Dame Anneliese Dodds MP and Dr Sonia Adesara have been elected as the new co-chairs of the Fabian Society, taking on the leadership of one of Britain’s oldest socialist organisations.
The Fabian Society announced the result on Monday, saying it was “delighted” to introduce the pair as its new co-chairs.
Dodds, the Labour MP for Oxford East, has held a number of senior positions in both government and opposition. She is also a former Member of the European Parliament and has played a significant role in Labour policy development.
Adesara is an NHS doctor and Labour activist who has campaigned prominently on the NHS, health inequalities, public services and social justice.
Joe Dromey, General Secretary of the Fabian Society, welcomed their election and said he was looking forward to working with the new leadership.
He said:
“Massive congratulations to the fantastic Sonia Adesara and Anneliese Dodds who have been elected as the new co-chairs of the Fabians! Really look forward to working with you.”
Their election comes at an important point for the Labour movement, with the party in government and an active debate across the centre-left about the policies needed to deliver economic growth, stronger public services and greater social equality.
Founded in 1884, the Fabian Society has played an influential role in the development of Labour and progressive thinking for more than a century. Its membership has included generations of Labour prime ministers, ministers, parliamentarians, trade unionists and leading political thinkers.
The society continues to bring together politicians, academics, campaigners and policy experts to develop ideas and contribute to debates about Labour’s direction and the future of progressive politics.
Announcing the result, the Fabian Society said:
“We’re delighted to introduce the new Fabian Society Co-Chairs – Dr Sonia Adesara and Dame Anneliese Dodds!”
Dodds and Adesara will now work alongside Dromey and the wider Fabian Society team as the organisation seeks to shape the policy debate during the Labour government’s time in office.
