Speaking of makeovers, what a difference a few years makes:

Starmer purges leftists from selection: nothing to see here, standard procedure.

https://www.dumptheguardian.com/politics/2022/jul/01/starmer-allies-reject-claims-leftwingers-blocked-from-standing-for-labour

A few years ago, when the leader was some other bloke whose name escapes me, this was seen as some kind of cultish, "control freakery":

https://www.dumptheguardian.com/politics/2019/oct/18/labour-accused-skewing-candidate-longlist-selections

Also, the first article is notable for containing this hilarious snippet:

“Due diligence is about weeding out candidates who could cause electoral damage when the election comes. It’s setting a minimum standard that the public expects,” said a Labour spokesperson, adding: “All candidates have been clearly told why they haven’t been included.”

They pointed to the longlisting of avowedly leftwing commentator Paul Mason for Stretford and Urmston, in Greater Manchester, as proof that candidates from that wing of the party were not all being vetoed.

:-o I think this shows that they know that people that don't dip their toes in the alternative media
won't know what a spook adjacent, fake left #### Paul Mason is.