European Selection timetable and rules agreed

8.08.00am GMT Wed 6th Dec 2006

I have just realised I have not mentioned that the last English Council have agreed the European Selection timetable and rules. The timetable and rules will just apply to England but the process will take place earlier than last - which has to be a good thing to allow our candidates to campaign better - we certainly urged that from the West Midlands Liberal Democrats Regional Executive.

Basically the process will begin with the appointment of Returning Officers next May, with the adverts appearing in early June, interviews for potential candidates in early July and the selection campaign will begin in August, hustings in October with the Count and declaration of result on 10 November 2007.

I am obviously very interested in this process and next summer and autumn should prove to be very interesting, not just here in the West Midlands but across the country - particularly in London and the South East where (unless the law changes) our current MEPs will not be eligible to stand again. I have a copy of the full timetable and rules, contact me if you would like a copy.