Swansea West: Labour members criticise ‘parachuting’ candidate

BBC Wales also spoke to a member who warned it could have an impact on campaigning by local members, in a constituency that is considered a safe Labour seat.

“An outsider being parachuted in will make people very angry. In an area like this, local connections are very important. We are the local members of the party and we’re getting no voice in the selection of our MP,” they said.

With another saying it appeared that “UK Labour isn’t bothered about what we (local members) think.”

The outgoing MP, Geraint Davies, had represented the seat for 14 years, winning with a majority of 8,116 at the 2019 general election.

But Mr Davies has been barred from standing at this election as he remains suspended from the party, following accusations of “completely unacceptable behaviour”.

Mr Davies says he does not recognise the allegations against him and has criticised the Labour Party for the time its taken to investigate the case.

Meanwhile, Labour has also announced that its candidate for the Cardiff West constituency will be one of Keir Starmer’s senior aides, Alex Barros-Curtis, after former MP Kevin Brennan announced he would be standing down at this election.

A Welsh Labour spokesperson said: “We’re delighted to announce two brilliant candidates for change who will be outstanding representatives for their constituencies.

“We’re pleased that despite the expedited process, the panels were formed by representatives from the Welsh executive committee and local members.

“Torsten brings a wealth of experience in economic policy and tackling child poverty. He will be real champion for Swansea West.

“Alex has extensive legal experience and is a campaigner for social justice issues.”

Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader, Liz Saville Roberts, said the Mr Bell’s candidacy showed Labour was “taking Wales for granted”.

“We know that Keir Starmer likes to have an iron grip on selection processes and that he objects to a plurality of views within his party, and it now appears that this extends to who he is willing to have as Labour candidates in Wales,” she said.

The Conservative Party has been asked to comment.