THE race is hotting up to replace Greg Pope as Hyndburn’s Labour candidate.

Two councillors, a former county councillor and an ex-Euro MP hopeful are all believed to be in the running to take over from long-serving Mr Pope, who is standing down at the next general election for family reasons.

However, former Lancashire County Council leader Hazel Harding has ruled herself out, saying she is “no longer politically active”.

Labour Party bosses, who have again imposed an all-woman shortlist on Burnley, have allowed the selection process for the Hyndburn consituency, which also covers Haslingden, to be open.

Among those hoping to be Labour’s nominee are Damian ((CORR)) Talbot, who sits on Blackburn with Darwen Council and has worked in Jack Straw’s constituency office for 10 years.

He said: “I am interested. I am from Blackburn but I have got family in Accrington and I am also a Stanley fan.

“I have got a fair bit of experience in Jack’s office and also as a councillor, so I think I would be a good candidate.”

Haslingden resident Bob Wilkinson, who lost his seat on Lancashire County Council in June, has also thrown his hat in the ring, saying: “I live in the constituency and I would not be daunted by taking over from Greg Pope.”

Meanwhile, Graham Jones, Labour group leader on Hyndburn Council, said he was undecided on whether to put himself forward.

He said: “I have been asked by people a few times but I think it is just too soon to make a decision.

“I have also got a 12-week old daughter and these things need to be thought about. It is a massive decision.”

Other names linked with the shortlist have included former Liverpool city councillor Theresa Griffin, who stood as an MEP candidate in June, and former county council leader Hazel Harding.

However, Mrs Harding, who recently took up a role as chair of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said yesterday: “The hospitals role is a non-political one and I am no longer politically active.”