Miliband Wants US Style Selection

David Miliband, the Cabinet member tipped by some as a future leader of the Labour Party, has said he backs a US-inspired shake-up of how parliamentary candidates are selected.

Mr Miliband suggested a system similar to the American primaries could work in the UK.

At present, election candidates are chosen by paying party members. Under the US method, a wider catchment of party supporters vote for potential runners.

Basically anyone who is a committed supporter of the party at the ballot box can contribute.

Speaking to Tribune magazine, the foreign secretary said he had been taking inspiration from abroad, describing the current UK system of selection as "dying".

Mr Miliband said a reform would give the public a greater say in who represents parties.

He suggested Labour should consider introducing a system of registered voters.

However, critics say such a move would reduce official membership, and thus the funding for political groups.

Earlier this week, the Tory party selected its next parliamentary candidate for Totnes in Devon by sending out 69,000 postal ballot in the constituency.

This action saw 16,497 votes cast, whereas, beforehand only 700 local party members would have made the decision.

GP Dr Sarah Wollaston was eventually named as the Conservatives' candidate.

(PR/JM)