Parliamentary Affairs · 2001 · 28 citations · 0 references
Social SciencesPolitical SciencePublic PolicyElectoral PoliticsLegislative StudiesRecruitmentCandidate SelectionLegislative RecruitmentNomination ProcessesParliamentary CommitteesParty SystemsPolitical RecruitmentCandidate List FormationCandidate Selection InstitutionsElectoral Candidate SelectionLegislative Candidate RecruitmentLegislative Candidate SelectionParliamentary RecruitmentPolitical Candidate SelectionRecruitment Under Electoral Systems
This article explores the effects of the new system of candidates selection, introduced by the Labour Party, employed for the recruitment of candidates to the new devolved authorities in Scotland, Wales and London, for the choice of their leaders, for the European Parliament and for Westminster. It discusses the operation of the system and the extent to which it has achieved its aims of a more representative and improved calibre of candidates. The key new instrument being used is the panel of approved candidates, a list vetted by centrally-appointed boards from which constituencies must draw their preferred nominees. This has brought accusations of political screening which the article assesses before reaching some conclusions about the impact of the new rules on the flow of Labour candidates and the character of the party.