Decision rules out worthy contenders

I WOULD like to know as a council tax payer in Walsall, just what is fair about an 'All Women Shortlist' for the Labour candidacy of Walsall South following MP Bruce George's retirement?

For those who do not understand the concept of AWS let me explain; they were introduced to raise the proportion of female Members of Parliament, allowing only women to stand for a particular party in certain constituencies.

Used by the Labour party, these target 'safe' seats such as Mr George's (in Labour control for 36 years) to safely usher another female into the Houses of Parliament.

But I ask the question, with not a sniff of sexism – what exactly is 'fair' or 'equal rights' about AWS?

What is almost guaranteed for the Labour party in Walsall now is a bright young female politician – who has been flown into the borough to become an MP, and may have someone who has little grasp of the needs of Walsall South.

The National Executive Committee of the Labour Party has forced the AWS on Labour Party members in Walsall South – and in doing so they have ruled out a selection of worthy contenders who have waited patiently for Mr George's retirement for years.

These are people imbedded in local politics, who have fought tirelessly for the greater good of Walsall against a Conservative ruled Walsall Council.

AWS, for me smacks of Labour smugness.

The Labour Party has a great chance of holding on to the Walsall South seat, given the Tory candidate (Richard Hunt) not being from the area and the Liberal Democrat candidate (Murli Sinha) being a political novice.

Labour had the chance to put up one of their respected local, and familiar politicians to represent the borough.

We are in a time of change and once 'safe' seats will see huge swings.

Play with 'safe' seats at your peril, Mr Brown.

Peter Nunn, Walsall.