Jeremy Corbyn at the last Islington North count – back in 2019

THE deadline to enter the race to become Labour’s parliamentary candidate in Islington North has officially passed – with the longlist of hopefuls now set to be narrowed down for members to vote on.

Controversy has surrounded the rules and timeframe of the process with the party’s National Executive Committee taking a grip following the decision to bar current MP Jeremy Corbyn from standing for Labour again. They may leave constituency members with as little as two names to pick from.

Candidates had until midday today (Monday) to make a bid for the candidacy. The Tribune has learnt that there are seven definite contenders, with two applicants unconfirmed.

The final shortlist is expected to be released to members on Thursday.

As we reported last week, former Newsnight journalist Paul Mason was the first to publicly declare his intentions to run for the seat. He told the Tribune that he wants to help a Labour government “deliver for the working people”. He claims he will prioritise saving maternity care at the Whittington, capping rent, and working towards Net Zero.

SEE ALSO ANGER AS LOYAL LABOUR ORGANISERS ARE CUT OUT OF SHORTLISTING PROCESS

Asked about his previous attempt to become a Labour MP candidate, he said: “Right now I passionately care about delivering to the people of Islington North. I wouldn’t be applying if I didn’t think I had support in the local party and among local people.”

Transport writer Christian Wolmar has also been public with his application. He said: “Islington needs a labour representative to be able to influence policy”, adding that he thinks local supporters will “warm to my mix of interests for transport and housing”.

Economist Shreya Nanda, who now works for the Social Market Foundation, said today (Monday) that she had applied and would like to bring her financial experience to the role of Islington North MP. Ms Nanda said that she would prioritise campaigning for housing and economic justice, making the case for greater investment in public services.

“I’ve seen the impact of austerity”, she said, “and I’ve struggled as a young person seeing that nothing works in this country”.

She added:: “I grew up here. I use local public services and I’ve seen the impact of tight government finances. [Being local] makes me able to speak to that.”

Ms Nanda has also got the backing the Labour Housing Group and another Labour housing alliance, YIMBY.

Another confirmed applicant is Harry Spencer, who runs an arboriculture business in Hertfordshire, described himself as an “outside” candidate.

“I’ve got other attributes which are more than enough to compensate”, he said about not living in Islington, adding that he would advocate for a changes in energy policy and education if he were to win the Labour nomination. “The education system in nowhere near where it needs to be.”

He added:”We’re so inefficient with how we operate as a county” – and said he would push the government to look at “new forms of revenue”, including legalising marijuana.

Praful Nargund, who has been a councillor for Barnsbury since May 2022, has long been rumoured to be the favourite in the race for the nomination. Party insiders said he has been knocking on doors for months in an effort to whip up votes, although he has not responded to the Tribune‘s multiple requests for comment.

On his website Mr Nargund said he set up his multi-million pound IVF company “on a mission to improve affordability and women’s experience of treatment.”

He adds that he has been campaigning on issues across Islington, including NHS staffing shortages and better insulation in homes.

Sem Moema has also got an application in before the deadline. She was re-elected as the London Assembly representative for Hackney, Islington, and Waltham Forest less than a month ago.

Meanwhile, the Unison-backed Margaret Greer confirmed this evening (Monday) that she had also applied.

YOU CAN CONTACT ISABEL LOUBSER ON 0207 419 9000