Two former MEPs have thrown their hats into the ring to be selected for Westminster seats at the general election.
Glyn Ford, who represented the area in the European Parliament before moving to the South West where he was defeated last year, has put his name forward for Stalybridge and Hyde, which is being vacated by former Cabinet minister James Purnell. Shortlisting was expected to be completed by March 12.
Neena Gill, who also lost her West Midlands EP seat last year, is among those contesting an all-women shortlist selection in Walsall South. Other hopefuls include Valerie Vaz, sister of Labour MP Keith Vaz.
Former Unite official Peter Wheeler and local GP Kailash Chand have also put their names forward for Stalybridge and Hyde, which has a Labour majority of 8,348. Local councillor Jonathan Reynolds, said to be Mr Purnell’s preferred successor, was also in the running.
He is currently embroiled in an internal party row over a bid to oust long-serving Tameside council leader Keiran Quinn, which is opposed by Stalybridge and Hyde CLP.
Joan Humble joined the growing list of MPs stepping down when she announced that she would be resigning from Blackpool North and Fleetwood where she has a majority of 5,062.
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