Labour reforms EU selection panels amid stitch-up claims

Labour is reviewing how it selects candidates for European elections after party members claimed the process was a union “stitch-up”.

Officials told the Standard Labour’s National Executive Committee took the decision at its most recent meeting.

They said it was normal to review procedures “periodically” but admitted the move came after members across the UK raised concern over selections for next year’s Euro-elections.

In London there have been calls to re-run the contest after party members accused the Unite and GMB unions of blocking strong contenders to help their preferred candidates.

However, Labour officials say a re-run in the capital is not being considered and any changes will only apply to elections from 2019 onwards.

A spokesman for London Labour said: “The NEC periodically reviews selection procedures and any adjustments would apply to future selections.”

After Unite was accused of fixing a parliamentary selection in Falkirk, concerns were raised over contests in Lewisham Deptford and Hornsey & Wood Green.

Police were this week asked to probe allegations of union vote-rigging in Labour’s Ilford North parliamentary seat.

Members in London were outraged this year when Anne Fairweather and Carole Tongue were ditched by the panel without interview. In 2009 Ms Fairweather was not only shortlisted but came well ahead of others in the final poll, securing 3,500 votes.

Ms Tongue was among the most experienced contenders this year, having been an MEP and deputy leader of Labour’s European group.