Short-listing wiles?  

My stitch-up detector has sounded an alarm on news from Pontypridd.Intriguing reports tonight on the shortlist for the 'job for life' vacancy for a Labour candidate in Pontypridd. Kim Howell's retirement offers a wonderful opportunity for this rock solid parliamentary seat. There has been behind-the-scene arm twisting to avoid an all-women shortlist. Press reports claim Kim Howells has been backing pharmaceutical drugs lobbyist Owen Smith.   Mr Smith was Labour's candidate in the 2006 Blaenau Gwent by-election, triggered by the death of Peter Law, who famously won the seat as an Independent the year before. Mr Smith was defeated by Dai Davies, who had been Mr Law's agent and who also stood as an Independent. Owen Smith disappointed by not seeking re-selection as Labour's candidate in Blaenau Gwent for the next general election. Mr Smith's father is Professor Dai Smith, the Welsh Arts...