Dear Sir,
I am happy to supply information on the Labour Party selection process:
Any member wishing to stand as a Labour Councillor must first go through an interview which is carried out by people outside of the area with no ties with any candidate.
Once through that stage, of which there where 160 candidates this time, it goes to a shortlisting process. The shortlist for Aycliffe was 13 candidates for 7 seats available. There are 3 divisions in Newton Aycliffe – Aycliffe East, Aycliffe North & Middridge, and Aycliffe West.
The 13 candidates had a choice of where to stand.
Members of the Labour Party residing within each particular division are entitled to vote on who they feel is the best candidate(s) to represent their division.
The selection meetings were all held on the same night to give candidates the opportunity to stand in the division of their choice.
Aycliffe East were first and only members from that Division could attend, with a roll call carried out by officers of the Constituency.
Aycliffe West were next who could not reach a decision on the night. Following a meeting of all members it was resolved that members from Aycliffe North & Middridge should continue with their selection.
A further meeting was convened for Aycliffe West but this meeting produced stalemate even after several re-votes.
On their third meeting it was agreed, as is normal practice, that executive officers be called in to assist.
The process was completely fair and above board, and part of the democratic voting process. If any readers are concerned and would like a say on who they would like to stand as a Labour Party Candidate, they should join the party for just £2.00 per month and they could be part of the democratic process. There is no point coming afterwards because they don’t like the result.
Some members were present, but could not vote as they need to be members before the cut off date which allows them to vote.
Vince Crosby (Counc)
