AN OUTGOING MP’s Parliamentary assistant has become the first person to throw his hat to become the Labour candidate for his safe seat.

Gary Booth, 49, has worked for Walton MP Peter Kilfoyle for nine years and served for two periods on Liverpool Council as a Labour councillor.

The former Labour party organiser said he wanted to see a number of decent local candidates coming forward.

Mr Kilfoyle announced he was standing down after 19 years representing the seat yesterday.

Liverpool Labour leader Joe Anderson last night ruled himself out of the race, saying his top priority was to win control of the city council in May.

It leaves former Lord Mayor Steve Rotheram as one of the leading front-runners.

He represents the Fazakerley ward in the Walton constituency and was due to be Mr Kilfoyle’s election agent.

But he was tight-lipped about throwing his hat in the ring last night.

Deputy Liverpool Labour leader Paul Brant is also likely to be one of the favourites.

He has previously stood for a Parliamentary seat in Southport.

It is also likely that figures from the national Labour party will emerge in the coming days and weeks. But who is allowed to stand will depend on whether the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) dictates there should be an open list or an all-women shortlist.

The Walton Constituency Labour Party (CLP) will meet next week to decide its preference from the two options, but it is likely to call for an open list.

It is hoped the NEC’s special selection panel will consider the matter on March 4.

Candidates will then have a week to throw their hats in the ring before the NEC draws up a shortlist for Walton CLP to vote on.

The local process will be overseen by Walton CLP chairman Cllr Joe Hanson.

Last night, Mr Booth said he definitely wanted to stand if it was an open list.