Keighley MP Ann Cryer has been chosen to defend her seat at the next general election.

All six Labour Party branches in the Keighley constituency, which includes Ilkley, have voted unanimously to re-select her as their candidate.

Separate selection processes were also carried out by the party's individual trade union affiliates.

The result will now go forward to Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) for its endorsement.

Mrs Cryer, who wrested the constituency from the Tories' Gary Waller in 1997 with a 7,132 majority, told the Keighley News in the summer that she would be seeking re-selection to be Labour's candidate when the country next goes to the polls.

She said then: "You have to carefully consider various things, such as your age and health, when making a decision on whether or not to go for re-selection.

"The job is hard but it is a challenge and I am enjoying it."

Mrs Cryer told us this week that she was 'absolutely delighted' at news of her unanimous re-selection, but added that she could not comment further until the NEC had approved the nomination.

Melvyn Harrison, secretary of Keighley Labour Party, says all 500-plus members participated in the ballot and the result meant a full selection procedure was not required.

The final choice of Tory candidate to fight the seat will be made at an extraordinary meeting at Silsden on November 19.

Conservative Association agent John Galvin says initial interviews of all the applicants have taken place. Further interviews will be held and a shortlist drawn up.

He says all 500-plus party members in the constituency will have a chance to vote for their final choice.

The seat was held for the Tories by Gary Waller from 1983-97. Mr Waller is now attempting to win the Shipley seat for the Conservatives from Labour's Chris Leslie (see story on the right).

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