Local MP invites residents to have say on next Labour leader

Dudley North MP Ian Austin has today launched a ground-breaking American-style primary election so that people in Dudley can have their say on the future leader of the Labour Party.

For the first time ever this is being opened out to anyone who supports Labour or who has voted for Austin or other Labour candidates in the past.

Austin 's team will deliver ballot papers and statements from the candidates to 30,000 homes in  his Dudley North constituency.  He will also enclose a declaration for resident to sign so that everyone can only vote once and a freepost envelope.

This ground breaking initiative will, for the first time, give local people a say on who is the most high profile politician holding the Government to account and standing up for them.

Ian Austin MP said:

“With VAT going up and huge cuts in services already underway, we need an opposition leader who stands up to this coalition government.”

“We also need a leader that people in this area support, and I don’t think that just because  a supporter isn't a member  their  voice should not be heard, so I’ve decided to open up the election ,  hold an American-style primary  and  give  them  the chance to have  their  say.”

“I promise that I will cast the vote I’m given as your local Labour MP for the candidate residents support.”