LABOUR'S parliamentary selection process in Rochdale is in disarray. The constituency party's general committee was due to draw up shortlist last Saturday (November 18). However, things came to a halt when the local party passed a motion of no confidence in the selection process.
Local members were unhappy about the number of people allowed on the shortlist. It had been understood this would consist of six names. However, regional Labour Party officials ruled that, as only two women had applied, there should be a shortlist of five:  two women and three men.
Local members were concerned that the shortlist was deliberately being manipulated in order to exclude Afzal Khan, a Manchester councillor, who had received the highest number of nominations.
The Rochdale selection has become increasing contentious. In August, Tribune revealed that Vision 21 the company run Simon Danczuk, another leading candidate for the nomination, had sent questionnaires to Labour members in Rochdale on behalf of the regional party.
It was suggested that, as Mr Danczuk had access to members' views, this might give him an unfair advantage in the forthcoming parliamentary selection.
Mr Danczuk has been described as Downing Street's favoured candidate. He was in business at Vision 21 with Ruth Turner, who is now the head of government relations at Downing Street.
No new date for a shortlisting meeting has been agreed. Shortlisting could now be conducted regionally rather than by local members.
Mr Danczuk said: "I have total confidence in Rochdale Labour Party members ultimately selecting the best candidate to fight the seat."
A Labour Party spokesperson said: "Shortlisting rules were applied as per the rulebook. We will continue to upheld democracy in the Labour Party."