Selection process

The process of getting selected as a Labour Party candidate for local elections follows a number of steps and usually is overseen by the Local Government Committee of the local Labour Party (sometimes the regional party plays a significant role). Anyone who wants to become a candidate should not play a role in running the selection procedures.

Nomination

Nominations are sought for the panel of candidates from among the local party membership. The party may hold an "outreach" event to encourage members to come forward and find out more about what is involved before putting themselves forward

Members complete a nomination form, covering personal information, experience and knowledge of local government, track record in the party and community, and reasons for wanting to be a councillor

Assessment

The LGC checks eligibility against the qualification and disqualification rules and if eligible invites members for interview
A panel of three members, which should reflect the diversity of the local area and all of the local constituencies, assesses potential candidates through an interview and possibly an exercise, following up on information provided on the nomination form. The questions are set nationally and equal opportunities procedures are followed, including an opportunity to discuss training needs. The exercise may be written, verbal or by means of panel observation of discussion between candidates, and be sensitive to applicants’ backgrounds.

The interview team makes recommendations to the LGC as to who should be included on the panel of candidates. It does not state who should not be included; potential candidates  who are not accepted onto the panel have the right for this information to remain private. The report on each potential candidate containing the decision on whether the potential candidate is accepted onto the panel is shared with the candidate alone and there is a right of appeal to the regional party within fourteen days of receipt.
The LGC makes the final decision on the composition of the panel of candidates.

Short-listing

Panel members should produce a summary of their form for distribution to branches or wards so that they can be considered as a candidate for the ward. The party's code of conduct governing selections must be followed
Ward / branch parties draw up a short-list of candidates from whom they will select their final team of candidates. They will have a large list from which to choose so if you want a particular ward to short-list you, you need to attract their attention: you could highlight your interest in their ward on your form or summary information, talk to any ward members whom you know, contact the membership more generally (following the guidance in the code of conduct), or see if there are any local campaigning or other activities in which you can get involved and make yourself known.

Selection

A selection meeting will be held to which short-listed candidates are invited to give a short speech and answer questions from ward / branch party members. You should be told in advance how long you have to make your presentation and how long there will be to answer questions. Make sure you are familiar with the ward and the issues before attending a meeting in a ward where you would like to be the candidate.

Many local parties now organise a "Super Saturday / Sunday" selection day where a number of wards meet at the same venue to enable candidates to attend a number of selection meetings in turn, in case their first choice ward does not select them.
Where wards are selecting more than one candidate, at least one of the candidates must be a woman: this is to address the historic under-representation of women in local government since they first won the right to stand for election to principal councils in 1907. One hundred years later the proportion of councillors who are women stood at 30% and had stalled around that level for many years. Wards may also wish to consider other issues of representation of their local community such as age and ethnic minority origin.

The LGC will oversee the selection process and should advise candidates of when to turn up, how long their speech should be and how long there will be for questions.