Two independent socialists, Pete McLaren and Tom Allen, have been elected to represent the TUSC Individual Members’ section on the TUSC All-Britain Steering Committee for 2024.

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.  Individual members of TUSC who are not members of a constituent organisation, who organise their own national meetings and online consultations on TUSC matters and other issues, also have places on the committee.

For 2024 the two individual members’ representatives will be Pete McLaren and Tom Allen.  Their candidate nomination statements are 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 organised independents meetings.

■ Remained on the steering committee after the ISN left, setting up an group of independent TUSC members which now meets and discusses online.

I am fully committed to TUSC.

■ I helped set up Rugby TUSC, in 2012, from our anti-cuts group – the first TUSC local branch.

■ I was the Secretary/Press Officer until moving last year.

■ I am proud Rugby TUSC issued 207 media releases leading to 517 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 remain 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 and individual members and holding meetings.

■ Work to develop TUSC through individual membership, local branches and wider representation on the steering committee”.

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

“2024 is setting up to be a big year, and we need a monumental effort to push an effective socialist challenge at the ballot box.  It is clear Starmer’s Labour will not offer any such thing, neither will the Greens who are shaping up to be most people’s second best. 

“TUSC independents have vital input in TUSC discussions on the steering committee, as well as working on social media to raise our profile.  I have had many discussions on the platform regarding this and would happily continue to do so should I remain an independent members’ rep for 2024 onwards”.