Despite an attempt by the South Wales Echo to stir up controversy it seems that the story of the all-female shortlist for the Vale of Glamorgan is not a runner.
The local Labour MP, John Smith is standing down after representing the constituency since 1997. So far nine women have applied for the vacancy with a selection contest due next month. The Echo reports that a female member of the Vale of Glamorgan party has contacted them to say that there is a silent majority of local Labour members who would oppose the imposition of a women-only shortlist. She alleges bullying tactics from the National Executive which forced the local party to succumb to this policy.
That may well be the case but this is one tinderbox that is unlikely to ignite. Unlike Blaenau Gwent there is no local candidate with a huge amount of popular support waiting in the wings and aggrieved at a central directive thwarting his ambition. Thus no matter how much unease there is, no focal point exists to organise resistance around.
More to the point most people expect Labour to lose this seat. It just may be therefore that whoever wins the selection contest has drawn a rather unfortunate short straw.
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