Thread by @Andrewwood17

I was watching the Jurassic World movie last night but switched off to read tweets from the Labour selection meeting that chose Apsana Begum as the next MP for Poplar & Limehouse
Who knew a Labour selection meeting was more exciting then dinosaurs chasing people?
1/

But the whole process process has been a tragedy
Poplar & Limehouse is the 29th safest seat in country for Labour, so they can pick the most experienced, capable person to be in government (or more likely hold government to account)
Pictures are all from tweets from last night
2/

@FitzMP share of the vote in last 3 elections was;
2017: 67%
2015: 58%
2010: 40%
Labour NEC knew this probably meant they could pick anyone & they would still win
They did
3/

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poplar_an…

A number of capable & experienced local Labour women who had stood for office before (Apsana Begum never has) applied
Like the competent & v experienced Deputy Mayor Cllr Rachel Blake, the v interesting Dr Halima Begum with international experience, Suzie Stride + many more:
4/

But all were removed from the shortlist
3rd candidate Heather Peto from the east Midlands I think , stood down on Friday
So a choice between Cllr Amina Ali & Apsana Begum
Selection meeting was apparently delayed by car crash of vehicle carrying ballot papers???
5/

Police were called, would be good to understand why
Various allegations made last night (some tweets then deleted)
But clear some people left the meeting due to chaos
In Tower Hamlets politics is a spectator sport (we had similar issues in 2014 at local election count)
6/

And Labour members were asked to bring a photo ID + membership card or another proof of address
Just in case Apsana ever complains about requiring voters at a future election from bringing ID to vote for her
But seemed sensible given circumstances
7/

So we ended up with a political novice picked by the left of the Labour party for ideological reasons
We ended up with a 'car crash' of a selection meeting that will damage reputation of Labour & Apsana Begum before she is even elected
Labour need to re-run this selection
8/

Government is a serious business, it needs serious people, we need to find a better way of selecting & choosing our national politicians then this chaotic process
& voters need to be more discriminating
@JackCav20249668, @ELAdvertiser, @RachaelBurford, @hlsomerville @thetimes