Corby & East Northants CLP enjoys close links with the Co-operative Party. Indeed, many people in the CLP are also members of the Co-operative Party. We are grateful for the political and financial support that we receive from the Co-op in fighting election and other local campaigns.

The Co-operative Party is the political arm of the co-operative movement and has more than 9,000 members nationally. Established in 1917, it has been a sister party of the Labour Party since 1927 and works to promote co-operatives and all forms of mutual organisation.

Many of us share, therefore, the beliefs of the Co-operative Party and work with it to enact them i.e.:

• The only way to create a just and fair society is through power being spread evenly throughout society, and not based on wealth, class, gender or race.
• People will achieve more by working together than they can by working alone. We support the efforts of those who seek success through that co-operative endeavour.
• Commerce should be conducted on the basis of fair trade, ethical business practices and empowering people to have a say in the running of their communities.

We stand candidates jointly with the Co-operative Party at all levels of government, including 29 Labour and Co-operative MPs in the House of Commons, 15 Members of the House of Lords, 5 Members of the Scottish Parliament, 9 Members of the Welsh Assembly and hundreds of councillors around the country.

We believe that the Co-operative Movement has as much relevance now as ever, as we look to changing the forces that shape our lives. Co-operative societies are involved in many areas of everyday life including housing, employment, banking, supermarkets, public services and schools. ‘Working Co-operatively’ is part of the solution to securing further economic prosperity and stability.

To find out more about the Co-operative party and how you can get involved in the wider Co-operative movement visit the party’s website.