Labour MPs Face Deselection Battles Over Expenses

Strategic Insights -

Labour MP Hazel Blears is set to face a motion of no confidence from her constituency party in Salford over her parliamentary expenses, marking the first step in potential deselection battles for several Labour MPs. The controversy surrounding expenses has engulfed the party, with up to 50 MPs potentially facing reselection battles to restore the party's reputation. Labour's National Executive Committee has given local parties the green light to initiate deselection procedures for MPs with questionable expenses claims. The GMB president, Mary Turner, has called on union members to help "clear out" Labour MPs who have profited from the expenses system.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hazel Blears will face a motion of no confidence from her Salford constituency party, setting a precedent for potential deselection battles for Labour MPs.
  • Up to 50 Labour MPs may face reselection battles due to their parliamentary expenses claims.
  • The GMB president, Mary Turner, has called for Labour MPs who have profited from expenses to be deselected.
  • Local Labour parties can now initiate deselection procedures for MPs with questionable expenses claims.
  • The National Executive Committee has authorized local parties to proceed with deselection procedures.
  • Labour MP Alan Meale is among multiple MPs potentially facing reselection battles, including three others in the Mansfield constituency.
  • Critics have dubbed Meale "the minister of de-fence" due to his £13,000 expenses claims for gardening costs.

Statistics:

  • Up to 50 Labour MPs may face reselection battles.
  • £13,000: the amount of gardening expenses claimed by Labour MP Alan Meale.
  • 1987: the year Labour MP Alan Meale was first elected to represent the Nottinghamshire seat.

Sources:

  • "Labour MPs in expenses row: more could fall on their swords" by Telegraph reporters.
  • The Guardian.
  • The Daily Mirror.
  • BBC News.