Labour members seeking the successor to Peter Mandelson want somebody 'local' to replace the disgraced former cabinet minister.

The Hartlepool councillors have poured cold water on a bid by a Downing Street adviser and ally of Mr Mandelson to become the party's candidate for the Hartlepool by-election.

Patrick Diamond, who advises Tony Blair on education, has been canvassing support among party members and is expected to be on the short-list for selection on Friday.

But councillors in the town said as many as 10 local party members could also be seeking the nomination for the poll, which will be held in the autumn to find a successor to Mr Mandelson.

The controversial former cabinet minister will vacate the seat to become an EU commissioner.

Labour's leader on the local council, Steve Wallace, along with colleagues Iain Wright, Robbie Payne, Pam Hargreaves and Gerald Wistow, have all been mentioned by Hartlepool activists as likely contenders for selection.

Gateshead-born former Yorkshire Euro-MP David Bowe is also bidding for support.

And several party members plan to back a local candidate ahead of Mr Diamond at a selection meeting on Friday.

Dyke House ward councillor Mary Fleet said: "I think people would prefer someone local, if they're suitable for the job. We've got to think hard about this and get the right person."

And referring to Mr Diamond's candidacy, Owton councillor Maureen Goosey said: "I don't think it would be politically right at the moment.

"He's a bit wet behind the ears. His time will come, but my personal opinion is that it's got to be someone from Hartlepool - someone different from our current MP."

Sheila Griffin, who represents Brus ward, said: "I think the preferred option would be a local person.

"But we've got to take all things into consideration, including their experience and loyalty to the town.

"People have been saying they want a local person, but they would have to have the right expertise.

"But what we don't want is a candidate foisted on us."

And Rossmere councillor Ann Leonard said: "Personally, I would rather have somebody from the town, or near the town, or related to the town, but the main thing is it should be the best man or woman for the job."

But Grange councillor Bill Iseley said: "I have no objection whatsoever to a candidate from outside if they are good quality."

The Liberal Democrats have already selected barrister Jody Dunn, who lives in Gainford, near Darlington, and works in Middlesbrough, to fight the seat.

The party has high hopes of overturning the 14,571 majority Mr Mandelson won in 2001, after winning the Leicester South by-election last month, and success in local and European polls in the North-East in June.

But Labour members in Hartlepool are confident they can hang on, after an encouraging result in the local elections in the borough, when the party gained overall control of the council.