Labour names candidates for key marginal seats

The party has chosen solicitor Jamie Hanley to contest Pudsey where current MP Stuart Andrew has a majority of just 1,600 while Veronica King, who works for the Alzheimer’s Society, will try and overturn the 4,500 vote majority of Alec Shelbrooke in Elmet and Rothwell.

Labour lost both seats at the 2010 election and has named them among 106 it will target in 2015, including 11 in Yorkshire, as it tries to take back power.

Ms King said: “Elmet and Rothwell’s residents need and deserve an MP who is on their side. If I’m elected I’ll always do what’s best for my constituents, not what’s right for Westminster.

“Between now and the election I’ll get out across the constituency to meet as many voters as I possibly can to listen to their concerns and seek their trust and support.”

Mr Hanley was Labour’s candidate in Pudsey in 2010, narrowly failing to hold on to the seat for the party following the decision of Paul Truswell to stand down before the last election.

Mr Hanley said: “I’m excited and deeply proud to have been selected to stand for Labour in my home constituency.

“We have big issues in this constituency which need a stronger local advocate standing up for our interests in parliament than the current MP.”