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07/08/2009
Miliband Wants US Style Selection
David Miliband, the Cabinet member tipped by some as a future leader of the Labour Party, has said he backs a US-inspired shake-up of how parliamentary candidates are selected.
Mr Miliband suggested a system similar to the American primaries could work in the UK.
At present, election candidates are chosen by paying party members. Under the US method, a wider catchment of party supporters vote for potential runners.
Basically anyone who is a committed supporter of the party at the ballot box can contribute.
Speaking to Tribune magazine, the foreign secretary said he had been taking inspiration from abroad, describing the current UK system of selection as "dying".
Mr Miliband said a reform would give the public a greater say in who represents parties.
He suggested Labour should consider introducing a system of registered voters.
However, critics say such a move would reduce official membership, and thus the funding for political groups.
Earlier this week, the Tory party selected its next parliamentary candidate for Totnes in Devon by sending out 69,000 postal ballot in the constituency.
This action saw 16,497 votes cast, whereas, beforehand only 700 local party members would have made the decision.
GP Dr Sarah Wollaston was eventually named as the Conservatives' candidate.
(PR/JM)
Mr Miliband suggested a system similar to the American primaries could work in the UK.
At present, election candidates are chosen by paying party members. Under the US method, a wider catchment of party supporters vote for potential runners.
Basically anyone who is a committed supporter of the party at the ballot box can contribute.
Speaking to Tribune magazine, the foreign secretary said he had been taking inspiration from abroad, describing the current UK system of selection as "dying".
Mr Miliband said a reform would give the public a greater say in who represents parties.
He suggested Labour should consider introducing a system of registered voters.
However, critics say such a move would reduce official membership, and thus the funding for political groups.
Earlier this week, the Tory party selected its next parliamentary candidate for Totnes in Devon by sending out 69,000 postal ballot in the constituency.
This action saw 16,497 votes cast, whereas, beforehand only 700 local party members would have made the decision.
GP Dr Sarah Wollaston was eventually named as the Conservatives' candidate.
(PR/JM)
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MPs are currently voting to elect a new Commons Speaker, amid allegations of plots by party whips. It is believed anti-reformists are trying to shoo-in former Labour minister Margaret Beckett. Tories are said to be backing the plot in a bid to push party colleague John Bercow out of the running in the early stages of elimination.
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Schools can get 'personalised' revision tips aimed at helping pupils to prepare for exams from new guidance written by education experts. School Standards Minister David Miliband said that while some young people might benefit from unsupervised revision, others do better in a more structured setting.
Teachers urged to adopt 'personalised' approach to revision
Schools can get 'personalised' revision tips aimed at helping pupils to prepare for exams from new guidance written by education experts. School Standards Minister David Miliband said that while some young people might benefit from unsupervised revision, others do better in a more structured setting.
26 September 2011
Miliband Must Prove Worth To Labour Party
The man in charge of the Labour party has it all to do today as Ed Miliband faces a his party faithful and must show that their leader is indeed the man to beat David Cameron and Nick Clegg at the next elections.
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The man in charge of the Labour party has it all to do today as Ed Miliband faces a his party faithful and must show that their leader is indeed the man to beat David Cameron and Nick Clegg at the next elections.
08 April 2011
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Around half the politicians whose names were put forward today for election as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Northern Ireland will actually make it to a seat. That's because the overall number of candidates standing this time round is down by almost 40 on the last Assembly poll in 2007.
Half Of Stormont Nominations 'Will Sit'
Around half the politicians whose names were put forward today for election as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Northern Ireland will actually make it to a seat. That's because the overall number of candidates standing this time round is down by almost 40 on the last Assembly poll in 2007.
23 June 2003
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
