by Alex Halligan
Peter Robinson, the chairman of Stalybridge and Hyde Constituency Labour Party, said this week that constituency activists were “shocked” and “surprised” by James Purnell’s decision to give up his seat at the next election.
The former Work and Pensions Secretary thought resignation now was preferable to a departure mid-way through the next Parliament, which would have triggered a by-election. He said: “I have spent all my working life in or about Westminster and, while this has been a huge privilege, I’ve realised I don’t want to have spent all my life in front line politics.”
Mr Purnell’s last-minute decision has left the local party with less than 70 days to prepare for the general election. One constituency activist said: “The resignation couldn’t have come at a worse time. We’ve got 8,000 leaflets with James’ face on, not to mention all the material already distributed.”
The resignation has also left the constituency with a messy selection process on its hands. Mr Robinson said: “We would prefer a local candidate” and one Greater Manchester TUC official said that Labour councillors Jonathan Reynolds and Jim Fitzpatrick were the frontrunners.
Some local party members fear that a candidate may be parachuted into this safe Labour seat – Mr Purnell had a majority of more than 8,000 in 2005 – and one constituency campaigner said: “Party members won’t be happy if we don’t get a local candidate selected.”
An emergency general committee will be held on March 1. There will be an open shortlist, pending a decision by Labour’s National Executive Committee.
