By Lesley Foottit - 1st October 2009
Labour members have gained more control over the party's policy-making process, it has emerged.
A move proposed by 11 constituency parties, and backed by the conference, means all Labour members will have the right to vote on who sits on the National Policy Forum.
Supporters of the change argue that democracy and accountability will be increased.
The National Executive Committee had urged a rejection of the changes, promising to examine them in a wider review of internal democracy next year.
But a conference vote revealed significant support in favour of the change.
Conference chairwoman Cath Speight opposed the motion in remarks on Wednesday, saying the party's focus should be on the upcoming general election and not on reforming internal structures.
The 193-strong National Policy Forum oversees Labour's policy developments.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd