ALAN MILBURN’S former senior researcher has entered the contest to succeed the outgoing MP.
Jenny Chapman announced yesterday that she would join the race for Labour parliamentary candidate for Darlington.
Her declaration comes in the week that representatives at Labour’s National Executive Committee decided to hold an open shortlist for the position.
She said: “Darlington is my hometown and although I never imagined wanting to be an MP before, it seemed to be the right thing to do.
“I feel that Darlington needs someone to champion its local causes so it just feels the right thing.”
Mrs Chapman, a mother-of-two, was educated in the town before reading psychology at Brunel University.
She was a prison psychologist before she returned to Darlington to work as Mr Milburn’s senior parliamentary researcher.
She took a career break after studying for an MA in archaeology at Durham University, until she was elected as borough councillor for Cockerton West in 2007.
She is now a cabinet member for children and young people, chairwoman of Darlington Children’s Trust and a founder member of Newblood Live, a youth music charity.
Mrs Chapman has been a governor at four Darlington schools and colleges, been a volunteer, trustee or committee member at various town charities and community groups.
The contest to find a replacement for Mr Milburn started when the former health secretary announced in June he would stand down at the next General Election.
Another man who has said he wants to stand is Pat McCourt, who was on the shortlist to succeed Tony Blair as Sedgefield MP.
The Ferryhill councillor said he would put himself forward as a candidate via the Unite union procedure following comments and encouragement from local supporters.
Another leading contender is expected to be Roger Baker, who was promoted from Labour North’s press team to the national office, where he is now head of communications.
Mr Baker lives in London but is originally from Catterick, in North Yorkshire, and his family roots go back to Darlington and Easington.
Among those who have already ruled themselves out are borough councillors Nick Wallis and Neil Foster. Mr Foster, who stood against William Hague in Richmond in the last election had originally put himself forward as a contender.
Edward Legard will be the Conservative candidate, Mike Barker will stand for the Liberal Democrats and Charlotte Bull for the UK Independence Party.
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