By Callum Salfield
Following recent changes in Your Party, particularly the decision to effectively ban dual membership, our local group in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire reached a turning point.
Our proto branch had been built by a broad mix of activists from different political traditions, and that openness was key to growing a strong, active local presence. The new restrictions meant that a number of people central to that work were no longer able to remain members of Your Party, raising both political and practical questions about how we could continue.
In response, we held an open meeting of members and supporters on 22nd April to decide what to do next. The discussion reflected a clear and widely shared view: that we should remain active, stay inclusive, and continue organising locally without excluding those who had helped build the group. As a result, we agreed to transition from a Your Party proto branch into a new, independent formation, the North Derbyshire Left Network.
The network is an open space for socialists and campaigners across North Derbyshire, focused on keeping people connected, supporting local campaigns, and providing a platform for collaboration. While no longer tied to a single party structure, it reflects one of the main ways our group had already been operating.
We will continue to engage with wider initiatives on the left, including maintaining our involvement in the Connections Network. Delegates from North Derbyshire Left Network will continue to attend Connections meetings and contribute to building broader cooperation.
This change allows us to preserve the relationships, activity and momentum built locally, while adapting to the current situation. We hope it offers one example of how groups can continue organising in an open and collaborative way during a period of political change.
Find North Derbyshire Left Network on Facebook
(Previously published in Connections Newsletter issue no. 3)
Leave a Reply