Zarah Sultana nominates Bristol community activist as Your Party leadership candidate

Zarah Sultana has announced her endorsement for the new Grassroots Left slate, naming Bristol-based community activist Candi Williams as her female South West candidate for the up-and-coming Your Party Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections this February.

Your Party collective leadership

Following the member decision at the inaugural conference in Liverpool last November for Your Party to be led by the collective leadership of 18 members from across each national region, Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn have both announced a slate of endorsed candidates: a man and a woman from each region.

Williams, who has played an active role in building the Bristol Your Party branch from 40 to 400, impressed Sultana with her commitment to anti-fascism, anti-imperialism, and liberation politics at a local event. And she will stand alongside Mark Gage as the Grassroots Left slate’s South West candidates.

Williams commented:

For more than a decade, I’ve worked alongside people struggling. I have supported refugees, worked with vulnerable young people, and mobilised against fascists locally. The core problem is often the same: it comes from the top. I’m standing with people of colour, women, trans and queer people, disabled people, refugees, and all those facing oppression.

I’m looking to represent youth groups, community organisations, and charities that feel unheard and unsupported. If you represent a community group that fits this description and you feel disillusioned by the current political climate, please do get in touch.

When announcing her slate, Sultana shared on X:

I’m backing the Grassroots Left slate in the Your Party CEC elections: A member-led slate fighting for real democracy, empowering branches and members, ensuring transparency and accountability, and standing for socialist, anti-imperialist politics from the grassroots up.

All verified members of Your Party will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred regional candidates for the CEC from 9-23 February. Local hustings are expected to take place on Wednesday 4 February. The party is currently offering membership for £1.50 via its website, and anyone who joins and verifies before 5 February will be eligible to vote.

Unrepresented community groups and charities can get in touch with Williams directly regarding their policy asks via the Grassroots Left email address: [email protected]

Grassroots Left says it is campaigning for maximum member democracy at every level:

• A Central Executive Committee fully accountable to members.
• Immediate recognition of local branches with full access to data and resources.
• Transparent decision-making that treats members as the driving force of the party.

The group has committed to ensuring that elected representatives remain accountable to the membership. It promises that all elected members of the slate will meet regularly with organised sections, caucuses, and affiliated groups to report on their work, receive feedback, and collectively discuss the way forward. Find out more on the website.

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