FORMER St Helens Council leader Marie Rimmer has today confirmed she will launch a bid to become Labour candidate for St Helens South and Whiston.

The Star reported a fortnight ago how Cllr Marie Rimmer was expected to throw her hat into the ring as a candidate to succeed former Northern Ireland Secretary, Shaun Woodward MP, when he stands down from Parliament at the next General Election.

Labour has confirmed its candidate will come from an all woman shortlist.

The Labour Party began a selection process for the St Helens South and Whiston seat after Mr Woodward, who has represented the constituency since 2001, announced in November last year that he would not be standing for election again.

Cllr Rimmer, 66, has more than 30 years to public service in St Helens.

Speaking ahead of the launch of her campaign Cllr Rimmer said: “I’m pleased to be announcing that I intend to seek selection to be the next Labour MP for St Helens South and Whiston.

"Representing my home town in Parliament would be a tremendous honour and I’m certain I am capable of doing the job and fighting for St Helens South & Whiston.

“I have been inundated with Labour members asking me to consider standing, it was an easy decision to make and I’m standing because I’m passionate about our Town.

"It’s my home, it’s where my family grew up, and I believe our best days are ahead of us.

“As the selection process moves ahead I am looking forward to campaigning to be selected.”

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