Proposal from the LRU Coordinating Group

Background

The London Renters Union Coordinating Group is proposing a change to when branch elections take place.

The Coordinating Group is made up of elected representatives from each branch and working group, chosen by members like you. It’s responsible for making decisions about how the union works overall, and making sure our structures support grassroots organising.

Currently, elections take place in May and June – one of the busiest times of year for our branches. This overlaps with major outreach and campaigning efforts, meaning branches often have to split their focus between running elections, inducting new role holders, organising and campaigning. As a grassroots union, we want our internal processes to strengthen our work — not slow it down.

What’s Changing?

The proposal is to move branch elections to the autumn, with all elections taking place in September and October each year. This would mean:

• Spring and summer are freed up for outreach and campaigns
• Elected members have more time over the winter to settle into their roles
• Our union structures better support building renter power

What About This Year?

To make this change:

• People currently in elected roles would have their terms extended to 14 months, ending at the end of September
• From then on, elections will return to the usual 12-month term, from September to September

If anyone prefers not to stay in post for the extra time, they are welcome to step down early. If this happens, elections will be held to fill those roles.