Telford Tory hits out at Labour women ticket plan

Councillor Nicola Lowery, chairman of Telford Conservative Association, says candidates should be picked on merit.

The Telford constituency is part of the an All Women Shortlist (AWS) - a decision made by the party's National Executive Committee earlier this week that means only women will be shortlisted to run.

Applications are not currently being accepted but will be in the future.

Councillor Lowery, said: "It is extremely disappointing to hear of the Labour Party’s decision that the candidates in 46 of Labour’s key marginal target seats at the next General Election will be selected from an all-women shortlist, to include the seat in Telford.

"Prospective Parliamentary candidates should be selected on the basis of merit and what skills and experience they can bring to the role, to most effectively represent their community.

"We do need to encourage more women into politics to ensure a wider representation of individuals in Parliament, but it is completely unjust for the selection process to discriminate against male candidates by selecting only from an all-women shortlist.

“I feel it is completely wrong to limit the opportunities of male candidates who wish to put themselves forward, as I believe that we should be creating equal opportunities for anyone who has an interest in standing for election.

"As female in politics, I am very passionate and representing my community and I would want to know that I have been deserved or worthy of selection based solely on my skills and suitability for the opportunity, not because of my gender.

"I believe in a fair and equal society and it certainly questions the democratic process and ethics of the Labour Party’s selection process”.

The constituency is part of the an All Women Shortlist (AWS) - a decision made by the party's National Executive Committee earlier this week that means only women will be shortlisted to run.

Applications are not currently being accepted but will be in the future.