Liverpool Labour leader Joe Anderson rules himself out of race for Wavertree hotseat

Nov 11 2009 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

Labour leader Joe Anderson rules himself out of race for Wavertree hotseat

LIVERPOOL’S Labour group leader Joe Anderson and his deputy, Paul Brant, last night ruled themselves out of the race to replace Wavertree MP Jane Kennedy.

Party sources said former Lord Mayor Steve Rotheram is now seen as the front runner to replace the MP as the party’s candidate for the next general election – although he has yet to declare whether he will stand.

Cllr Anna Rothery, who represents Princes Park, last night became the first person to declare she would be seeking to stand in the contest.

Cllr Rotheram’s decision will depend on whether the party’s National Executive Committee opt for an all-women shortlist or an open list.

It will meet on November 17 to decide which process will be followed.

Mrs Kennedy announced this week she will stand down at the general election after 17 years as one of the city’s five MPs.

Cllr Anderson, who leads the opposition on Liverpool Council, said: “I am flattered to have my named linked to a constituency where I live.

“My battle has been to turn the Labour party’s fortunes around in Liverpool.

“I am concentrating all my efforts on bringing a Labour administration back to run our city.”