A SHORTLIST will be finalised over this weekend of candidates vying to replace Shaun Woodward as the Labour candidate to fight the next General Election.

Meetings will be held tomorrow night and Sunday to determine the list of candidates aiming to be the party’s contender for the St Helens South and Whiston seat.

Local party members will then vote for their preferred candidate on Sunday, April 6.

It will be an all-woman shortlist following a decision by the national Labour Party, which is aiming to increase the amount of women in Parliament.

Among those to have thrown their hat into the ring are veteran former council leader Marie Rimmer, London-based councillor Catherine McDonald and Warrington council officer Eleanor Blackburn.