A row has erupted over claims the Labour Party is 'denying members their democratic rights' while selecting prospective MPs in Liverpool. New candidates are being chosen for Wavertree, Riverside and West Derby after two of the city's MPs quit and a third decided not to seek reselection.
Party members have complained that 'hard-working' councillors have been overlooked. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn rejected claims of a 'stitch-up', stating: 'I am not involved in the short-listing. I want to make sure there is a reasonable range of opinions available for local members to vote on.'
Labour candidates are being sought in Wavertree and Riverside after sitting MPs Luciana Berger and Dame Louise Ellman quit following allegations of anti-Semitism. MP Stephen Twigg also announced in July he will not defend his seat in West Derby.
In West Derby, more than 100 members signed a letter to the party's General Secretary after councillor Nick Crofts was left off the long list. 'The exclusion of such a capable local activist is nothing short of an outrage,' the letter read. 'We are not asking for special treatment; only to be treated fairly.'
In Wavertree, council cabinet member Liz Parsons, who failed to make the shortlist, published an open letter claiming trade unions and Momentum had too much influence. 'People need to demand their democratic rights to select their candidate and keep calling this out for what it is, a stitch up,' she said.
In Riverside, Wirral councillor Jo Bird, who was temporarily suspended over allegations of anti-Semitism earlier this year, has confirmed she will stand. Labour councillor Malcolm Kennedy said: 'For her to be selected would be an outrage.' The selection process is expected to conclude on 3 November.
