NEC extends deadline for supporters to register for London Mayoral Primary

In two months, Labour will begin to choose a London Mayoral candidate. In recent weeks that has been criticism of the party’s decision to only allow supporters until May 20th (two weeks after the general election) to register to vote in the contest.

Fortunately, common sense has prevailed – the party’s NEC agreed yesterday to extend the deadline for registration through to June 12th, giving potential supporters a month to sign up to vote. Most of the likely candidates to be Labour’s candidate had expressed – either publicly or privately – disappointment and/or anger at the original deadline.

Sadiq Khan MP, Labour’s Shadow London Minister (and probable mayoral candidate) welcomed the decision, saying:

“I am delighted that Labour’s NEC have agreed to extend the deadline for Londoners to register in the primary to select our candidate to be the next Mayor of London. These changes will ensure that as many Londoners as possible can take part in the primary process. We want an open and inclusive primary with as many Londoners participating as possible.”

The new deadline means it’s now more likely that Londoners who are not party members will be able to take part in the process. But how many will? That remains to be seen.