LABOUR members were urged to vote for left candidates for the party’s national executive today as ballot papers began to drop.

Four socialists — Gemma Bolton, Jess Barnard, Mish Rahman and Yasmine Dar — are fighting for seats on Labour’s leading body at a time when concerns are growing over further attacks on party democracy.

They are endorsed by the Grassroots Alliance, which includes Momentum and the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy, for seats as local party representatives.

Ms Bolton said: “During over five years on the NEC, I’ve seen that we’re strongest as a party when members feel empowered and engaged.

“That’s why local parties should always select their parliamentary candidate.”

Ms Barnard, former Young Labour chair, described herself in her candidate’s statement as “an outspoken voice for justice, transformative policies and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza” as well as “challenging the party to implement the Forde report, to tackle all forms of racism without delay.”

Mr Rahman took aim at PM Sir Keir Starmer’s new austerity approach, saying today: “If you think things should get worse before better and pensioners should suffer austerity this winter — don’t vote for me.”

There are reports that the NEC, which has a solid majority of Starmer supporters at present, may try to change leadership election rules again, this time to exclude anyone but MPs from a vote if a vacancy arises when Labour is in office, a move which would totally preclude any socialist winning the office.