As a member of the Co-op’s national members’ council, I find it disheartening that the Co-operative Group’s reformed constitution could result in less democracy, not more (Report, 13 April). Whether one-member, one-vote gives members a stronger say will depend on management allowing genuine decisions to be voted on and members having the information they need to come to a properly considered decision.
The fact that the members’ council has taken a decisive position reflects the strength of feeling and concern at recent events.
The litmus test for our democracy is whether the chief executive, Richard Pennycook, and the new chair, Allan Leighton, take action in response to the council’s votes on what should happen with the AGM motions and on the board elections, including reinstating the full list of six candidates for the board.
Council members voted for the reform package last year; this is a test of whether the management will honour those commitments, and if the members are genuinely able to hold the board to account.
Steve Thompson
Member, Co-operative Group national members’ council
