THE former leader of Leicester City Council has been selected as Labour’s candidate for the forthcoming by-election in Leicester South.
Sir Peter Soulsby, 55, who teaches children with special educational needs, led the council for 18 years, but lost his seat last year when the Liberal Democrats took control in coalition with the Conservatives.
The seat, which is vacant after the death last month of former MP Jim Marshall, was held by Labour with a majority of 13,243, but the by-election is likely to be keenly fought.
No date has yet been set, but there is speculation Labour will move the writ for July 22.
Ian McCartney, chairman of the Labour Party, said: “We are delighted a strong local candidate has been selected. . . and relish the opportunity to expose the hypocrisy of Liberal Democrats and Tories.”
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Stuart Bray, Lib Dem agent for Leicester South, said his party would attack Sir Peter’s record, saying he had closed schools, homes for the elderly and a local swimming baths.