The case of the Islwyn Four inevitably evokes the memory of the Blaenau Gwent fiasco. But not only is it a false parallel, it masks the reality that in the Labour Party at least the premium placed on ‘local’ candidates is greater than ever before.
Any glance at the selections to replace retiring AMs will show that local candidates have been chosen: Mike Hedges in Swansea East and David Rees in Aberavon are recent examples. In Cardiff West and Cardiff South the constituency party has opted for people who have track records as Councillors in the area.
In the Westminster selections too locals have been selected in target seats: Susan Elan Jones in Clwyd South, Ronnie Hughes in Aberconwy, Nick Smith in Blaenau Gwent are examples. There are some exceptions in the Vale of Glamorgan and Carmarthen East where they’ve broken the mold and gone for someone from the constituency next door.
There aren’t many exceptions to the ‘locals only’ rule. It is understandable that party members in Islwyn resent the fact that the shortlist has been drawn up by the central party, but perhaps they should ask Don Touhig why he decided to make his announcement so late in the day?
I believe that the premium placed on ‘local’ candidates is too strong. As membership declines local activists become increasingly unrepresentative of the communities they are drawn from. They often look to select someone in their own mould and those who don’t fit the bill are seen as a threat.
The selection rules are now heavily stacked in favour of local activists. It used to be possible for an ‘outsider’ to be able to appeal to the wider membership by making a game changing speech at a branch meeting. But now aspirant candidates aren’t allowed to address members directly until the final shortlisting meeting – by which point votes are often committed. It is a process which disadvantages women in particular.
From the little I know about Islwyn politics it seems that there are other forces at work which has led to the resignation of the four local activists. That’s not to dismiss them. But a narrative which presents a mighty party machines parachuting in candidates to the disadvantage of local candidates is way off the mark.
Adam Higgitt 11:28 am on 2 March, 2010 Permalink
“I believe that the premium placed on ‘local’ candidates is too strong. As membership declines local activists become increasingly unrepresentative of the communities they are drawn from. They often look to select someone in their own mould and those who don’t fit the bill are seen as a threat. ”
Possibly something else also – as Labour can no longer weigh the vote, at least not quite so much, it needs the extra appeal that having a local candidate provides.
Gone are the days – recounted by Tony Benn – when officers of the CLP might see a willingness by the candidate to live in the constituency as a disadvantage. Gone also are the days when the MP did not see the state of the local part as any of his or her business.
marcus warner 8:59 pm on 2 March, 2010 Permalink
Interesting stuff Lee.
I personally know a fair number of those on the short list, and while I dont doubt their personable natue and obvious abilities, I fail to see your contention that local memberships are ‘increasingly unrepresentative’. Particularly, if you consider whether you believe that the non-local candidates are more representative.
I am not saying that is your point per se, but the fact remains that Labour has essentially parachuted in verbless robots into safe seats since New Labour. This I believe greatly disables local activists to champion the local party credentials on the ground. Councillors of course can do this, but I would contend that the average Dai on the street is beginning to despair at seeing another parachuted candidate take a job for life.
Another factor is Steffan Lewis, who in terms of locality and campaigning is exactly the type of candidate the locals want.
Daf 2:28 pm on 3 March, 2010 Permalink
Comparing MP selections with AM selections is a bit like comparing apples and pears. By its very nature the Assembly is less likely to appeal to people from outside Wales and therefore the “catchment area” is smaller as a result. Many in the Labour party still see the Assembly as “local government plus”. Labour’s selections to replace retiring MPs seem less inclined to place a premium on localism – see the shortlist in Pontypridd also, Geraint Davies in Swansea West.
It’s probably true that you can over-emphasise local links but I don’t think you can over-emphasise the need for local activists who have to do the work to feel involved in the decision
Black balled « This is my truth 10:09 am on 5 August, 2010 Permalink
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