South Shields selection – The Shortlist

The Shortlist for the South Shields by-election selection has been confirmed. Early frontrunner – Council leader Iain Malcolm – decided not to throw his hat into the ring for the selection, but this could be an interesting contest, with two local councillors shortlisted – and all four candidates from the North East.

The shortlist of four is as follows:

Lewis Atkinson was born in South Shields and brought up in South Tyneside, where he ran a small business to fund himself through university. Since then he’s spent 8 years working in the local NHS – and ran as an independent candidate for the Labour Party NEC last year.

Cllr Emma Lewell-Buck is a Social worker and local councillor for Primrose Ward. She’s a graduate of Northumbria University (studying in Politics and Media Studies) and was first elected to South Tyneside Council in 2004.

Cllr Mark Walsh has 20 years’ experience in local government, including work as a welfare rights adviser and as a project manager overseeing various transformation projects. He’s a local councillor in Horsley Hill Ward.

Paul Williams GP and public health doctor and GP Commissioner in Stockton. He’s also a Board member of ARC, Stockton Arts Centre.

The selection meeting will be held on Wednesday evening. We’ll bring you the result as soon as it’s confirmed.