Labour frontbencher Lisa Nandy ‘bothered’ by social gathering’s all-white male candidate record for upcoming by-elections

Jun 25, 2023 at 9:14 PM
Labour frontbencher Lisa Nandy ‘bothered’ by social gathering’s all-white male candidate record for upcoming by-elections

Labour frontbencher Lisa Nandy has criticised her personal social gathering for choosing 5 white male candidates for a string of forthcoming by-elections.

The shadow communities secretary instructed Sky News that “of course” she was bothered Labour had gone for an all-white male record to contest the Westminster seats.

Female opposition MPs are reported to be angered on the lack of range of the slate and the failure to mirror the make-up of society.

Danny Beales, right, pictured with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves
Image:
Danny Beales (R) pictured with Labour chief Sir Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves

Pressed on Sky News’ Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme if she was “bothered” that Labour’s candidates have been all white males, Ms Nandy mentioned: “Yes, of course.

“It’s one thing that we take very significantly within the Labour Party.

“I myself was selected on an all-women shortlist. People say now I would have been selected anyway but the truth is that until and unless we change the perception of what a member of parliament looks like, that wasn’t going to change.”

She added: “We have reached the threshold of being allowed to use all-women shortlists again but for me and others across the Labour Party, it is incumbent on us to go out and make the case for why we need more women and more diversity in parliament and particularly at local level.

“If we’re going to impact the most important switch of energy out of Westminster and Whitehall in fashionable British historical past, which we’re, we have to be sure that our mayors and our council leaders and our cupboard members are consultant of the communities that they serve and we’re completely dedicated to doing that.”

Read extra:
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Labour plans to expand Lords with new peers if it wins election – despite wanting to abolish it

Danny Beales is contesting Boris Johnson’s previous seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip for Labour, whereas Keir Mather has been chosen in Selby and Ainsty, the place Nigel Adams, an in depth ally of the previous prime minister, additionally stop.

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Alistair Strathern has been chosen because the Labour candidate for Mid Bedfordshire – the seat Nadine Dorries has promised to resign however has but to formally accomplish that.

Neil Guild has been chosen for Somerton and Frome, the place David Warburton resigned over allegations about cocaine use and harassment.

Michael Shanks will contest in Rutherglen and Hamilton West, if a petition to oust the COVID rule-breaking MP Margaret Ferrier efficiently hits the edge to set off a vote.