Reading Labour Party Plans All-Women Shortlist in West

The news keeps coming thick and fast about Reading Labour Party!

Over the last day or so two readers of this blog have contacted me to tell me that Reading Labour Party have been given permission by their party’s National Executive to begin selecting a new Parliamentary candidate. However, it is bad news for one Naz Sarkar, the former candidate, as the party has decided to foist an all-woman shortlist on the local party. One of my correspondents is very unhappy about this. I would also imagine that certain male Reading Labour Councillors will be unhappy at being excluded from the process. One threw his hat into the ring last time.

It is better news for local female Councillors who may fancy their chances. Already I am told that Whitley Councillor Rachel Eden is being suggested by some to fly the Labour red flag at the next General Election.

I do think that all-women shortlists are profoundly unfair. Parties should not be allowed to discriminate in this way and I understand that some local Labour members will be complaining to their central party. I will be watching the selection process closely and will report any more news I may be told.