Jo McCarron

I am seeking your support for election to the National Policy Forum (NPF). Members in the South West can nominate 4 candidates and I would be grateful if you would consider putting me as one of your choices.

As a former Parliamentary candidate in a key seat, I have had the chance to hear from thousands of voters. I worked hard to ensure residents across my constituency were given a strong voice on issues that mattered to them. I believe the best ideas are achieved when you listen to others and our members should play a large part in forming Labour policy.

I am an advocate of meaningful consultation and inclusion. The same goes for policy making, particularly at a time when there is so much anti politics feeling around, and a common perception that all the mainstream parties are driven only by a handful of people. Policy should be in touch with the ideas of people on the ground, so grassroots members should have a strong voice in forming the Party's vision for the future. If elected I will represent people from every wing of our party - and across the whole of the South West, to ensure they play a part in that vision.

My experience for the role:

· I served in the 2015 General Election as a Parliamentary candidate in Kingswood constituency - one of our top target seats. The Labour team and I spoke to over 30,000 people across the constituency, so this role has given me a good insight into the electorate's thinking. As one of the target seat candidates that lost out in this election, I know first hand how important it is to get the policies right in 2020 - and I have a good picture of what will and won't work next time.

. I have dealt with thousands of policy enquiries, several lobby groups and casework and have a good understanding of current party policy.

. I have attended several topic specific meetings, ranging from mental health to transport, so have a good understanding of a range of issues from the perspectives of experts in each field.

· I am currently a member of the South West Regional Board. I believe being a member of the NPF will help me to inform the Regional Board in terms of policy ideas direct from members across the region.

· I have helped shape council manifestos, the last Bristol Mayoral manifesto, as well as my own for the general election.

· Outside of politics I have worked with the community on non political campaigns and see how crucial it is to collectively form ideas to ensure they work and are inclusive.

. I am well grounded and I unders