A Labour Party member who was announced and then swiftly dropped as a council by-election candidate – only finding out through social media – has hit out at the decision, saying it was not made locally.

Avery Greatorex was selected as the party nominee for the Lea and Larches by-election in July with a series of gushing social media posts welcoming the chair of the UCLan Labour Society. However, that decision was torn up when the North West Labour Party decided to rerun the selection.

According to Avery, that decision was sparked by an anonymous complaint about the initial selection process. She was allowed to interview when the process was re-run by the regional party but lost out to the more experienced Mark Routledge.

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The party has declined to comment at both local and regional level, stating it does not comment on internal processes and individual selections. However, a Labour source said it was not unusual for the regional party to intervene on such decisions, particularly in by-elections. They specifically stated that by-election turnouts are generally lower, meaning more experienced candidates can be preferred. However, the turnout for the July by-election was significantly higher than the May election as it coincided with the general election.

Ultimately, Labour lost to Liberal Democrat candidate Sean Little by around 150 votes. In a blog post, 20-year-old Greatorex has spoken for the first time about the decision, as well as her disappointment at a perceived lack of support from MP Mark Hendrick and pressure surrounding the controversial Ashton Park plans.

She wrote: “My frustration begins with my deselection. Despite attending community PACT meetings, engaging with residents concerned about Ashton Park, and campaigning to be Lea & Larches’ next councillor, I was not selected due to ‘lack of experience.’

“I was informed that while I interviewed well and would have been selected for a normal local election, I was deemed inexperienced for a by-election. 

“This decision also undermined the Lea & Larches Branch Labour Party, who lost their ability to select a candidate twice in a month, reflecting a top-down approach that contradicts our values of grassroots democracy and community empowerment.”

In her post, Avery stressed that she remains loyal to Labour and that her frustration lies not with individuals within the local party but instead its collective actions at regional and local level. 

Regarding Mr Hendrick, who has been the local MP since 2000, Avery said her team reached out for his support but did receive it. Instead, he released a campaign video with Mr Routledge before she knew she hadn’t been chosen. 

She said: “This felt personal, especially given Mr Hendrick’s emphasis on youth engagement and votes for 16-year-olds in his campaign, which reveals a disconnect between rhetoric and action that undermines the trust and solidarity we strive to build within the party.”

Avery also observed that while she supported calls for a review of the Ashton Park Sports Hub plans, she “was not allowed to oppose the local party policy” while a candidate, warning the party risks losing more seats if it does not re-evaluate its stance. 

She added: “This situation also underscores the need for a more democratic and inclusive approach within our party, where local voices and concerns are genuinely valued and addressed.”

In a plea for greater engagement with young members in particular, Avery said: “To remain effective and true to our principles, the Labour Party must listen to its members and constituents, support young candidates, and align its actions with its promises of change, ensuring the voices of the people are heard and acted upon. It is time to start listening.”

A Labour spokesperson said the party does not comment on internal processes and individual selection. Mr Hendrick was approached for comment but did not reply.

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