply with this contract then the Group whip will take appropriate action, and that my campaign and group record will be taken into consideration when positions of responsibility in the group are being determined.”

One of several councillors who have not yet signed the contract, despite being told to by early February, said the ‘one size fits all’ contract showed no consideration of the differing availability of councillors with families or caring responsibilities, work roles or abilities. “It is frustrating because the risk is the party will end up with retired councillors who have lots of free time, or people who can afford to live solely on a part time councillor salary, with no other commitments.”

Backbenchers receive an allowance that is meant to account for part time work of up to three days. But another saw it differently, saying: “If people want the privilege of being a Labour councillor they need to also want to return a Labour government and mayor. “The contract sets out a fair expectation, it is the least someone should commit to doing.”

And a third said: “Frankly some people need a shake up. This is why Birmingham is on the party’s risk register.”