The Constituency Labour Party at Bassetlaw in Nottinghamshire has decided to take the controversial step of holding an American-style primary to decide on their choice for the next Labour leader.
The primary – open to “voters and supporters” as well as party members – was a tactic tried with limited success by David Cameron in the run-up to the general election as he searched for candidates who weren’t traditional Tories.
Simon Greaves, local party chair, said: “This decision is groundbreaking, with Bassetlaw being the first Labour Party in the country to put the leadership contest into the hands of ordinary voters. I am very proud that Bassetlaw is opening its democratic processes to non-party supporters.”
Ballot papers are being distributed and the result will determine who the CLP nominates and who its MP, John Mann, will vote for. He said: “Trust and faith is a two way process and this has been damaged during this recent time of grave cynicism about politics and politicians. The opening of our democratic processes to ordinary people will help rebuild our relationship which is vital if the Labour Party is to return to or hold on to power at national and local levels.”
