Election process for the Party’s next leader
The procedures for this election are set out in the Rule Book. The NEC established a Procedures Committee to oversee the election process and agreed a timetable and Codes of Conduct for Candidates and Party Staff. Key points are as follows:
· 24 May to 9 June. MPs make nominations – these will be posted twice daily on the Party’s website (To stand nominees must receive the nomination from 33 MPS).
· 10 June to 26 July CLPs, affiliated orgs, and MEPs can make “supporting” nominations.
· 5 June – 18 July Regional /local hustings
· From 16 August ballot papers and magazine posted to all members (voters indicate 1, 2, 3, 4). There will be the option of secure e-voting and telephone voting. There will be a helpline.
· 15 September. Last day to request replacement ballot paper.
· 22 September. Close of members’ ballot.
· 25 September. Announcement of the winner in the electoral college. The college is 1/3rd affiliated organizations, 1/3rd MPs and MEPS.
· All other internal elections to run alongside the Leaders’ ballot (viz NEC (CLP Section); NPF (CLP Section); Treasurer; councillors ballot; London Mayor (London only))
· The ballot will be carried out by an independent organisation, ERS.
· There will be a cap on the amount each leadership candidate can spend on their Campaign. Exact arrangements for the cap were left to the Procedures Committee.
General Election Statistics
At the General Election Labour’s share of the vote was 29.7% (36.2% in 2005). The Conservative share was 36.% (33.2%) and Lib Dem share 23.6% (22.6%). There was a 5.1% swing from Labour to Conservative, a 3.7% swing from Labour to Lib Dem and a 1.4% swing Lib Dem to Conservative. Labour did particularly well in Scotland, Liverpool and Metropolitan multi ethnic areas.