All-women lists spark row as successor to John Reid is chosen

Published on Sunday 14 March 2010 21:54

LABOUR has announced the woman who will replace former home secretary John Reid as the party's candidate in Airdrie and Shotts at the general election.

Dr Reid's parliamentary researcher, 25-year-old Pamela Nash, has been chosen as the party's candidate for the safe seat.

After her selection yesterday, Ms Nash – who originally comes from Chapelhall in the constituency – said: "I am delighted to have been selected by local members. This is where I am from and where I grew up."

She added: "The general election is going to be a two-horse race between Labour and the Tories and I will be doing everything I can to stop the Tories getting back.

"The people of Lanarkshire have not forgotten what the Conservatives did to this area, and they haven't forgiven them either."

Her appointment comes amid internal disagreement over the way the party leadership is selecting candidates.

Ms Nash was part of an all-women shortlist drawn up by Labour National Executive.

One local Labour Party member said: "Members are furious they have had an all-women shortlist imposed upon them."

There is also concern that the party leadership is trying to fill safe seats with former members of staff in Westminster at the expense of local candidates.

Tom Greatrex, one of the Labour spin doctors employed at the Scottish Office, is in line for the safe Rutherglen and Hamilton West, where Labour whip Tommy McAvoy is retiring.

Dr Reid, 66, announced that he would quit Westminster at the next general election in September 2007.

He has served as home secretary, defence secretary and health secretary, but returned to the back benches in May 2007.