Steve Reed. Pic: cllrstevereed.wordpress.com

Lambeth council leader Steve Reed has been selected as Labour’s candidate for the Croydon North by-election.

Reed’s selection was announced today (Saturday) at a local Labour Party meeting. He saw off competition from Thornton Heath councillor Louisa Woodley, former Downing Street aide Faz Hakim, former Croydon Council leader Val Shawcross and Simon Burgess.

Following his selection, Reed said he was humbled that members have put their faith in him, and he will “give his absolute best.”

“I promise I will repay their trust by working night and day for the people of North Croydon.”

Details of the results and turnout have yet to be released, but it is likely to have been close between Reed and ex Croydon Council leader Shawcross.

On Wednesday, EastLondonLines reported that Lee Jasper, Ken Livingston’s former adviser, is Respect’s candidate for the by-election

Jasper said:  “The responsibility for the economic crisis lies with banks and not the people of Croydon North and yet they are seeing their services cut and the welfare reforms are causing real hardship and acute distress.”

The Green Party has announced that Sasha Khan, a community campaigner, will campaign for them in the by-election.

Khan told EastLondonLines that as a local campaigner he supports the community, this being the reason he got into politics.

The Liberal Democrats will be represented by Marisha Ray, who is an IT professional. She said that she wants to pay tribute to Malcolm Wicks, “a tireless advocate for people.”

Andy Stranack will be standing as the Conservative candidate. Croydon born Stranack said that he is passionate about the borough and wants to work with the diverse communities.

The by-election follows the death of Labour MP Malcolm Wicks, 65, who had served the constituency since 1997.

The Croydon North by-election is likely to take place on November 29.