Norwich North shortlist revealed

The shorlist for the Norwich North selection has been confirmed – and it’s about as short as a shortlist can be, with only two candidates making it through to face the final selection meeting. Norwich North was a Labour seat until a controversial by-election in 2009 resulted in the seat switching from Labour to the Tories. The seat is now held by Tory Minister Chloe Smith you you have heard of once or twice. Here are brief profiles of the two candidates:

Jess Asato works as an Advisor to Shadow Cabinet Minister, Tessa Jowell MP, and is a Labour and Co-op Councillor in Islington where she Chairs the Corporate Parenting Board. Jess is also the Vice-Chair of the Fabian Society, a Council Member of the Electoral Reform Society, and a Director of Left Foot Forward. She grew up in Norfolk and went to school just outside Great Yarmouth.

Jo Rust is aTrade Union Activist (she has been a shop steward for six years) and is backed by
Unite, Unison, ASLEF, GMB and CWU. She was born and raised in Norwich North and is an Early Years and Child Development Officer at Norfolk County Council (but currently seconded to be Norfolk Campaigns Organiser for Unison). Rust is thought to have the backing for former MP Ian Gibson.

The selection meeting takes place on September 1st.