I hope you enjoy Annual Conference, whether as a first timer or long standing attendee.
Following on from last year’s General Election and Leadership contest, it might have been nice to have a quieter year in 2016.
That was never going to be the case, with local elections, national elections in Scotland and Wales, Mayoral elections and the EU Referendum
Sadiq ran a campaign of hope and positivity and it is excellent to have a Labour-run London.
He will show what a difference we can make to people’s lives whilst we are in power, uniting communities and welcoming the diversity in our Capital.
The EU Referendum result was very disappointing, and the forthcoming Brexit negotiations are deeply worrying for our country.
Labour members and activists, again, did themselves proud throughout the campaign - thank you.
We must assess the election results and look at how the Labour vote impacted on the outcome.
We must also challenge the Government during the Leave negotiations, ensuring we get the best deal for the UK.
This year saw the terrible murder of Jo Cox, killed brutally whilst serving her constituents outside her weekly surgery.
The outpouring of emotion, support and hope following her death highlighted the brilliance of our movement.
In Jo’s own words, “We have far more in common than that which divides us."
There are turbulent times ahead and the importance of the work of our party is greater than ever.
We must look to pick ourselves up again and continue the fight.
I would like to pay tribute to all our elected representatives around the UK, especially our councillors who continue, in difficult times, to be a beacon of Labour values standing up for the people they represent.
A huge thank you also to the Labour Party staff for all of their hard work and dedication.
For this Conference, it is great to be back in Liverpool.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Yours,
Iain McNicol
General Secretary of the Labour Party