A row broke out today in the local party of one of Labour’s best-known MPs after it formally backed Owen Smith for leader over Jeremy Corbyn.
Grassroots members in Chuka Umunna’s Streatham seat claimed they were “locked out” of the vote to decide the nomination. The decision was instead taken by the party’s general committee, with Mr Smith winning the support of 44 delegates compared with 14 for Mr Corbyn.
Some accused local leaders, including Mr Umunna, of blocking them out of fear of a Corbyn surge.
Unison delegate to the party Dan Jeffries said: “The way they have done it is totally unfair. “Other constituency parties, including in Lambeth, have allowed members to vote.”
In neighbouring Vauxhall sources confirmed members were allowed to vote in the nomination ballot.
Streatham member Linda Heiden, 65, who joined Labour last July to back Mr Corbyn, said: “This is meant to be a party representing ordinary people, representing the 99 per cent. To not allow us to vote was cynical.”
A member who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s a shameful stitch-up as far as I’m concerned. We were locked out.” Another claimed it could heighten the chance of a bid to deselect Mr Umunna, 37.
Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee gave each local party the option of nominating a candidate through a members’ vote or one by the party’s general committee.
Mr Umunna was unavailable for comment. But a party source said the decision was taken on practical grounds as arranging a short-notice members’ vote for a party with such a large membership would have been too difficult.
Mr Smith was campaigning in England today. A spokesman for Mr Corbyn’s camp, due to hold a rally in York tonight, said: “Our campaign seeks to extend democracy in the party and use the talents and ideas of all members.” The election result is set to be announced in September.
