Saturday 1 June 2013

Affirmative Parliamentary Candidate reselection nomination - 'trigger ballot'

PARLIAMENTARY TRIGGER MECHANISM - since 1998 CLPs with sitting Labour MPs have been asked if they wish to make an affirmative nomination to reselect their MP as candidate for the next parliamentary election by a 'trigger mechanism'. For the first time we know well in advance the date of the next parliamentary election - May 7th 2015 (short of the Coalition breaking down). The London Regional Party has asked us to conduct this process in the first batch of London CLPs with sitting MPs. (Other CLPs are already conducting open selection processes.)

This involves a ballot of all the branches and qualifying affiliated units (trade union branches, the co-op etc). Each has one vote. In branches the vote is decided by a ballot of eligible members at a branch meeting, conducted under NEC rules. There will be copies of the Chief Whip's report, and a statement by the MP. If a majority of branches and units vote to reselect then the MP becomes the candidate and no further steps are needed. If not then an open selection process is 'triggered'.

To be eligible to vote branch members must have been members of the Labour Party since at least November 23rd 2012. They must also be fully paid up, and living in the branch. If you are currently in arrears you can bring your membership up to date online (at: renew.labour.org.uk) or by cheque/cash at your branch meeting. You must bring your membership card to the meeting. All eligible branch members should be notified of their branch meeting at least 7 days in advance. South branch meeting is on Monday 3rd June (at the Lighthouse Community Centre, Markhouse Road), and East (at 23 Orford Road) and West  (at the William Morris Community Centre, Greenleaf Road) branches on Monday 10th June. All meetings start at 8pm. If you are unsure of your eligibility email: walthamstowclp@yahoo.co.uk

A statement by Stella Creasy MP to all branch members can be seen here.

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