What it was like to be selected

I have been asked by a few people to explain how I was selected as Labour’s candidate for the new York Outer parliamentary constituency and how it felt to be selected.

It was advertised to Labour members that the new seat had begun it’s selection process for this new seat. After careful consideration, weighing up the pros and cons and speaking to friends and family I realised that it would be good for the Labour party and for the constituency if I put my name in the ring. I felt that my previous campaigning experience put me in the best position to win this very difficult and unpredictable seat.

I sent in my CV and began contacting the party members by mail, e-mail, telephone and by knocking on their doors. I spoke to the members about the issues that affected them in York Outer and I also spoke with non-members.

I was in contact with trade unions, as affiliates trade unions can also nominate. I was very proud to achieve the nomination of the GMB and the CWU.

I spoke at various branch meetings and it became clear that my fellow Councillor Paul Blanchard was in the lead and was the clear favourite. I continued working hard and diligently and did not let anything deviate me from the course I had set. I became calmer during the process, less nervous and my confidence grew.

I was short-listed along with 3 other candidates and I felt still I was in second place to Paul. I wished him all the best and think he would have made a good candidate.

I came along to the final hustings, gave my speech and I was successful in winning the nomination in the first round of voting.

It was a bit of a shock and I was ecstatic. I hope Paul gets selected for another seat, but I do believe I am the best chance for Labour to win in this seat, Labour can win and I am the only now who can take on the Conservatives. Now I have to do even harder for all the people of York Outer. Wish me luck.