Labour chiefs 'bend rules' for by-election candidate

Published on Monday 16 January 2006 14:10

LABOUR bosses have "bent" party rules to smooth the way for Euro MP Catherine Stihler to become the candidate in the Dunfermline and West Fife by-election.

Ms Stihler, 32, is the firm favourite to win the Labour nomination and succeed her friend Rachel Squire as MP.

But to put her name forward, she has had to get special permission from Labour's National Executive Committee because party rules would normally require her to quit her Brussels seat before trying for Westminster.

Ms Squire died from a brain tumour on January 5 and her funeral took place yesterday. The by-election is due on February 9.

Labour will select its candidate this week with a shortlist announced by the party's executive tomorrow and the final choice made by a meeting open to all party members in the constituency on Thursday.

Others bidding for the nomination include Fife councillor Bob Young and local activists Willie Sullivan and Mary Lockhart.

A Labour spokesman confirmed Ms Stihler would not have to step down as an MEP until she had been elected to Westminster.

A party insider said: "They have bent the rules for her. She has been given dispensation to put her name forward without having to resign first."

A Dunfermline Labour activist voiced fears that the special deal for Ms Stihler would leave her in thrall to the party leadership.

And the Lib Dems claimed the move showed Labour was not confident of holding the seat.