Former senior union officer Anneliese Midgley has been selected as Labour’s candidate for the Knowsley Parliamentary seat at the upcoming General Election.
Ms Midgley, who recently worked for the Trades Union Congress (TUC), beat off competition from ex-Knowsley Council deputy leader Louise Harbour and Ryan Wain of the Tony Blair Institute in a selection vote today (Saturday).
The position as Labour’s candidate for the safe Knowsley seat had been made available after veteran Knowsley MP George Howarth, who has represented the area for nearly 40 years, announced he would step down at the General Election, which is expected to be held later this year.
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Ms Midgley, who was born in Stockbridge Village in Knowsley, was seen as a frontrunner from the start of the process. Her union background – which includes a stint as Unite’s political director – saw her gather up countless endorsements. She has also been an advisor to both Keir Starmer and Jeremy Corbyn.
Heading into today’s hustings and selection vote at Lord Derby Academy in Huyton, she was up against Ms Harbour, who was a councillor and deputy leader of Knowsley Council until she lost her Whitefield seat in 2022 and Ryan Wain, from Bootle, who runs the Tony Blair Institute’s Future of Britain programme.
After local members heard from all three candidates during a hustings style event, the votes were cast, with Ms Midgley selected as Labour’s candidate for Knowsley.
The news has been welcomed by people from across the Labour and union movement.
TUC General Secretary and Ms Midgley’s former boss Paul Nowak said: “I will miss @anneliese_midgebecause she’s been brilliant at @The_TUC and a massive support for me as GS – but she will be a passionate, wonderful MP for Knowsley.”
Warrington North Labour MP Charlotte Nichols added: “Buzzing to hear this! Congratulations to @anneliese_midge who will make a brilliant MP for everyone in Knowsley.”
Labour’s shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh said: “Fantastic news! Congratulations to the fabulous @anneliese_midge.”
Former Labour adviser Simon Fletcher said: “Lovely news, great result, well done brilliant @anneliese_midge.”
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Robert Johnson is a UK-based business writer specializing in finance and entrepreneurship. With an eye for market trends and a keen interest in the corporate world, he offers readers valuable insights into business developments.
