Last night the results of the PLP ballot on the method for selecting the Shadow Cabinet were announced.
The top line is that the Shadow Cabinet will remain fully elected. The variations on the method for selecting the shadow cabinet were rejected. Harriet Harman’s suggested 50:50 gender balance was also rejected, with the PLP settling for 31.5%.
However the most important decision taken by the PLP was the resounding vote in favour of electing the chief whip at the start of each Parliament.
The vote wasn’t even close, with 150/100 voting in favour.
The Whip’s are cock-a-hoop. Telling anyone who will listen that this is an overwhelming endorsement for Nick Brown. The leadership candidates are likely to be less enthused.
The new intake has, in general, been impressed with how they have been looked after by the Whip’s office. With smoke and mirrors, plenty of hand holding, the occasional night drinking with the cool kids in Strangers, help with offices and most importantly some muscle flexing with IPSA, they have kept them onside.
This quiet campaign, obscured from view by the leadership contest, looks to have been the most successful. On the basis of the overwhelming support for an elected Chief Whip it is likely Nick Brown will have a clear run.
The proposals will be subject to a yes/no ballot of the PLP on Tuesday 14 September.
From: O’DONOVAN, Martin
Sent: 08 September 2010 18:11
Subject: Result of today’s ballotFAO Labour MPs
Please find below the result of today’s ballot:
PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE:
The PLP has voted to re-establish the Parliamentary Committee.
1. COMPOSITION OF THE SHADOW CABINET
The PLP has voted that the Shadow Cabinet should be wholly elected by Commons members of the PLP.
2. SIZE OF THE SHADOW CABINET
The PLP has voted for the Shadow Cabinet to be made up of 19 members in addition to ex-officio members (Leader, Deputy Leader, etc.).
3. GENDER PROFILE OF THE SHADOW CABINET
The PLP has voted that a minimum of 31.5% should apply to men and women.
4. FREQUENCY OF ELECTIONS
The PLP has voted for Shadow Cabinet elections to be held every two years.
5. POST OF THE CHIEF WHIP
The PLP has voted for the Chief Whip to be elected by Commons members of the PLP at the start of a parliament.
I will send out a more detailed breakdown of the results on request tomorrow.
Finally a reminder that there will be a yes/no ballot on these new proposals for choosing the Shadow Cabinet on TUESDAY of next week (14th September) from 10-5 in the PLP Office. Please contact me on xxxxxxxxxxx if you would like to arrange a proxy.
Martin O’Donovan
Returning Officer and PLP Secretary
Tags: Chief Whip, Harriet Harman, Nick Brown, PLP
