During the 1980s, the NEC had a major role in policy-making and was often at the heart of vitriolic disputes over party policy. In the Tony Blair era, the committee's role has declined and its membership has been reformed, but it retains a certain importance in overseeing the party. One of its committees has disciplinary powers including the ability to expel members of the party who have brought it into disrepute or to readmit previously expelled members.
Current Members