Maskell selected as Labour’s candidate for York Central

Rachael Maskell has been selected as Labour’s candidate for York Central following a hustings this afternoon.

Maskell is currently Head of Health at Unite and sits on Labour’s National Executive Committee.

She has been chosen to replace York Central’s current MP, Hugh Bayley, who announced he would be stepping down in December, having been in the position for 22 years.

On her website, Maskell says she’s been a party member for 24 years and has long been active in her local party. She also outlines why she wants to be an MP:

 I’ve spent my life working across the whole Labour movement because it’s together we achieve the greatest change. I will work with members, councillors, candidates, students, trade unions and community groups so that we have united, cohesive campaigning across the area.

I joined the Labour Party because I know from personal experience that our party is the only way to deliver change and social justice. I’ve spent my life putting those values into practice and that’s what I’ll always do as our MP.

An all-women shortlist was used to select the candidates, among them were former Lord Mayor of York and currently a councillor, Julie Gunnell, and Jo Coles, who works for the Labour party.

Congratulations to Maskell and commiserations to all of the other candidates.