Progress (organisation)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Progress is a political organisation linked to the Labour Party in the United Kingdom. It is broadly viewed as supportive of the leadership of the party, being pro-Tony Blair. Progress publishes a monthly magazine of the same name and occasional pamphlets, and organises conferences and other events.
Contents |
[edit] Aims
Progress states its aims as follows:
"Progress is an organisation of Labour party members which aims to promote a radical and progressive politics for the 21st century.
We seek to discuss, develop and advance the means to create a more free, equal and democratic Britain, which plays an active role in Europe and the wider world.
Diverse and inclusive, we work to improve the level and quality of debate both within the Labour party, and between the party and the wider progressive community."
[edit] History
Progress was founded by Derek Draper, the former aide to Peter Mandelson as an organisation to maintain the dialogue between Labour's new leadership under Tony Blair. It has organised many events and conferences, and hosted several important speeches by senior party figures. Its annual conference has become a staple of the political calendar with many cabinet ministers and other leading politicians attending.
[edit] Chairs and board members
Progress is chaired by former MP and Minister Stephen Twigg. Its vice chairs are the Culture Secretary Andy Burnham; Cabinet Office Minister Ed Miliband; Foreign Office Minister Meg Munn; Baroness Delyth Morgan, former chief executive of Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity; and actor Tony Robinson.
Progress’ honorary president is Alan Milburn, the former Secretary of State for Health and MP for Darlington.
[edit] Directors
There have been four directors of Progress since its inception.
- Derek Draper (former aide to Peter Mandelson)
- Darren Murphy (former Special Adviser)
- Patrick Diamond (former Special Adviser)
- Robert Philpot -
