The long-standing independent socialist Pete McLaren has been re-elected as the representative of TUSC Individual Members onto the TUSC All-Britain Steering Committee for 2022.

TUSC is a coalition with an all-Britain steering committee comprised of representatives from its constituent organisations alongside leading trade unionists, sitting in a personal capacity. The current constituent organisations are the RMT transport workers’ union, formally represented on the steering committee since 2012; the Socialist Party, a co-founder of TUSC in 2010; and Resist, established in 2019 by, amongst others, the ex-Labour MP Chris Williamson.

Individual members of TUSC who are not members of a constituent organisation, with their own national meetings, also have a place on the committee.

Pete McLaren has been elected to the position for 2022. His candidate statement is published below.

Nomination statement for election as an Individual Members’ rep on the TUSC steering committee from Pete McLaren

“I have represented independent socialists on the TUSC All-Britain Steering Committee since independents were elected to it in 2011, initially through the Independent Socialist Network (ISN). In that time, I have:

• Attended every steering committee meeting, circulating reports to independents/individual members and organising independents meetings.
• Remained on the steering committee after the ISN left, setting up an on-line group of independent TUSC members which now meets regularly.

I am fully committed to TUSC:

• I helped set up Rugby TUSC from our anti-cuts group – the first TUSC local branch.
• I have been secretary and press Officer ever since.
• I am proud Rugby TUSC has issued 202 media releases leading to 514 media articles or broadcasts featuring TUSC.
• Nationally I am the TUSC Local Group Development Officer, helping to develop TUSC at local level.
• I was the 2015 Rugby TUSC general election candidate and have stood in numerous council elections.

I believe in uniting the left as part of the process to build a new mass socialist party, especially now Labour has ditched Corbyn’s socialism. TUSC is a vital part of that process:

• I have been secretary of the Socialist Alliance almost continuously since 1996.
• I am a National Council member of Left Unity.
• I have worked tirelessly for electoral co-operation on the left.

If elected, I would:

• Continue reporting back to independents/individual members and holding meetings.
• Work to develop TUSC through individual membership, local branches, and wider representation on the steering committee”.