THE controversial industrial tribunal decision over Labour's all-women selection procedures, has been criticised by Lancashire County Council leader Louise Ellman.

Mrs Ellman was herself selected from an all-women short-list as a prospective parliamentary candidate.

Labour was dealt an embarrassing blow with the tribunal yesterday ruling the party's policy of selecting would-be MPs from women-only short-lists is unlawful.

Peter Jepson and Roger Dyas-Elliott launched a legal challenge, financially supported by the Equal Opportunities Commission, after being turned down from standing as prospective MPs.

They claimed it amounted to unfair discrimination and contradicted party policy which stated Labour aimed to promote equality of opportunity.

Mrs Ellman defended the all-women process and hoped the party would appeal: "It is right to try to get more women into parliament. "Fewer than 10 per cent of MPs are women, but women make up more than half the population. It is right to promote women candidates.

"The tribunal had a disappointing result and I hope there will be a successful appeal."

The decision has plunged Labour's outstanding selection plans into chaos.

The 34 candidates already selected - including Mrs Ellman who will contest the Liverpool Riverside seat - will be unaffected by the decision, but the party has put the selection process on hold where people have yet to be chosen.

But since appeals can take up to 20 months - well beyond the deadline for the next general election - Labour will almost certainly have to ditch its plans, and consider taking men on board.

The decision will please party members in Chorley where a move to impose all-women shortlists was recently defeated.

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