Former top prosecutor Sir Keir Starmer has said he wants to become Labour’s candidate to fight a key London seat at the 2015 general election.
The renowned human rights lawyer, who played a big role in the phone-hacking trials, signalled he wants to stand for Holborn and St Pancras.
But the ex-director of public prosecutions’ bid may fail if Labour opts to run an all-women shortlist in the seat.
Sir Keir had been hotly tipped to fight in the constituency after ex-Cabinet minister Frank Dobson announced he would stand down next year.
The former prosecutor said: “It would be an honour for anyone to succeed Frank Dobson.
“It will now be for the party to agree the process and timetable but if it is an open shortlist I intend to seek selection from members in Holborn and St Pancras, my home for over 15 years.”
He said he has backing from a string of top Labour figures including Trevor Phillips, Helena Kennedy, Tessa Jowell and Joan Bakewell.
Sir Keir went on: “Our constituency needs an MP who will continue with Frank Dobson’s principled campaigning, fight to get the Tories out of power and be able to influence a future Labour government.
“I believe I can bring my experience as a human rights lawyer, DPP and campaigner to do that. I am only too aware of the impact that politics has on the daily lives of all of us.”
Also standing for selection by Labour in the seat is Camden council leader Sarah Hayward. Whoever eventually wins will face Greens leader Natalie Bennett at the general election.
It emerged today that former EastEnders star Michael Cashman may be appointed as a peer by Ed Miliband if Labour wins power.
The 63-year-old activist, who played Albert Square’s Colin Russell, gained notoriety after taking part in the first gay kiss in a British soap opera.
He stood down as a Member of the European Parliament in May.
