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Labour NEC changes internal voting system in defeat for the left

LABOUR’S governing body has ignored the concerns of four of its affiliated unions by deciding to change the party’s internal voting system.

At a heated meeting yesterday, national executive committee (NEC) members voted to switch from a first-past-the-post system for internal elections to one of a single transferable vote.

The move, which is understood to be supported by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, has attracted criticism from the party’s left activists and unions as they point out that it is a “constitutional change” that should be decided at Labour conference.

In a statement before the vote, unions Unite, BFAWU, Aslef and FBU warned that the move was “reckless” and being done “while members backs are turned.” 

After the meeting, NEC rep Huda Elmi tweeted that the governing body had “decided to wage war on member democracy.” 

The change will affect the section of the NEC comprising nine representatives of local parties. The body has 38 seats in total. 

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