Labour university to train future MPs

The Labour Party is to open its own university to train activists and would-be MPs, and give them better qualifications to deal with political life.

The University of the Labour Party will award traditional qualifications but will operate without a campus. Courses will be run in Labour clubs and trade union centres while universities will provide courses in economics and political history.

Organisers believe it will encourage women and ethnic minorities to become more involved in politics. Courses will count towards a diploma and act as a fast-track to fighting elections.

The project has been devised by David Triesman, the party's general secretary. Academics involved are believed to include Third Way guru Anthony Giddens of the London School of Economics and former minister Baroness Blackstone.