THE selection process for the Labour candidate for the St Helens North constituency is expected to start this autumn, with a number of candidates declaring they will run.

As reported, Conor McGinn, who has left the Labour party and is currently sitting as an independent MP, will be stepping down at the next General Election – expected to take place in 2024.

Labour's North West office has been tight-lipped on when the selection process will begin, although a spokesperson did tell the Star it would be in the "coming months".

But local party sources have told the Star that the start of the nomination process, which sees names added to a long list of candidates, is set to start.

The St Helens North seat is traditionally a Labour stronghold.

Among those throwing his hat into the ring is Luke Joseph, a senior parliamentary assistant to Marie Rimmer MP.

Labour's Parr Councillor Bisi Osundeko is another who has declared her intention to run this week.

Other names in the frame are believed to be the St Helens Council leader David Baines, who has believed to have spent the summer months deliberating over whether to seek election.

There is also the potential that candidates from outside the local party could enter the running.