Birkenhead MP Frank Field: I would welcome challengers

Oct 27 2009 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

Frank Field

BIRKENHEAD MP Frank Field has said he would welcome an open primary to choose who would stand in his constituency for the Labour Party at the next General Election.

Mr Field was responding to the national campaign, Open Up, which is calling on MPs of all parties to be subject to the American-style primaries.

On his blog, Mr Field said he would welcome the opportunity for “my constituents to pass a specific judgment on the question of my expenses, but also my record as their MP”.

He said: “They would have a choice between me and other candidates wishing to stand in a safe seat.

“This is not a choice that my constituents get in a general election.

“Whenever that occurs they also have to consider how their vote will affect the formation of a Government and who will be Prime Minster.”

Mr Field has also challenged the Open Up campaign to help organise a primary in his constituency.

He wrote: “So, over to you, Open Up. If I can persuade my local party to back me, will you come and organise the contest?

“The Totnes open primary cost £40k. Does your campaigning extend to raising the money to put your idea into practice?

“For you not to respond positively would be a lost opportunity to expand the means by which democracy is renewed in our country.”

Last night, Joe Hewitt, of Open Up, said they were very pleased at the Birkenhead MP’s reaction to their campaign.

He said: “We’re delighted he has embraced the issue and we will be contacting Mr Field to respond to the many points he has raised.

“Birkenhead is a very important area and we want to encourage people to discuss this issue as much as possible.”

Last night, chairman of the Birkenhead Labour constituency party, Cllr George Davies, said he had discussed the issue of primaries with Frank Field who told him he would be happy to take part in one.

Cllr Davies said although he had not seen the blog or had the chance to discuss the idea of an open primary in Birkenhead with other members of constituency party, he could see no difficulty in pursuing it.

He said: “I don’t think there would be any problem with it.

“I think we would support his policy and his point of view.”