WALTHAMSTOW: Councillor Naz in third bid to become MP (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WALTHAMSTOW: Councillor Naz in third bid to become MP

1:07pm Tuesday 21st April 2009 in

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A GAFFE-PRONE councillor is to attempt to become a parliamentary candidate for the THIRD time.

Naz Sarkar, 33, who represents Hoe Street ward, is on the list of hopefuls to become Labour's prospective parliamentary candidate for the seat of Reading West.

Cllr Sarkar last year failed to become Labour's candidate for Streatham when he lost to Chuka Umunna, who many see as a rising star in the party.

Cllr Sarkar was criticised for his promotional election video, which appeared to suggest he lived in south London when he in fact lives in Leytonstone.

It was not the first time the councillor has come a cropper over his electioneering efforts.

He also put himself forward to be Labour's candidate for Walthamstow two years ago.

But he was criticised after he asked for money, lifts and help with his campaign in an email to party activists entitled "Urgent Life Opportunity for Naz", which was leaked to the Guardian.

It was a mistake which many believe contributed to the decision to axe him from his council post of arts, culture and leisure cabinet member.

Martin Salter, Labour party vice-chairman, is the sitting MP for Reading West and will stand down at the next election.

Labour currently has a majority of 4,682 but polling experts say if the election was held tomorrow the Conservatives would take the seat.

Cllr Sarkar faces competition to win the Labour nomination from Lambeth councillor Mark Bennett, Oxford City councillor Antonia Bance, Hammersmith and Fulham councillor Lisa Homan, Bolton Cllr Akhtar Zaman, Camden councillor Raj Chadha and Labour activist Mark McDonald.

Cllr Sarkar was contacted by the Guardian but did not respond.