SCOTTISH Labour leader Jim Murphy is considering reforms to his party's selection procedures that could effectively sack weak MSPs and replace them with fresh talent.
Several party insiders said Murphy was sympathetic to ending the system of "protected places" for Labour List members, in a bid to attract new blood.
Nearly 60% of Labour's MSP group were elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2011 on regional lists.
Existing re-selection procedures mean that, subject to passing a ballot of local members and unions, sitting list MSPs are guaranteed the top places in Labour's rankings process. Party members must settle for spots lower down on the lists.
In Glasgow, if sitting MSPs Anne McTaggart, Hanzala Malik and Drew Smith get through their ballot, the top three places on the list go to them.
The process is deemed to offer undeserved protection to jobbing MSPs and thwart new people coming through.
Former party leader Johann Lamont tried to change the system, but was blocked following resistance from MSPs and the unions.
The Sunday Herald understands Murphy is open to scrapping the system by opening up the lists to all members.
According to one analysis put together by a senior party member, five sitting MSPs could be in danger and another nine could be nervous if the system was axed. The regional list selections are likely to take place after the General Election, as it is understood Murphy may try to persuade some of his brightest MPs to stand for Holyrood.
Scrapping protected places could also help pave the way for Murphy's election to Holyrood.
With Labour performing poorly in the polls, relying on entry to the parliament via a first-past-the-post seat could be risky for the MP.
It is expected he will stand in the 2016 Holyrood election in a constituency and on a list, but current rules mean he could not get first place on any regional slate.
One party insider said: "This would be a very wise move and would bring Labour into line with how other parties work. Open competition is good and there is no reason why MSPs should have this protection."
SNP MSP James Dornan said the moves suggested there were "real tensions within the ranks of Labour's parliamentary group".
He added: "Putting forward a new generation of Blairite politicians will do nothing to win support from people who have long since turned their back on Labour."
David Ross, a Scottish Labour spokesman, did not respond to a request for comment.
Meanwhile, Scottish Labour's executive committee yesterday agreed the text of a new "Clause 4" of the party's constitution.
The new wording stresses Labour's commitment to work "for the patriotic interest" of the people of Scotland and for a "permanent and powerful Scottish Parliament".
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