Counting down

WE’VE BEEN  a little remiss in doing this earlier, so here is the timetable for the Welsh Labour leadership election

2 October: The Election notice went to local parties, affiliated organisations (trade unions etc), 26 AMs, 29 MPs and 1 MEP.

12 October: Deadline for nominations closes – each candidate requires the support of 6 AMs (which can include themselves) to stand.

2 November: Ballot papers issued to all sections of the party.

1700 GMT, 26 November: The ballot closes

Results are then counted in an electoral college made up of three equal thirds. These are:

• Approximately 11,000 ordinary Labour Party members
• 26 AMs, 29 MPs and 1 MEP, meaning that each vote in this section is worth approximately 0.59% of the electoral college as a whole.
• The affiliated organisations. Lee Waters provides a good summary of their relative voting strength here

1 December: New Welsh Labour leader will be announced

8 December: The National Assembly is expected to approve the draft budget. Rhodri Morgan has indicated he will tender his resignation once this is done. That evening, the Welsh Politician of the Year is due to be announced at the annual dinner in City Hall. My money’s on the new leader for Politician of the Year and Rhodri for lifetime achievement. Anyone fancy a wager against?

9 December: The new leader expected to be appointed as First Minister by HM The Queen