“The process agreed tramples on the rights of members in Merthyr and Cynon to take part in an inclusive and collective decision-making process.”
Read Beth Winter MP‘s statement on Labour’s selection process for the new Merthyr Tydfil and Upper Cynon seat.
I will be fighting to win Labour’s selection for the new Merthyr Tydfil and Upper Cynon seat, and expect to be the party’s candidate at the next General Election.
But I regret that the Welsh Labour Executive has restricted the rights of party members. This is undemocratic.
There will be no branch nominations, no affiliate nominations, no in-person hustings to attend, meet candidates and vote at, and the process must be completed in such a short time.
The process agreed tramples on the rights of members in Merthyr and Cynon to take part in an inclusive and collective decision-making process.
I have serious concerns about the legitimacy and fairness of this process. I am therefore considering all options open to me at this stage.
The party’s online voting tool had faced criticism for a lack of transparency in selections elsewhere, so I expect an independent online ballot provider to be used.
In addition, the option of postal votes is a must for all members, as is the opportunity to participate in an in-person hustings.
I am standing on a platform of a socialist vision for the Valleys, to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, end in-work poverty, tax the rich to fund our public services and bring rail, water, energy and mail back into the public sector, as well as tackling the climate emergency.
I will be a Voice for our Valleys.
Beth Winter
- Beth Winter is the MP for Cynon Valley and a regular contributor to Labour Outlook, you can follow her on Facebook, Instagram and twitter.
