For much of the Labour Party's history, especially during the 1980s, CLPs were perceived as relatively left wing, compared to the more moderate or pragmatic trade unions.
The LCF may be referred to in some areas by the older title of district Labour party (DLP) where it is overseeing a district council and county Labour party where it is overseeing the work of a shire county council.
Functions of the CLP include selecting the local Labour Party candidate for a national parliamentary General Election.
The CLP must, for this, follow the procedures agreed by the National Executive Committee, including whether or not the selection will be carried out from an open or all-women shortlist.
In this and other circumstances (for example new information emerging about a candidate subsequent to their selection), the National Executive Committee can exercise its power to block a CLP's initial choice, which has on occasion proved controversial.
In May 2022, all members of the executive committee of the Wakefield CLP resigned after their chosen candidates were all denied approval.