Labour woman now a mayoralty hopeful
A NEW face has entered the race to become Labour’s North of Tyne mayoral candidate as the party’s protracted search for a runner continues into 2019.
Labour bosses demanded nominations were restarted after the initial process produced an all-male shortlist.
Now The Chronicle understands North Tyneside councillor Karen Lee has thrown her hat into the ring.
Newcastle council leader Nick Forbes, Newcastle councillor Jamie Driscoll and North East MEP Paul Brannen were vying for the selection before party bigwigs weighed in.
Local Labour groups had already Liberal Democrat John Appleby – the first confirmed candidate started choosing their preferred candidates when the self-nomination process was reopened last month.
When the move was announced, a Labour spokesperson said it had a “proud tradition of encouraging diversity among its elected representatives, especially in the North”.
It’s understood party bosses were uncomfortable with the fact a female candidate was not on the long list.
With Coun Lee in the race and the self-nomination period closed again, the scene is set for a four-way battle with the three candidates already declared.
Coun Lee, a businesswoman who was born in Benwell, represents the Cullercoats ward. Among her businesses ventures is Blackswan, a “global organisational transformation” firm based in Tynemouth.
The first ever North of Tyne mayoral elections are due to be held on May 2. Elected mayor of North Tyneside Norma Redfearn will serve as interim mayor until then.
Last month, the Liberal Democrats became the first major party to confirm their candidate, former Newcastle councillor and Tynemouth Parliamentary candidate John Appleby.
The Conservative Party is expected to announce its candidate in the coming weeks.
Labour’s candidate will be chosen by members from a shortlist, with the name of the final candidate expected to be confirmed by late February.