Progress
Progress is the New Labour right-leaning pressure group that was founded in 1996 by Lord Mandelson. [1] "Even right-wing Unison leader Dave Prentis has called Progress an "intolerable think tank"." [2]
Their web site notes "we are an independent organisation of Labour party members and trade unionists.... Progress is chaired by Lord Andrew Adonis. Our vice chairs are Jenny Chapman MP, Julie Elliott MP, Tristram Hunt MP, Dan Jarvis MP, Liz Kendall MP, Alison McGovern MP, Toby Perkins MP, Bridget Phillipson MP, Jonathan Reynolds MP, Anas Sarwar MP, and John Woodcock MP. Progress’ honorary president is Stephen Twigg MP, the shadow secretary of state for education." [3]
Stephen Twigg was replaced as chairman in 2012 by Lord Andrew Adonis.
- Richard Angell – Deputy Director
Contents
People (2016)
- Alison McGovern MP - became chair of Progress in October 2015
The strategy board meets three times each year to approve Progress’ political strategy. Is made up of 12 elected members in three sections. In the first, members of Progress elect four representatives; in the second, parliamentarians who are members of Progress elect four representatives; and in the third, councillors who are members of Progress elect four representatives. In addition there are up to three coopted members plus the honorary president, chair and vice-chairs.
Elections were held between 28 August and 18 September 2014 to elect the new Progress strategy board.
The full list of those elected to serve a two-year term is as follows:
Parliamentarians’ section
Board (2013)
Accessed April 2013: [4]
- Jennifer Gerber (former deputy executive director of Progress and former acting executive director of the organisation); Jon Mendelson (former treasurer of Progress); Robert Philpot (executive director of Progress); and Stephen Twigg MP* (former chair of Progress and current honorary president).
Accessed June 2012: [5]
- Robert Philpot – Director; Richard Angell – Deputy Director; Adam Harrison – Editorial and Website Manager; Matthew Faulding – Political Liaison and Membership Officer; Simon Jeffrey – Events Officer
Strategy board
"The strategy board is made up of 12 elected members in three sections. In the first, members of Progress elect four representatives; in the second, parliamentarians who are members of Progress elect four representatives; and in the third, councillors who are members of Progress elect four representatives.
"The current members of the strategy board, elected in September 2012 for a two-year term, are as follows: Joe Mann , Joan Ryan, Hopi Sen, Mandy Telford, Gloria De Piero , Oona King, Nick Smith , Phil Wilson , Paul Brant, Rachel Hodson, Florence Nosegbe, Claire Reynolds, Patrick Diamond, Susan Hitch, Vijay Riyait [6]
Funders
"In the financial year 2010-2011, our income was £368,598. ... In 2010-2011, we have made the following declarations to the Electoral Commission of sponsorship or donations above the level of £7,500: Lord David Sainsbury – £260,000 (donor); So far in 2011-2012, we have made the following declarations to the Electoral Commission of sponsorship or donations above the level of £7,500: Lord David Sainsbury – £195,000 (donor), Sovereign Strategy – £12,000 (donor)." [7]
"Progress donations and sponsorship since 2001". [8]
- Lord Sainsbury - £2,022,500
- Lord Montague (trust) - £875,500
- Pfizer/Pharmacia - £52,287.50
- Sir Frank Lowe - £49,999.98
- Lord Bhattacharyya - £20,000
- John Mendelsohn - £10,000
- Sovereign Strategy - £12,000
- Network Rail Infrastructure- £5,875
- Total donations - £3,059,673.16
Speakers list
- Richard Angell, Luke Akehurst, Jessica Asato, Olivia Bailey, Thom Brooks, Stephen Burke, Jenny Chapman , David Coats, Andrew Lewin, Jordan Newell, Ben Lucas, Jamie McMahon, Callum Munro, Dan Norris, Florence Nosegbe, Steve Race, Ellie Reeves, Mark Rusling, Ruth Smeeth, Wes Streeting [9]
Contact
Web: http://www.progressonline.org.uk
Resources and articles
Related Sourcewatch
- former honorary president is Alan Milburn (2009)
- Chris Leslie, director, New Local Government Network
- Andy Burnham, Meg Munn, Delyth Morgan
- Steve Van Riel
- Pat McFadden
References
- ↑ BBC New Labour group Progress rejects GMB union 'outlaw' threat, organizational web page, accessed July 1, 2012.
- ↑ Socialist Party Block on Progress - "intolerable think tank"?, organizational web page, accessed July 1, 2012.
- ↑ Progress About, organizational web page, accessed June 30, 2012.
- ↑ Progress Funding, organizational web page, accessed April 15, 2013.
- ↑ Progress Team, organizational web page, accessed June 29, 2012.
- ↑ Progress Progress strategy board, organizational web page, accessed April 11, 2013.
- ↑ Progress Funding, organizational web page, accessed July 1, 2012.
- ↑ BBC New Labour group Progress rejects GMB union 'outlaw' threat, organizational web page, accessed July 1, 2012.
- ↑ Progress Speakers list, organizational web page, accessed June 29, 2012.
