Councillor Alex Norris is to run as Labour’s candidate for Nottingham North in place of Graham Allen.
Mr Allen confirmed he was stepping down as MP for Nottingham North on Saturday (April 22) citing ill health.
The 64-year-old recently suffered extended periods of ill health and did not feel he could serve for another five years but described his 30 years as MP as ‘fantastic’.
Now Alex Norris, a Labour councillor who represents Basford at Nottingham City Council, will run in Mr Allen’s place.
Speaking after his selection, Mr Norris said: “Nottingham is my home, it’s where I live and work and I am proud to be Labour’s candidate for June’s general election.
“Over the last twenty years, Graham Allen has been an outstanding local MP, working hard to represent local people, and he will be remembered for his dedication to Nottingham North and his work on campaigns such as early intervention and voter registration.
“He leaves big shoes to fill but I am ready for the challenge ahead and I will work tirelessly between now and June.
“I’m proud of my record as a local councillor; during that time we’ve redeveloped Basford Hall College as a construction centre of excellence.
“We’ve improved our local parks and we’ve delivered on our priories of clean and safe streets.”
“That’s the message that I will be taking out to the people of Nottingham North over the coming weeks.”
Mr Allen ‘welcomes’ the appointment.
He said: “I have known Alex for years and I can say he is the person I would have chosen to replace me, so I am absolutely delighted.
“We asked for a local person and we’ve got one – he lives in the constituency and represents the area on the city council.
“I will be out and about from tomorrow, joining Alex on the campaign trail.”
