Sophie Linden joins two other candidates who have already declared an interest to stand as Labour candidate for Hampstead and Kilburn: local councillors Sally Gimson and Tulip Siddiq

Published: 23 May, 2013
by RICHARD OSLEY

DAVID Blunkett’s former special adviser has joined the race to become Labour Party candidate in Hampstead and Kilburn at the next general election.

Sophie Linden is leafleting members ahead of a decision, due in June, over who will take over from Glenda Jackson as the party’s candidate.

Despite the high-profile nature of the seat, only two other candidates have declared an interest – local councillors Sally Gimson and Tulip Siddiq.

Ms Jackson, who is retiring after more than 20 years as an MP in the north of the borough, held the seat by just 42 votes in 2010 in a three-way contest with the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

Widespread suggestions that education journalist Fiona Millar was in the best position to take the candidacy ended when she withdrew from the race last month.

Ms Millar’s brother, QC Gavin Millar, is among Ms Linden’s official endorsers. She is also backed by Mr Blunkett, the MP and former Home Secretary and Education Secretary, and Margaret Hodge, another minister during Tony Blair’s government.

Ms Linden stood by her connections with the Blair government yesterday (Wednesday).

“This process is about finding the right candidate with a serious track record who can win the seat and then be an effective representative,” she said.

Ms Linden, a cabinet-level councillor in Hackney, added: “I’m a real Londoner, I’ve lived in north London since I was 16 and it isn’t about which side of the borough boundary you are on.

"I’ve shown I can deal with issues nationally and locally, and am proud of the Labour government’s track record. I will be an MP who is dedicated and involved.’

She said that this was not a slight on Ms Jackson’s time as MP in Hampstead, which some critics claim has been undermined by her not being seen in the area enough.

“I’m not running against Ms Jackson's record,” she said. “It is up to Labour Party members to decide about that. I’m running on the positive attributes I can bring. I know the issues that face this area.”

The Lib Dems have a similar timescale in choosing their candidate, following the resignation of Emily Frith from the role just weeks after being selected.

Tories already have Hampstead councillor Simon Marcus in place for their assault on the constituency, a key target if Conservatives are to form a national government without the need for coalition.