Lewisham West attracts Labour's best

Lewisham is one of a dwindling number of Labour strongholds and thus Lewisham West and Penge MP Jim Dowd's decision to step down means there are some big names being bandied around to replace him. Labour List reports:

The deadline for applications passed yesterday. Candidates will be appointed by a panel of NEC and regional board representatives. The early frontrunners are thought to include:

Ibrahim Dogus

The entrepreneur and co-chair of SME4Labour is perhaps best-known for his role in the popular British Kebab Awards, which is attended by activists from across the party. He is also the founder director of the Centre for Turkey Studies.

Ellie Reeves

The employment law barrister narrowly lost her place on the NEC last year, when a series of pro-Corbyn candidates won through, but is well-known in the capital due to her role as vice-chair of London Labour Party. She is married to John Cryer, chair of the parliamentary Labour Party (PLP), and has said little publicly about a possible candidacy.

Christian Wolmar

The transport expert and author who contested the Richmond Park by-election for Labour last year has thrown his hat in the ring. He has frequently spoken out over his belief that Brexit will be a “disaster” for the country.

Thanks to Joe for the link.