THE mother of TV presenter and former singer Lauren Laverne could become a new MP for Sunderland.

Cecilia Gofton is the front-runner in the race to replace Chris Mullin MP as the Labour candidate for the new Sunderland Central seat at the next General Election.

The Sunderland councillor, who represents Pallion, started her bid to represent Sunderland after Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) decided to make the constituency an all-female shortlist as part of its drive to get more women in the House of Commons.

Coun Gofton already has links to the famous and influential - her daughter Lauren Laverne - born Lauren Cecilia Gofton - was the frontwoman in punk-indie band Kenickie, and is now a DJ and TV presenter.

Coun Gofton is also the sister of Sunderland City Council leader Paul Watson - though it is understood he has not been involved in her campaign because he lives outside the constituency.

Her closest rival in the campaign is Julie Elliot, a regional organiser for the GMB union, who also lives in the constituency.

There are also four candidates from outside Wearside on the selection shortlist: one from Darlington, one from North Yorkshire and two from the South.

The final candidate will be chosen in a vote of all Labour members from across the Sunderland Central constituency after the hustings on Saturday, November 29.

The selection process was sparked by Chris Mullin's decision to stand down at the next election.

He made the announcement in May after already standing and being selected as Labour's candidate for the new Sunderland Central constituency.

Mr Mullin has represented Sunderland South since 1987 and served in a number of junior ministerial posts in the Government.

Sunderland's Tory leader Lee Martin will run against whoever is selected to replace Mr Mullin.

Boundary changes mean the Sunderland Central seat will not be as staunch Labour as the Sunderland South constituency, and Councillor Martin is confident he can paint it blue.

Speaking after Labour announced Sunderland Central would have an all-women shortlist, he said: "Sunderland Central is looking a lot more winnable for me given Chris Mullin is not going to be the Labour candidate - he was a formidable opponent."