We need to start selecting parliamentary candidates now

By James Frith / @jimmyfrith

The alarming coalition plans for boundary changes aim to recalibrate the electoral map of the UK, lock down electoral gains for the Tories and keep Labour out of power. One measure the Labour Party can do to fight these changes is to select its new parliamentary candidates early for the marginal seats it has to win to regain power with a majority, in the event these changes are defeated or fail to happen this parliament.

Labour has to oppose these profound amends to electoral life whilst the coalition, distracted by deficit obsession, makes other plans. Yes, object to the audacity, manner and nature of such proposals but accept the threat is real and position a politically armed response. Parliamentary opposition or questions in the house are not enough. Flotillas of objection to these measures need launching by CLPs around the UK.

With membership improving since Ed Miliband’s election as leader, the NEC and regional parties should redraft the pool of parliamentary candidates ensuring new talent is used and encourage selection to happen early as a powerful measure to defend against these proposed changes. This would send a clear message to the coalition that objection to these arbitrary and unfair measures is real. And that Labour is up for a fight on the matter.

This proposal hopes for a helpful and obstructive infrastructure of resistance to be erected across the electoral map by Labour, attracting the attention of the local communities, press and social media powers, all poised to learn of the implications for their region and enquire of/object to/rally against these coalition proposals. This would further spur national interest on the issue as democratically selected Labour candidates alongside MPs fight against a gerrymandered measure.

Responding in this manner would provide a formally organised opposition voice in marginal seats in need of protection in preparation for an electoral run-off in the years to come. It would also ensure we capitalise on the inevitable disquiet to the ConDem cuts once they bite and not simply leave it to our Labour councillors to object. Marginal seats without an MP can benefit from early selection with their leadership offering a route for the hard work that needs putting in before the country again goes to the polls.

With added interest in local party membership since May’s defeat and September’s leadership result, a campaign for selection – and with it the incentive for any prospective parliamentary candidate to improve membership and Labour activity in their area – can harness some evident momentum in these areas which if consolidated will offer a hardened opposition to new boundaries and sustain local party activism. In the event the boundary changes are successful, a reignited Labour Party across regions most affected will serve as a guarantee against the party movement drying up or most worryingly, disappearing from sight.

Whilst the threat is real and a defence needs to be mobilised now, there will be those who say its a waste of time to pursue candidate selection ahead of the changes. This view misses the opportunity and shape a campaign like this can take and what it represents to Labour people. We might also wish to take a view on what a campaign like this can mean to a nation who didn’t vote for a Tory government (though may not have voted Labour either) but look on, helpless, hopeless, objecting and in some instances protesting at the Tory coalition, executing cuts with an assumed right to govern running through their political DNA, driven by an ideology of small government is best. Labour’s new generation has to come out fighting in opposition, in expectation and not just hope for change.

James Frith is a member of Bury North CLP and candidate for Elton in the Local Elections.