23 people attended our day conference last Saturday, despite the unavoidable clash with the national Palestine march. A provisional committee was elected to organise the group’s work in the lead-up to our next meeting in September, which will focus on housing. It was also agreed to invite other organisations, including the London Renters Union and Community Coalition, to take part.
The conference featured lively debates about the shape, purpose, and structure of the organisation. The draft political statement was well received, and there was broad agreement that we should work alongside other local organisations to build positive campaigns across the area. It was also made clear that people from different political parties are welcome to join and that the organisation is explicitly socialist. While the political situation has changed with the appointment of a new Prime Minister, it was recognised that the fundamental task of building support for a socialist alternative remains unchanged.
One of the day’s main discussions focused on choosing a suitable name for the organisation. We had stood in the May elections as Waltham Forest Independent Socialists, but many of our members are from Wanstead in the London Borough of Redbridge, and there was a view that the organisation could expand beyond its current base. This prompted a discussion about whether the name should continue to identify solely with Waltham Forest.
It was agreed to draw up a shortlist of possible names, including Waltham Forest Independent Socialists, Red Forest Socialists, a compound name incorporating both boroughs, and Waltham Forest & Redbridge Independent Socialists.
The shortlist will be circulated for further consideration before a final decision is made at a future meeting.