LABOUR activists should quit tinkering and demand mandatory reselection of MPs, the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy (CLPD) annual general meeting will hear today.

A motion proposed by CLPD assistant secretary and Left Futures editor Jon Lansman calls for all elected representatives to be subject to a full selection process once in every term.

Currently Labour MPs must undergo a “trigger ballot” — under which a selection process where other candidates can put themselves forward is only called if a super-majority of members call for one.

Critics say the process is heavily biased in favour of incumbents and creates a “jobs for life” culture in safe seats.

CLPD was behind the attempts to introduce mandatory reselection in the 1970s and ’80s.

But if the motion is adopted, it would mark a back-to-basics in approach from CLPD, which since the new Labour years has instead put forward rule changes proposing to reform the trigger.

The new proposals include scrapping the current selection system for proportional “list” elections where sitting candidates are given preferential treatment over non-incumbents.

Mr Lansman said such changes would “ensure the accountability of elected representatives to the party.”
“Labour members who work tirelessly to return their MPs to Parliament have a right to choose their local candidates,” he told the Star.

“Going through a selection process once every 30  years is just not adequate.”

The AGM will also consider motions on supporting all-black shortlists and working to defend the trade union link following major reforms last year.

conradlandin@peoples-press.com