Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Political reporter Sam FrancisThe Labor party’s ruling body is set to convene in order to develop plans for a deputy leadership election to replace Angela Rayner, who stepped down recently after acknowledging that she had underpaid stamp duty. The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party will engage in discussions on Monday to establish the timeline and regulations for the competition, which is poised to become a significant clash concerning the direction of the Labor party. Rayner’s resignation triggered a substantial government reshuffle over the weekend as Sir Keir Starmer restructured his top team. Historically, in deputy leadership elections, Labor members, unions, and MPs have had a say in the outcome, but the NEC could alter the rules in an attempt to expedite the contest.
The Labor rulebook sets a high threshold for entry into the race, requiring candidates to garner the support of 80 Labor MPs – equivalent to 20% of the parliamentary party – to qualify for the ballot. Furthermore, candidates must secure the backing of either three affiliates’ groups, including two unions, or 5% of local parties. Those who meet the criteria will face a vote by party members. The NEC is expected to be presented with proposed regulations, including hustings for MPs on Wednesday, with nominations closing at 17:00 BST on Thursday. Subsequently, candidates endorsed by MPs will seek nominations from local parties and unions before a final vote.
Dame Emily Thornberry, the chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, emerged as the first prominent figure to suggest her contemplation of a bid on Sunday. Dame Emily’s omission from Sir Keir’s government was unexpected, given her position as the shadow international trade secretary in opposition. On Monday, former transport secretary Louise Haigh advocated for a comprehensive “economic reset” and reforms to Labor’s rigid fiscal rules in an article in the New Statesman, although she refrained from declaring a bid for the deputy leadership. The contest arose following Rayner’s resignation due to breaching the ministerial code after admitting to underpaying £40,000 in stamp duty on a new home earlier this year. Her departure prompted a significant reshuffle, resulting in Yvette Cooper becoming foreign secretary and Shabana Mahmood assuming the role of home secretary, with Rachel Reeves remaining as chancellor. This marks the first instance of the UK having three women occupying the most senior cabinet positions alongside the prime minister. Sir Keir is now confronted with the prospect of a party conference overshadowed by maneuvering for the vacant deputy leadership position left by Rayner, a figure who was well-regarded among the grassroots for her role as deputy Labor leader and deputy prime minister
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.