Author John O’Farrell throws his hat into the ring for Eastleigh selection

The deadline for submitting applications to be Labour’s candidate for Eastleigh has passed – and there has been a surprise addition to the list of potential Labour candidates in the guise of author and broadcaster John O’Farrell.

Perhaps best known – in Labour circles at least – for his seminal book “Things can only get better” about the party’s years in the wildernes, O Farrell tweeted his intention to seek the Labour candidacy this afternoon, saying:

Ed Miliband needs someone in Eastleigh with a track record of winning elections. Despite this I’m going to offer myself as Labour candidate.

— John O’Farrell (@mrjohnofarrell) February 9, 2013

Sincerely believe Labour could actually win in Eastleigh. All those people who voted LibDem tactically last time did so to keep Cameron out.

— John O’Farrell (@mrjohnofarrell) February 9, 2013

Interviews will take place on Monday to draw up the shortlist, with the selection meeting taking place in Eastleigh on Tuesday night. We’ll bring you news of both as soon as we have it. So far the only other declared candidate we’re aware of is local businessman Mark Latham, who sat on the fundraising committee for Ed Miliband’s leadership campaign in 2010.

 If you know anyone else who is standing – drop us an email ([email protected])