Rules for the selection of parliamentary candidates in England: an introduction

Overview of the process

In order to ensure that all constituencies have an appropriately approved and democratically selected candidate for a General Election Article 11 of the Federal Constitution specifies that all states shall agree a fair selection process. These rules govern that process and must be used by all Local Parties in England for the purpose of selecting Parliamentary Candidates.

Constituencies starting the process of selection must ask their Regional Candidates’ Chair (RCC) to appoint an independent Returning Officer (RO) from outside the constituency. The local party executive will agree the appointment of a shortlisting committee with the Returning Officer. The Returning Officer will then work with the shortlisting committee to ensure that the selection process is completed satisfactorily in accordance with these rules.

Phase 1: The shortlisting committee and Returning Officer work together to prepare an application pack and advertise the seat.

 

Phase 2: The shortlisting committee scrutinise applications and shortlist applicants for the selection.

 

Phase 3: The candidates’ campaign: members’ mailing, leaflets and personal contact. Postal votes applied for and sent out by the Returning Officer.

 

Phase 4: The hustings meeting, vote and count. The result is declared.