Edmonton MP chosen to stand again as constituency’s Labour candidate in next election despite moves being made against her, reports James Cracknell
Kate Osamor has survived an attempt by Labour members in her Edmonton constituency to remove her as the party’s candidate for the next general election.
The former shadow cabinet member, who has represented Edmonton at the House of Commons since 2015, had faced the prospect of deselection by local party members, with three out of four of the subdivisions within Edmonton Constituency Labour Party (CLP) voting against her.
However, Kate was able to win her reselection battle with the help of trade union affiliates in Edmonton, who backed her by a clear margin. Had she lost, other Labour members would have been able to stand against the MP as alternative candidates for the next election.
Kate said: “‘I’m delighted to have been reselected by my CLP and affiliates as the Labour candidate for Edmonton for the next general election. I will continue to work hard fighting for the interests of everybody across Edmonton and I look forward to taking on the Tories at the next election.”
Kate is considered to be part of Labour’s left wing, having been a keen supporter of former leader Jeremy Corbyn. She is critical of current leader Keir Starmer, particularly recently in relation to the Labour leadership’s stance over the ongoing rail strikes and the Forde report. Regarding the latter, Kate said it showed “the party has failed to tackle anti-black racism and Islamophobia”.
Alev Cazimoglu, a Labour councillor for Jubilee ward in Edmonton, appeared to criticise Kate yesterday (Thursday). Cllr Cazimoglu said on Twitter: “If you are a Labour MP sitting in a safe Labour seat tweeting anti-Labour propaganda, you do not deserve that honour. You are letting down your constituents, your party and this country.”
However, the Dispatch understands the attempt this month by party members to remove Kate as the party’s Edmonton candidate for the next election was not based around the usual right versus left factions, but was being driven by the executive committee of Edmonton CLP, which had wanted to install an alternative candidate.
One Edmonton CLP member, who did not wish to be named, said: “It is fantastic news that Kate has been reselected. It is great news for Edmonton.
“Kate works hard for Edmonton, she supports the community and working people locally. She is on their side.
“We need someone to be an effective voice for Edmonton in the House of Commons.”
Enfield borough’s other two MPs have also been reselected as Labour candidates for the next general election in recent weeks, albeit with less drama.
Enfield Southgate MP Bambos Charalambous, who has represented the marginal seat since 2017, said: “I am delighted to have been reselected as the candidate for Enfield Southgate at the next general election. Thank you to Labour members, trade unions and affiliated organisations for unanimously reselecting me.
“Enfield is my home and it’s the honour of my life to serve this constituency, and I promise to keep standing up for the people of Enfield Southgate.”
After her own reselection was confirmed, Enfield North MP Feryal Clark, who has represented the constituency since 2019, said on Twitter: “Thank you to all the members and affiliates who voted to reselect me as your Labour candidate for Enfield North.
“It has been an incredible honour to serve our community, and I look forward to working with all of you to ensure Enfield North stays Labour.”
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