THE secretary of the Leyton and Wanstead Labour party has hit out over delays in selecting a prospective parliamentary candidate for the constituency.

The local party is at odds with the national party over the possible selection of deputy leader Harriet Harman's husband Jack Dromey.

It has been reported that the selection process could be delayed by another two months as part of a 'plot' to parachute Mr Dromey in.

In a statement made to the Guardian today, constituency secretary Richard Wilkins said: “Local members are frustrated at the delay in starting the process.

“Local officers have been working hard with regional staff to see that it happens as soon as possible.

“Further delay will be unhelpful because we want our prospective candidate to be well known to local people well ahead of an election.”

Rumours have been rife since August that Mr Dromey will fill Harry Cohen's shoes after he steps down at the next election.

But other candidates' names have also reportedly been put forward, including Leytonstone ward councillor Marie Pye and Richard Wilkins himself.

Mr Wilkins added: “We expect the candidate to be decided in the ordinary democratic way, by local members choosing from all who put themselves forward.

“There is no reason why this can not happen. Unattributed briefings about Harriet Harman, Jack Dromey or anyone else are unhelpful.”

Labour has a notional majority of more than 7,000 in Leyton and Wanstead but fears have been raised that the gap could be narrowing.

Lib Dem and Conservative candidates, selected several months ago, have already begun campaigning in the constituency.

Leyton and Wanstead remains the only London seat without a Labour candidate despite reports the party would choose someone at a meeting last week.

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