LABOUR now has a shortlist of two for the vacancy to stand as MP for Coventry South to replace Jim Cunningham, according to our sources.
Unconfirmed reports are that they are…
Zarah Sultana, who works at the West Midlands regional party, and…
Neeraj Patil, a medic and Lambeth councillor, who stood in Putney at the last general election.
He is thought to be a credible candidate despite his lack of links to the city and region.
It follows a furore over the drawing up of longlists by national party officials under emergency rules which were understood to leave off local applicants including Coventry councillors.
Coventry North West members will learn of its shortlist tomorrow, it is understood, after local officials walked out a selection meeting today in further protests, as we reported earlier.
It follows the announcements of the resignations at the next election of veteran Coventry Labour MPs Mr Cunningham and Geoffrey Robinson.
Labour National officials insist proper procedures have been followed for snap elections and candidates have been picked on merit, denying allegations that local democracy is being bypassed. Local parties under the rules are set to choose their successful candidate from the shortlists.
