Former MP in comeback bid as she stands for role on NEC
SHERRIFF AIMING TO BE ’FEARLESS VOICE’ ON LABOUR PARTY’S GOVERNING BODY
OUSTED Labour MP Paula Sherriff is bidding for a political comeback.
The former Labour MP for Dewsbury, a constituency which includes Kirkburton, Skelmanthorpe, and Denby Dale, is standing for the party’s National Executive Committee.
Ms Sherriff, who was elected in 2015 but lost to Tory Mark Eastwood last December, says on a flyer headlined “a fearless voice on Labour’s NEC” that she wants to use her “breadth of experience” to aid a future Labour victory.
The 44-year-old, who worked with the police and in the health service before becoming an MP, joined Labour’s front bench in 2018 as Shadow Social Care and Mental Health Minister.
She successfully campaigned against bed reductions at Dewsbury District Hospital and fought the proposed downgrading of Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
She took on high street retailer WH Smith over its hospital shop pricing and secured a budget amendment that resulted in the abolition of the tampon tax.
She is a candidate for the centre left Tribune Parliamentary group.
On their website Labour Tribune MPs say they have a long and proud heritage as the voice of the centre left of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP).
They add that they “want to build on that heritage by initiating policy discussions and engaging with the wider Labour movement right across the UK.”
It continues: “We will work with individuals and organisations that share our values and common goals, to develop ideas that will help inform and shape future debates around a wide range of policies.”
Ms Sherriff’s flyer reads: “Of course I was devastated to lose my seat in 2019, but I want to use my breadth of experience to help Labour win again.
“The Labour Party has given so much to me and I will always want to be an active part of its future.”
She has already received the support of one parliamentary colleague, with Denton & Reddish MP Andrew Gwynne tweeting: “Proudly voted for you Paula”.
Labour describes the NEC as its governing body, overseeing the overall direction of the party and the policy-making process.
It sets strategic objectives on an annual basis and meets regularly to review the work of the party.
Ms Sherriff’s candidacy comes as Labour is in the throes of choosing either Sir Keir Starmer, Lisa Nandy or Rebecca Long-Bailey as its new leader. The winner will be named on April 4.
Bookmakers view Sir Keir Starmer as the front-runner. According to matched betting site OddsMonkey he is currently rated at 1/12, which is over 92% probability to win.
Rebecca Long-Bailey is now 8/1 with Lisa Nandy at 16/1.