The post you are reporting:
This letter/comment will,hopefully,be in the Dover Mercury from Keith..
My comments/fight against the conservatives continues with passion this remains
unaltered,
Having spent 25 years or more in the labour party when the issue of women only
shortlists first raised its ugly head i opposed it both at national/regional/local levels
when it was imposed in the county elections.
I have continued to take the same line in a consistent manner.
The view held by some members that the present imposed candidate would have won
under any selection system we will never know as this was never an option.
My decision is not to opt out of the democratic process, but to spoil my ballot paper
which is quite different.
I'm a great believer in wanting more women and all to be involved in/stand for,
positions within the party, but openly discriminate to stop people standing is one that i
do feel very strongly about, as do many women members if they
were to be questioned closely enough, this is realy about if you don't support this
undemocratic process (which i have been consistent in my opposition to it) then in
principle you should consider spoiling your ballot paper, with a protest message.
There are a number of women within the party that oppose women only shortlists,
but the local party and national party appear to approve of this undemocratic process.
I would have been happy had claire stood in an open selection and won the right to be
the labour candidate, and i would have voted/campaigned for her.
I'm afraid i cannot support imposed candidates/not selected through choice, and no
males able to stand.