Foulkes calls for change to leader vote

LOTHIANS Labour MSP George Foulkes today called for a change in the way Labour chooses its leader.

He joined other Labour politicians in praising Ed Miliband's speech to the Labour conference in Manchester yesterday. But he said he would support a move to one- member-one-vote in future leadership elections.

After Ed Miliband's knife-edge victory over his brother David - by 50.65 per cent to 49.35 per cent - Lord Foulkes today called for the party to replace the current system, which gives a third of the overall votes to MPS and MEPs, another third to party members and the final third to trade unionists.

Opposition parties have highlighted the fact that Ed Miliband secured a majority only among trade unionists, while David had a majority among parliamentarians and party members.

Lord Foulkes said: "I would support one person one vote to ensure that every party member has an equal vote and also to ensure it's only party members who elect the leader. At the moment people within the unions who are not party members will still get a vote."

Lord Foulkes was a David Miliband supporter, but pledged his loyal backing to Ed.