Thank You all for signing this petition Unfortunately Labour's NEC has decided against the AWS.

PETITION TO THE NEC IN SUPPORT OF AN ALL-WOMEN SHORTLIST

We, the undersigned, call upon Labour's NEC to endorse an all-women shortlist (AWS) for the forthcoming selection of a PPC in our constituency.

We are:

• Labour members in Ilford South [ISCLP inserted into comments box]
• Labour members in Ilford North [INCLP inserted into comments box]
• Labour members in other constituencies [LP inserted into comments box]
• Labour supporters [comments box left blank]

We believe there is an overwhelming case for an AWS in Ilford South, for the following reasons:

· The party’s goal is for 50% of Labour MPs to be women. To this end, the importance of increasingיthe number of female candidates standing in safe seats is fully understood. In the 2017 General Election in Ilford South, Labour took more than 75% of the overall vote and notched up a majority of no less than 31,647. Following the Redbridge Council elections in 2018, Labour holds every seat in every ward within the constituency’s boundaries. Ilford South must rank as one of the safest of Labour seats.

· Since 1945, there have been 20 general elections in Ilford South. Labour has won 11 times and the Tories 9. We have had 3 MP's and they have had 2. Labour or Tory, all of them have been male. In fact, not only have all the winning candidates been male, all of the losing candidates — ours or the Tories’ — have been male too. It is high time a woman got a look in in Ilford South!

· The experience of losing a longstanding MP has been painful and divisive. We believe that a woman PPC with the right personal qualities would be best place to lead a process of healing and reunification.