Q&A: Bristol’s Labour MPs at conference

Bristol’s Labour MPs have had a rough few months, having resigned from Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow cabinet and backed his leadership challenger Owen Smith – only to see him fail.

But they’ve stuck at their party conference in Liverpool this week where calls have been made for unity and peace.

So how’s it gone and what are their thoughts on the future? We caught up with all three for a short Q&A:

What was your first reaction to the election results on Saturday?

Kerry McCarthy: I was disappointed that Owen Smith, who I had supported throughout the leadership election, was not successful. I remain concerned about what the result means for our party, and for our country, but the onus is now on Jeremy to prove his doubters wrong, and he should be given the time and space to do this.

Karin: Congratulations to Jeremy who, in his speech after the result was announced, rightly focused Labour on the impact Brexit will have in communities up and down the land, on exposing the damage the Tories are doing to our city, our region and our country; and on ensuring that by doing so we can defeat them locally and nationally and move towards forming the next Labour government.

Thangam: The need to focus. We all want a strong, united party; and I’m reassured by the leadership team’s recognition that mistakes have been made. Jeremy’s strong performance in recent Prime Minister’s Questions shows that he is trying to take the fight to the Tories.

Where would you like to see the Labour Party in one year’s time?

Kerry: I hope to see a Labour Party that is united behind a policy platform which appeals to people across the country, and is talking about the issues that ordinary voters care about. By then, it will almost be halfway through the current Parliament, so we will need to be a strong Opposition which is seen as a credible alternative to Theresa May’s Government. I also hope by then that Labour members on both sides of the internal debate will have learned to be more tolerant of those with opposing views.

Karin: Winning support by engaging voters on issues that matter to their daily lives, and in the geographical areas across the south west that we need to win in order to form a government.

Thangam: We have a huge, energetic membership. We need to pull together to become an effective opposition and credible government in waiting. And to achieve that we need to convince people who voted Tory in 2015 to vote Labour. In the South West that mean listening to, and talking with, people in Kingswood, Bristol North West, Gloucester, Swindon and Plymouth.

If offered, would you serve under Jeremy Corbyn in a shadow cabinet in the future?

Kerry: I spent the last year serving in the Shadow Cabinet and I think perhaps it is time for other people to step up and see if they can make it work. As I said throughout the leadership election, my main priority at the moment is representing the people of east Bristol in Parliament, and working on issues which I think are important. Being a backbencher often gives you more freedom to do these sorts of things, and I am particularly enjoying being a member of the Environmental Audit Committee. I have not, however, made a final decision yet.

Karin: The work of the front bench is hugely important but there are a range of ways Labour MPs serve the Party, and I intend to carry on with my work on the Public Accounts Committee – work that is having a real impact in influencing government policy on issues including GP access, housing and tax credits. Naturally, representing the interests of my Bristol South constituents remains my primary focus.

Thangam: When you’re on the front bench, whether in shadow cabinet or junior shadow minister as I was, you’re mostly limited to speaking on your brief. In my weeks back full-time in Westminster since recovering from cancer and without a shadow ministerial role, I’ve appreciated being able to speak out on anything my constituents want me to. My current priorities are Brexit and refugees – reflecting my constituents’ wishes. I hope later on down the line that somebody asks me to serve – it will always be an honour – but for the time being I feel I’m most useful to my constituents on the back benches.

Do you recognise the claims that Momentum are “taking over” the Labour Party in Bristol?

Kerry: I think it’s absurd to claim that Momentum has ‘taken over’ the party in Bristol. This is certainly not the experience I have in my own constituency, where the majority of volunteers and committee members are not involved with the group. There are some hard-working members and councillors who are part of Momentum, but do not think they see their involvement in terms of ‘taking over’ the local party.

Karin: No.

Thangam: There’s a lot of support for Jeremy among Bristol West members. We’ve had some challenging times but I know we all share the desire to see a Labour government. I look forward to working closely with members new and old now I am fully recovered and am starting regular doorknocking sessions again – both in the constituency and going out to those Tory-held seats to hear voters’ concerns and views there.

What’s the best thing you’ve seen at conference this year?

Learning about Liverpool #Lab16 pic.twitter.com/7YF1uhhEir

— Karin Smyth MP (@karinsmyth) September 26, 2016

Kerry: I have spent most of my time at Conference having meetings and catching up with many old friends. I did stay out till 4am last night to watch the Trump/Clinton debate, and thought she comprehensively outclassed him (although that isn’t difficult!). I am looking forward to seeing Marvin address the Conference this afternoon.

Karin: Liverpool itself: it’s a fantastic city, and Conference has been a good chance to catch up with friends and colleagues I’ve worked with for a number of years.

Thangam: I’ve really appreciated the quality of the fringe events. I’ve just been to an excellent one on the implications of Brexit for people with disabilities – and it was great to be at the White Ribbon stall talking to colleagues about men’s involvement in ending violence against women.

Read more: Has Labour really lost control of City Hall?