Clwyd elected Labour chair
Ann Clwyd has been elected chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party in a close run contest.
The PM’s special envoy to Iraq – and supporter of military action – beat off the challenge from war opponent Tony Lloyd by 167 votes to 156.
All Labour MPs, including ministers, were entitled to vote in the election.
A total of 324 Labour MPs cast a vote; there was one spoilt ballot paper.
Ms Clwyd was a vice-chair of the PLP in the last parliament and her elevation comes at a crucial time for the party. The chair of the PLP is responsible for keeping the Government in touch with backbenchers, a role which will assume greater importance with Labour’s reduced majority.
Speaking after her win, Ms Clwyd said the task ahead was to unite the party.
“I don’t want to be in opposition again and I am sure the majority of my colleagues don’t either. If there is any problem with dissent I hope we can somehow avoid that becoming more damaging.”
