Rumours of Labour MP facing the push

6:02am Monday 3rd December 2007

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A CONTROVERSIAL MP rumoured to be facing deselection by his party workers faces a seven-way fight to save his seat.

Great-grandfather Frank Cook secured enough nominations to make a shortlist of prospective candidates - along with six other hopefuls - drawn up at the weekend.

The 72-year-old Labour MP for Stockton North has represented the constituency for almost 25 years.

He said last night: "My first priority is to do my best, to continue to represent the people of Stockton North, as I have done for more than 24 years."

He said that representation would continue with a meeting this afternoon with Health Secretary Alan Johnson, to discuss proposals for a new hospital for the area.

Local party officials remained tight-lipped after the meeting which approved the shortlist.

Other nominations approved by his constituency party at the weekend are former Government minister Barbara Roche, opera singer Suzannah Clarke, Stockton councillor Alex Cunningham, Norma Stephenson, Afzal Akram and Neil Sabarhawal.

The daughter of a leading Redcar and Cleveland borough councillor, Ms Clarke, has been unofficially dubbed ambassador for Teesside. She was instrumental in bringing the BBC Proms in The Park.

Mr Cunningham is a member of Stockton Borough Council's cabinet, while activist Mrs Stephenson also lives in the constituency.

Referring to the party meeting behind closed doors, party procedures secretary Keith Leonard said: "Yesterday was an internal Labour Party matter.''

However, the next stage in the process will be a meeting on January 12, when every member of the Stockton North constituency Labour Party will be able to vote for his or her choice.

Mr Cook, a supporter of mandatory reselection, has a majority of 12,437.

He is rumoured to be facing deselection as a result of disquiet over the time he spends away from the constituency.

A former construction projects manager, Butlins' redcoat, grave digger and special needs teacher, Mr Cook previously said he was prepared to take on the local party and fight for his seat.