The Co-operative Party dates back to 1917 when retail co-operative societies decided it was time their interests were represented in Parliament.

Ten years later the Party formed an alliance with Labour and following the 2001 General Election, there are now 29 Labour & Co-op MPs as well as representatives in the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly, the House of Lords, the European Parliament and local government.

Their task is to represent the many facets of the UK Co-operative Movement and make sure the co-operative way is always on the political agenda, offering solutions to social and economic problems which beset communities across the country.

Go to www.co-op-party.org.uk to find out more.