Shush. Don’t Tell Anyone.

“Please note, this email is private and confidential.”

So began an email from the Group Chair, Cllr Simon Rush to all members of the Labour Group. Quite why it was so secret is a mystery, given that it simply states the procedures  for the selection of Labour candidates for the 2026 elections and which frankly is little different from the procedures in countless other candidate selection exercises.

Basically, candidates will be required to have 12 months continuous membership prior to selection, not be disbarred by reason of criminal conviction or embarrassing previous activities, you know like appearing in porno movies or spending time inside for making a bomb. We interpret the ‘due diligence’ requirement to mean that members of ‘Landlords for Labour’ must not be housing their tenants in poor accommodation. 

Presumably the requirement for a clean “Whip’s’ report” applies only to sitting councillors.

Lastly, because the parties are moribund, attendance at ‘campaigning sessions’ will count in lieu of other party activity which might demonstrate an ability to articulate and defend a policy idea. And there is absolutely no requirement to have any knowledge of local government or say how to save money or have experience of transforming service delivery in a large organisation.

Cllr Rush informed councillors that the date for applications to be distributed to members was 16th of June, which just happens to be the date when this article is being written. They haven’t gone out yet.

We can also reveal that the mayoral selection process will take place alongside this.

The council candidates will be decided by July 18th, The mayoral candidate should be known by 5th July.

Which is all kinda what we suggested some months ago.