2013 Labour Party Falkirk candidate selection

Following a series of alcohol-related incidents, including a drink-driving conviction and two fights in a House of Commons bar, Joyce resigned from the Labour Party, saying that he intended to complete his term as an MP but not seek reelection.[6] The constituency decided to adopt the process provided by the national Labour Party for an all-women's shortlist, with the CLP Executive Committee agreeing, by consensus, to consult on this question, but two of the other prospective candidates, Linda Gow, a former leader of Falkirk Council, and Gregor Poynton, UK political director at communications firm Blue State, publicly wrote to all constituency members asking for an open contest.In March, the NEC proposed that the process be scrutinised by the Labour Party organisation sub-committee, and that an internal NEC report on allegations be completed, covering the perceived promoting of Karie Murphy (a former Chair of the Scottish Labour Party, and Unite's preferred candidate), as PPC, and the mass recruitment of Unite members to the constituency, with their membership fees being paid en bloc by the union.[5] Joyce commented after the National Executive Committee (NEC) report was handed to the police that - The amateur, hubristic and irresponsible actions of a small number of Unite officials at the top of the organisation will require some rules to be changed to prevent another Falkirk.A spokesperson commented:[9] After an internal inquiry into the Falkirk constituency we have found there is sufficient evidence to raise concern about the legitimacy of members qualifying to participate in the selection of a Westminster candidate.[9] On 27 June, Unite General Secretary Len McCluskey wrote to his members with regards to the NEC special measures process:[12] These decisions have been taken on the basis of an 'investigation' into the CLP (Constituency Labour Party), the report of which your union has not been allowed to see.[15] The Conservative member of parliament Henry Smith then wrote to the Chief constable of Scotland, Sir Stephen House, asking for an investigation, suggesting that Unite might have committed fraud.