Wendy Simon and Luciana Berger still the only names in frame for Wavertree
There are still only two candidates in the running to take over the Labour nomination for the Liverpool Wavertree seat.
Nominations close on Wednesday with only Luciana Berger and Wendy Simon in the running.
I am not sure what this really says about the Labour party or the seat that so far only two people are interested in standing.
In other vacant seats levels of interest are much higher.
Meanwhile Cllr Simon has kicked off her campaign to replace MP Jane Kennedy with the launch of her official website.
Wendysimonforwavertree.co.uk features a whole host of information about the social worker.
She has the official backing of union Unison and has the endorsement of a number of influential people.
They include Liverpool Labour leader Joe Anderson, Mike Travis, Kensington Labour Party member and former president of the Royal College of Nursing, and former Liverpool Community College principal Wally Brown.
The site also include a biog section and her pledges and policies for Wavertree.
If more names are thrown into the ring ahead of Wednesday a shortlist will be drawn up on Sunday, January 10.
A hustings will be held on Sunday, January 17 followed by a counting on ballot papers on January 24.
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David Bartlett
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A choice between Colin Eldridge and Wendy Simon. Is this what it might come to - a pair of small town drabs? Even in these chastened times, the people of Wavertree (& Liverpool!) deserve better than this. Vote Independent, or 'None of the Above'
anybody who thinks wendy simon is going to win this selection is naive in the extreme.
Hmmm I see the support of one Rt Hon Jane Kennedy is absent from Wendy Simon's backers.
interesting!
David I think your comment re other seats is a bit of a red herring
the reason there have not been a plethora of candidates for wavertree is because two other seats in NW namely Wigan and Ashton-in-makerfield. Two rock solid labour seats and much attractive propostion that Wavertree. and both AWS as well.
its not the done thing in the labour party to go for two seats at once hence fewer numbers for Wavertree.
David
I think the fact there are two other rock solid labour seats in the NW (wigan and ashtonin makerfield)that are both AWS has had an obvious effect on applications for this seat. If you were a woman with parliamentary ambtion why would you go for wavertree when they are available?
Im interested to see that of Wendy Simons backers one Rt hon Jane Kennedy is absent. I think we can summise what that means.
I belive Jane Kennedy has a good relationship with her membership and they are likely to take her wise counsel.
It is my understanding that it is not thought to be in good taste for retiring MPs to favour one candidate over another. I have received two letters/leaflets from the aspiring candidates named above, neither bear the endorsement of Jane Kennedy. I am not sure what if anything can be made of that.
Its a bit significant that those who support Wendy talk about how she will make a fine MP, etc. Aren't they forgetting that she needs to win first? Surely the question is, will she be the type of Labour candidate who is energetic, dynamic, will have a high profile and enthuse and motivate voters, and persuade them to vote Labour?
I guess Louise will respond?
Sometimes a lack of candidates merely means that there is such an obvious selection frontrunner (and only labour members would know this) that there is little to tempt anyone else to enter the fray.