Probe into London Labour ‘deselection plot’

Florence Eshalomi, who represents Lambeth and Southwark, faces a fight to avoid deselection
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Labour has launched an internal investigation into alleged irregularities after moves by Left-wingers to try to oust one of just two black female London Assembly Members.

Florence Eshalomi, who represents Lambeth and Southwark, faces a fight to avoid deselection after a controversial “trigger ballot” organised by Momentum supporters.

Critics say the ballot paper did not use the unbiased wording issued by party HQ for such votes, and that people at the meeting were not asked to show they were members.

In addition, rules were relaxed to allow new members of just three months’ standing to vote, rather than the more usual six months, boosting the sway of an influx of Momentum members. The Standard has been told that there were attempts to raise the concerns at a meeting of the London region party board on Monday night. Vice-chair Seema Chandwani, a Momentum-backed Left-winger and a cabinet member at Left-run Haringey council, refused to allow a debate but told the board there would be an investigation.

The London Labour Party said: “London Labour’s regional director will be investigating the allegations made about Streatham CLP’s handling of the trigger ballot process. The trigger ballot procedures are clearly set out by the NEC and it is essential all CLPs follow this thoroughly.”

Ilford North MP Wes Streeting tweeted: “I am concerned by allegations of rule-breaking, which must be urgently and thoroughly investigated.”

Ex-Streatham Labour chairman Joel Bodmer tweeted: “The process was a complete stitch-up. Wrong question asked on ballot. Freeze date ignored. Sec told meeting [that] following the process was only advisory.”

The ballot paper at the centre of the dispute read: “Do you wish to automatically reselect the sitting Member of the London Assembly instead of having an open selection? Yes/No.”

The official party wording reads: “In regard to your sitting London Assembly Member Florence Eshalomi …” Members would then have put an X in one of two boxes, one stating she should be “reselected without seeking further nominations” and the other calling for “a full selection process” where “candidates other than the sitting assembly member can be nominated”.

The row has fuelled fears among Labour modernisers that Left-wingers are attempting a purge of centrists in London local government.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell attended part of the meeting and is said to have remarked that it was “good to see democracy in action”. A party source said Mr McDonnell played no part in the vote.

Under Mr Corbyn’s leadership, party membership has soared in Lambeth and Southwark from 2,500 to 12,400.

  • You can read a letter to the Editor about the meeting here

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