SIMON Pitkeathley – the chief executive of the Camden Town Unlimited business group – has applied to become Labour's parliamentary candidate in Holborn and St Pancras, the New Journal understands.

His application comes with the deadline for entries due to close today (Monday). Labour are looking for a candidate to replace Frank Dobson, the party's MP in the constituency for 35 years. He announced his plans to retire over the summer. Sir Keir Starmer, Raj Chada, Sarah Hayward, Patrick French, Thomas Gardiner, Nora Mulready and Angela Pober are among the other contenders.

A final decision is due on December 13.