mp’s meteoric rise is latest chapter of eventful life

Ali cited family reasons although local figures at the time suggested it was the result of wider turmoil in the party.

Shah, who chairs the Sharing Voices Bradford charity, was on the shortlist when the local party first selected its candidate in February.

The 41 year-old was born in Bradford but moved to Pakistan when she was 12. She returned at the age of 15 and was the subject of a forced marriage.

She has been a prominent local activist and served on the boards of several charities.