MARIE Rimmer has dismissed suggestions she may be too old to become a first-time MP and insists that at the age of 67 she has the passion and the energy to stand up for St Helens in parliament.

The former council leader is short odds to hold the St Helens South & Whiston constituency for Labour as voters go to the polls across the country in today’s general election.

In terms of sentiment, success for Rimmer would represent a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for a politician whose chance of reaching Westminster appeared buried in 2001 when Shaun Woodward was parachuted into the safe seat. It would also make her St Helens’ first woman MP.

But voters want more than sentiment, and after a 37-year career in local politics — holding the office of council leader three times — it is fair to ask does she have the drive, appetite, energy and political nous to take on the challenge?

Rimmer, who is swift to point out the American Presidential contender Hillary Clinton is the same age, said: “I do not look at age, gender, sexual preference or colour. I look at what they have to give and I have a lot to give. One person has raised it (age) with me but I would not have put myself forward if I did not think I had a lot to offer.

“It is 37 years since I went into the council so I have all that experience in local government.”

She has picked up plenty of bruises and detractors, particularly those who argue she shoulders blame for a lack of economic progress in St Helens. But she is a fierce defender of Labour investment in hospitals and schools, and is not for changing her robust style. She said: “I am of this town so if the people and party do not want me they can shift me.”

She also goes into the election campaign with an allegation of assault hanging over her from the day of the Scottish referendum on independence when she had travelled North on Labour Party business. A trial will take place in the summer, meaning questions on that matter have to wait until then.

But it has not interfered with her campaigning, such as a discussion this week with youngsters at Carmel College.

She said: “Some of their questions gave me the chance to put right some of the myths about us. I told them we inherited the second worst ever balance of payments caused by American bankers.”

She said that should the Tories form the next government it will be catastrophic for St Helens:

“They are not saying where the cuts are coming but there will be twice as many in the first two years than the last five.

“There have been 10,000 people in St Helens who have gone to a foodbank which is criminal. People are worried they cannot get a doctor’s appointment.”