Emily Thornberry has received her first CLP nomination, think I’m right in saying first CLP not to nominate either Starmer or RLB.
Source in Newbury CLP tells me Thornberry nomination was a surprise and it was v close. 21-19 over RLB in a 4th round.
Am told the fact Starmer is virtually guaranteed to go through already made a difference. Feeling among members was they wished to see the ballot widened.
Am told the fact Starmer is virtually guaranteed to go through already made a difference. Feeling among members was they wished to see the ballot widened.
Feeling of wanting to see the ballot widened also worked in Allin-Khan’s favour too.
Also, shows the little things make a difference. Thornberry had a good advocate in the room who made a powerful speech in her favour: “She sent a speech to be read out where she had made a few token gestures to mention Newbury specifically which went down well.”
Clearly the hopes of some of the other candidates, especially Thornberry and Phillips will rest on there being other CLPs which think like Newbury- ie they want to widen the ballot.
Interestingly Newbury CLP source tells me the hustings played a factor in swinging it for Thornberry...
Make that two CLPs for Thornberry. Horsham has nominated her too.
