Meg is labouring for Parliament (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Meg is labouring for Parliament

1:05pm Thursday 13th May 2004

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WALTHAM Forest London Assembly member Meg Hillier will not be standing for re-election next month as she has been selected as a prospective parliamentary candidate for a Labour stronghold.

The popular assembly member, who has also represented Hackney and Islington in the London North East seat for four years, is hoping to become MP for Hackney South at the next general election.

Ms Hillier has decided not to fight for re-election so she can spend more time preparing for the general election, expected to be held in a year's time.

London Assembly colleague Jennette Arnold will stand for Labour for the constituency seat in the June 10 local elections instead.

Ms Arnold is currently one of a few floating "top-up" members voted on to the assembly. She is believed to want a more permanent role looking after a constituency rather than her current position which sees her covering different areas as a member.

A Waltham Forest Labour spokesman said: "Meg has been a fantastic London Assembly member and her great achievement has been to define what that role is.

"Four years ago we didn't know what a London Assembly member would do but she's proved it can be a powerful role to help people in her constituency."

Ms Hillier has represented Waltham Forest on issues including the loss of the 505 bus service in Chingford and policing and safety at Walthamstow Central Station.

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