A FORMER MP is to stand at the next General Election for Labour in the new parliamentary constituency of Clacton - and his selection was immediately endorsed by Chancellor Gordon Brown.

By Graham Dines

A FORMER MP is to stand at the next General Election for Labour in the new parliamentary constituency of Clacton - and his selection was immediately endorsed by Chancellor Gordon Brown.

Ivan Henderson, who represented Harwich from 1997 to 2005, is to fight Clacton, which has been carved out of his former seat. The area includes Frinton, Walton, Jaywick and surrounding rural areas.

Harwich itself is being included in the new Harwich and North Essex seat, which will include Manningtree, Dedham and Wivenhoe.

Although the Conservatives have yet to select their candidates for the new seats, it is understood Bernard Jenkin - current MP for North Essex - will be backed for the Harwich and North Essex seat, while Douglas Carswell, who defeated Mr Henderson by 920 votes at the 2005 election, will be the choice for Clacton.

Conservative harmony Tendring has been shattered by the decision not to endorse a number of senior councillors for May's district elections, including council leader Terry Allen. They have been suspended from the party, and if they stand against official Tory candidates, they will be expelled from the party.

Labour's Clacton constituency Chairman Dan Casey said: “Everybody knows that Ivan was a fine MP and it is already clear that the Tories decision to parachute in an outsider with no knowledge of local needs and local people has cost our area dearly.

“With the local Conservatives squabbling and fighting amongst themselves Ivan now offers the electorate genuine hope for the future.”

Mr Henderson was a member of Gordon Brown's Treasury team at the time of the last General Election and the Chancellor has welcomed Ivan's selection.

“Ivan very quickly gained a reputation at Westminster for delivering on behalf of his constituency,” said Mr Brown. “I am very pleased that he has been selected as Labour's candidate for the Clacton Constituency and I hope the local residents take the opportunity to elect him and regain a first class Member of Parliament.”

Mr Henderson said after his selection: “Our local schools, emergency services, charities and organisations give wonderful service to the community and I will do all that I can to promote and support them.

“I am very grateful to the Clacton Constituency Labour Party for placing their trust in me and I will seek to repay it by doing everything possible to promote all that our area has to offer and to fight for local needs.”

graham.dines@eadt.co.uk