Labour members should choose shadow cabinet team, says Corbyn

Jeremy Corbyn has announced his intention to give Labour members a role in electing his shadow cabinet and shaping new policy as part of his 'democratisation' of the party.

Corbyn, who is expecting a sweeping victory in next week's Labour leadership contest, says he is planning a democratic revolution in the party.

Speaking in the Observer, the Labour leader outlined his intentions to allow the party's 600,000 members to elect some of his Westminster top team, and giving activists a direct say in policy making through "digital consultations".

The changes will be presented at a meeting of Labour's governing body on Tuesday as an attempt to unify the party which has been shaken by months of infighting following Corbyn's election as leader.

Under his radical reforms, a third of the shadow cabinet would be elected by MPs, a third selected by the leader and a final third being chosen by party members.

However, some will argue the reform is a direct rebuff to Tom Watson, deputy leader, who had planned to put forward his own idea for the shadow cabinet ministers to be elected solely by the Parliamentary Labour Party.

Other shadow cabinet members – including chief whip Rosie Winterton – have voiced their support for a shadow cabinet elected solely by MPs, in the hope that it could bolster party unity following months of dispute.

However, Corbyn's democratic, socialist ideals would involve devolving power from MPs and back to the members.

Corbyn said on Saturday (17 September) that "democratisation of the party and the country is central to my agenda for change".

He said: "Whoever wins the leadership election has the right to call on support from the Labour party at all levels, including in parliament.

"If Labour party members re-elect me that will be my second mandate in a year, from a hugely increased membership.

"It's right we'll be discussing elections to the shadow cabinet at the national executive committee this week, as well as who might take part in those elections, and how to ensure proper representation of the regions, nations, general and ethnicity."