TOUGH new rules on the choosing of Labour candidates for Westminster were roundly criticised by back bench MPs yesterday who feared the loss of local control over who should stand, writes Ken Smith.
The proposals were put forward at yesterday's meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party when it was proposed that the party's National Executive Committee could veto sitting MPs as candidates even if they have been chosen by the party locally. It was suggested that the NEC would be involved if the party's Whips were concerned about an MP's voting record.
A number of PLP members, including John McAllion and Ian Davidson, are concerned the rules would be used to bar independently-minded MPs who may have abstained, or voted against the Government, on matters of conscience.
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