Progress has today launched their campaign for primaries to select future Labour parliamentary and mayoral candidates. I’m in favour of the principle of holding primaries. The success of the Tory trial in Totnes, where 24% of the electorate participated in the country’s first open primary, demonstrates public appetite for a direct say in candidate selections. I do, however, have concerns about the cost of holding primaries. The Totnes ballot is reported to have cost the Conservative Party over £40,000. However, assuming costs could be minimised, I’m beginning to be convinced that the benefits of increased voter engagement are worth the additional cost.

A lot of commentators are resisting a move towards primaries as a step in undermining the traditional structure of political parties, where candidate selection is a privilege reserved for members. I have some sympathy with this view, as selecting a candidate is often the most important – and motivating – duty for activists who otherwise spend their time trudging the streets to varying degrees of thanklessness. There is a place for local parties in primaries, however; either shortlisting or post-selection ‘endorsement’ should remain with party members.

Check out Progress’ campaign here.

Will Straw has written a pamphlet for Progress, which makes the case for primaries here

And Luciana Berger argues the case against primaries on her blog.

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