Hinds in poll position to replace MP Strang

Published on 12/01/2009 09:12

FORMER Lord Provost Lesley Hinds looks set to become the frontrunner to replace retiring city Labour MP Gavin Strang.

Party bosses are expected to decide next week that there should be a women-only shortlist for the Labour candidate in Edinburgh East at the next Westminster election. Dr Strang is standing down after representing the area since 1970.

Labour across the UK wants to increase the number of women it sends to the House of Commons and changed the law in 2002 to allow all-women shortlists.

Councillor Hinds is the most prominent of the likely contenders to take over the seat, which stretches from Portobello, Duddingston and Craigentinny to Holyrood, Tollcross and the Southside.

She was staying silent today on whether she would stand.

But she said: "I hope they will make it a women-only shortlist."