A plan to take the SDP from here to 2029.
The SDP’s foundations are strong. What it lacks is scale. Here is where I want the party to be by 2029, and the six areas that will become stronger in order to get there. Each week from now to 13 November, I’ll set out my thinking on one area and listen to yours at a surgery, then share the updates.
This week: Party OrganisationThis week
Party Organisation
How do we build a party that can move fast and keep listening?
Surgery Thu 12 Nov, 6.30pm
The road to 2029
My ambition for the party, in three phases.
01Now to May 2027
Build the machine
- Start fundraising
- Comms build-out
- Develop systems
- Start teambuilding
- Campaign prep
02May 2027 to May 2028
Grow and test
- Test membership funnels
- Strengthen our regions
- Build the candidate pipeline
- Develop deep political intelligence
- Continue fundraising
03May 2028 to July 2029
Get election-ready
- Build the war chest
- Swell our numbers
- Prepare for defections
- Build a national and local campaign
Now
01Now to May 2027
Build the machine
- Start fundraising
- Comms build-out
- Develop systems
- Start teambuilding
- Campaign prep
May 2027 local elections
02May 2027 to May 2028
Grow and test
- Test membership funnels
- Strengthen our regions
- Build the candidate pipeline
- Develop deep political intelligence
- Continue fundraising
May 2028 local elections
03May 2028 to July 2029
Get election-ready
- Build the war chest
- Swell our numbers
- Prepare for defections
- Build a national and local campaign
2029 general election
By the 2029 general election
20,000+
members
£5m
raised by 2029
1+
MP in Parliament
More members bring more money, more attention and more hands. That attracts donors, strong candidates and creates momentum.
The six key areas for party success
- Week 1, Tue 6 OctDiscussed, updated 9 OctoberFunds & FundraisingHow do we reinvent political fundraising so money brings opportunity, not scandal?
- Week 2, Tue 13 OctDiscussed, updated 16 OctoberCommunications & BrandHow do we turn good ideas into a party people know, trust and want to be part of?
- Week 3, Tue 20 OctDiscussed, updated 23 OctoberCampaigning & CandidatesHow do we find the best candidates and pick the right battles?
- Week 4, Thu 29 OctDiscussedMembership & Regional GrowthHow do we build belonging and purpose in every region?
- Week 5, Tue 3 NovDiscussed, updated 7 NovemberPolicy & ResearchHow do we become the sharpest, most coherent party in Britain?
- Week 6, Thu 12 NovThis weekParty OrganisationHow do we build a party that can move fast and keep listening?
How each week works
Step 1
Publish the ideas
I publish some initial thoughts on the area of focus this week, both here and on WhatsApp.
Step 2
Surgery
You can join a live session to hear the detail and ask questions.
Step 3
What we heard
I summarise what members raised.