Sandy Martin MP received the strongest of endorsements from local Labour Party members and affiliates, as he was reselected to contest Ipswich at the next General Election, whenever it comes.

Sandy said “I would not want to stand as the Labour Candidate at the next general Election unless I knew that I had the support of my local Party and Trade Unions.  That is why I welcomed the process we agreed at last years Conference, which has given my colleagues the opportunity to say whether or not they would support me.  I am grateful and delighted by the comprehensiveness of that support.  I feel confident that together, Labour Councillors, trade unionists, activists and myself can continue to work for the benefit of the residents of Ipswich.”

Members from each of the thirteen wards in Ipswich Constituency, were invited to attend local meetings to determine whether Sandy Martin should be reselected immediately, or whether a full selection process should be undertaken with nominations opened to all comers.  Ipswich Labour Party’s eighteen affiliated organisations (mainly local trade union branches) also had an opportunity to cast a vote as to whether they supported Sandy’s reselection.

All Labour MPs have to go through a reselection process ahead of every General Election, with a “trigger ballot” being held. If one third of Party Branches (based on Borough Council wards in Ipswich) or affiliated organisations request a full selection process, than this takes place. Otherwise the sitting MP is selected as the Labour candidate.

Sandy received support from every affilated organisation and every ward meeting – a ringing endorsement of Sandy’s performance of his duties as our Member of Parliament.