Labour rules set for 21st century shake-up Barckley Sumner

A RECENTLY published document on future selections in the Labour Party marks the beginning of a series of reforms that could radically alter the workings of the party.

The document is part of the 21st Century Party review which began in 1999. Publication of proposed reform of the operational structure of the Labour Party, including the suggestion that general committees should be abolished, will be delayed until next year, before being voted upon at Labour Party conference in 2002.

A Labour Party spokesperson confirmed that future proposals will consist of "a fundamental look at the workings of the whole party". The consultation process on selections will run until March 31. A modified document will be submitted to this year's conference for approval with the majority of the rules coming into effect on January 1, 2002. The document supports the idea proposed last year that membership of the NEC should be for two years rather than the current one-year term.  Two-year terms will begin in 2001. The trade union and socialist societies will be elected for two-year terms from 2001 and constituency members will be elected for two years from 2002.

There is a clear commitment for one member, one vote for all selections, although the electoral college will remain. Where an electoral college exists unions will have to ballot members in order to participate, and split their vote accordingly.  They will be able to participate in selections after being a member for six months. Previously members needed a year's membership.  They will also be allowed to take part in selections immediately after moving into a new area, so will no longer have to wait a year to participate. These rules were created to prevent abuses of the selection system by unscrupulous candidates. 

The principle of panels of approved candidates is enshrined in the document. Panels will exist for local, European and parliamentary elections and a selection board will be created to approve candidates for Labour leadership elections in Scotland and Wales.  There is a commitment for greater representation at all levels for women and ethnic minority candidates, and the party will support legislation to allow all-women shortlists to be re- established.  Parliamentary selections should be less complicated, although it is unclear whether all-member meetings, gender-balanced nominations and shortlists will remain part of the system.

For future European elections the party has committed itself to supporting the much-criticised closed-list system adopted for the 1999 elections.  The proposal that an OMOV ballot of members should be conducted to decide the ranking of candidates is a positive proposal.  Previously, candidates' ranking, and therefore their chances of being elected, were determined solely by Millbank.

Elections for the Welsh Assembly and Scottish Parliament should not include twinning, where previously constituencies were required to select two candidates - one male one female - as this proved unpopular. Top-up lists will be used to balance under- representation of women and ethnic minority candidates.

Women and the Scottish Parliament: http://www.engender.org.uk/scotparl/