MEMBERS of the Labour Party will meet this Sunday to decide who will be selected to succeed Shaun Woodward as their candidate to fight in the next General Election.

Star readers will be able to keep in touch with the latest developments via sthelensstar.co.uk.

Following meetings held by local Labour Party members, former council leader Marie Rimmer, London-based councillor Catherine McDonald and June Hitchen, a councillor in Manchester, will face a final ballot.

Labour members for St Helens South and Whiston will meet in Thatto Heath.

There, the three candidates – each chosen from an all-woman shortlist – will state their political priorities should they suceed, in a ten-minute speech.

Next, they will take part in a question and answer session before the final vote takes place.

Rimmer, 67, who lost out to Woodward when he was parachuted into the constituency in 2001, has been tipped as the front runner.