Labour launches quick-fire selection process for Wythenshawe and Sale East

Labour HQ aren’t wasting any time in getting the selection process completed for the Wythenshawe and Sale East by-election following the sad death of Paul Goggins MP.

I’m told that applications from potential candidates opened this morning at 9am – and close at 10am on Monday.

That’s incredibly short notice and really doesn’t give potential candidates much chance to consider whether they’re willing or able to throw their hat into the ring. I had assumed the party was moving beyond such shotgun selections, giving candidates only 49 hours to decide whether they’re running and get their application in really isn’t long enough.

The shortlisting meeting will take place as soon as Wednesday and the final selection meeting will take place next weekend, so the whole process from start to finish is taking only a week to complete, which doesn’t give members much time to consider potential candidates either.

Evidently we can expect a quick by-election in the seat – with the date announced this week and election day being within a matter of weeks.