Everyone has heard of Clause IV of the party’s constitution, which sets out its aims and values, and which was rewritten in 1995 to remove a commitment to “common ownership”. Less well-known is Clause VI, which declares: “The work of the party shall be under the direction and control of party conference.”
That is not how it works in practice, however, because the leader has so much power – especially if he (and one day no doubt she) has the support of a majority of members of the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The NEC is charged with running the party in between annual conferences, although in practice most of its power is exercised by the leader through the cabinet (in government) and shadow cabinet (in opposition).
So, who decides policy?
For much of the party’s existence, this tension between theory and practice has fuelled factional conflict as supporters of Tony Benn and, later, Jeremy Corbyn tried to translate their majority among delegates into control of the party machine.
Denne historien er fra September 26, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 26, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
How Littler giving it large made for unbeatable drama
Darts is riding the crest of a wave thanks to Luke Littler's unique blend of mesmerising talent and pure showmanship, and it's not slowing down in 2025
Champion Humphries loses to Wright in major upset
Reigning champion Luke Humphries was knocked out of the World Darts Championship by an inspired Peter Wright in a major upset at Alexandra Palace.
City finally end horror run - but bigger worries remain
It was a landmark occasion for Pep Guardiola. Not because he took charge of Manchester City for the 500th time, joining only Les McDowall in a select club, but because a manager who was a byword for winning actually won a game. For a manager with 39 trophies in his career, such results seemed routine.
Liverpool high-five as Salah inspires devastating display
Mo Salah proved his worth to Liverpool yet again as he inspired them to a 5-0 win at West Ham.
SIMPLY WED?
Two years after Abi Morgan's divorce lawyer drama reached. its finale, picking up with characters from 'The Split' feels like checking in with old friends.
From Avatar 3 to Superman, 25 big-screen treats in 2025
A bald Emma Stone, a mad Jennifer Lawrence and lots and lots of Robert Pattinsons lead our must-see movies for the 12 months ahead
Addams Family star was far more than his tragic death
Raul Julia's final film, 'Street Fighter', turns 30 this week.
Enjoy heart-healthy food
After his bypass, two-Michelin-starred chef Sat Bains tells Hannah Twiggs about his new cookbook and how simple, flavour-packed meals can help us live longer and better
Fishing for a new style in 2025? Try these on for size
After a year of clean chic, LED face masks and reformer pilates, Ellie Muir dives into the sublime and the potentially ridiculous lifestyle, wellness and fashion trends set to rule
At least 10 Taliban fighters are killed in ministry attack
At least 10 Taliban fighters were killed and five others wounded in a major attack on the group's ministry of interior in Kabul, as tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated.
