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Labour’s next pick for Mayor ‘must be chosen by voters’
07.08.09
Labour's next mayoral candidate should be selected in a mass vote of people who are not
party members, a minister urged today.
In an explosive intervention, David Lammy said an American-style primary should be held — open to millions of people who say they support
Labour but have never joined.
It would present Ken Livingstone, so far the only confirmed Labour runner for 2012, with a
new battle in his bid to unseat Boris Johnson.
It is bound to be interpreted as a “Stop Ken” move by Labour leadership, but Mr Lammy said
his aim is to reconnect the party with ordinary families. He indicated that Mr Livingstone's last
campaign was weakened by appearing to be dominated by inner London activists at the
expense of the suburbs.
Writing exclusively in today's Standard, Mr Lammy revealed his plans and said: “No longer
could politicians get away with just campaigning in their heartlands.
“No longer would Labour voters in Hillingdon or Havering feel ignored by those at the top,
since their votes would count for just as much as a Labour voter in Hackney.”
Foreign Secretary David Miliband made a call today for primar ies to be used when selecting Westminster candidates, saying it would breathe
new life into Labour. However, the party's left wing saw it as an attempt by modernisers to reduce the influence in selections of party traditionalists.
A primary contest would mean drawing up a list of
Labour supporters who could vote from a shortlist for the person to stand in the election.
Mr Lammy and Mr Miliband praised Tory leader David Cameron for using an even more radical open primary, which included other parties' supporters, to pick Sarah Wollastan as the candidate for Totnes, Devon.
“Before too long, I believe the clamour for a more open and democratic way of selecting our politicians will sweep into London,” Mr Lammy said. “The high turnout [in Totnes] showed
that people want to move away from backroom deals.”
But Neal Lawson of left-wing group Compass said: “This is not an answer for the future of
the Labour Party.”
Reader views (9)
"Labour’s next pick for Mayor ‘must be chosen by voters’"......but only if they agree to choose the right one!LOL!
- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster
Ah Charlie, Soho, London - another sore loser. Most people (who don't only vote Labour because that's all they know how to do) think he's doing a reasonable job - not brilliant (he can't be everything for everyone), but reasonable. Your beloved Ken, though, was ditched because of the lousy job he was doing. Please - don't confuse political allegiance with competence.
- Rogan, Irving
The next Labour candidate will be selected by Ken Livingstone, who will ceremoniously throw all of his toys out of his pram, hold his breath until he goes purple and refuse to do his homework, unless he is allowed to choose himself.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, the Scottish one
We should adopt another American policy: A maximum of two four years terms in office and then you are out and can not run again for that office. This should be widespread and include the Prime Minister.
- Dirk Diggler, Soho, London
Why stop at the mayoral elections? Why not have an open primary in Mr. Lammy's own constituency too.
- Sarah, London, UK
I can't wait till the next mayoral election when we can vote Ken back in - a man who actually knows how to do the job and has a real love for London, and isn't just using the post as a cynical stepping stone to a party leadership challenge like blithering Boris is.
- Charlie, Soho, London
David Lammy only got his seat because he was imposed on the local party and local electorate who favoured Bernie Grant's widow.
- Mark, South-East London
Why do we need another election when Boris is clearly going to win it? Boris should be Mayor until he wants to stand down which I hope is not for a long time as he is being fantastic.
- Kimberley, London
I do not mind how they select the next mayor - so long as they keep the odious Livingstone out of office.
- R.F., Yorks, UK
