Labour intends to select a Jewish candidate in the country’s second-most Jewish constituency in a bid to “soften the Corbyn effect” for voters.
Mike Katz, national vice-chair of the Jewish Labour Movement, and Adam Langleben, a JLM member and local councillor, are both in contention for the Labour nomination in Hendon. A result is expected to be announced on Tuesday.
The seat is currently held by Tory Matthew Offord. Alasdair Hill will be the Liberal Democrat candidate, and Ben Samuel is standing for the Green Party. Both men contested the constituency in 2015.
One senior Labour source admitted: “To have a Jewish Labour candidate in Hendon is the least we can do to soften the Corbyn effect amongst Jewish voters. The party is facing wipe-out in constituencies with sizeable numbers of Jews.”
In neighbouring Finchley and Golders Green, Tory Mike Freer will attempt to retain the seat against Adele Ward for the Greens, and the Lib Dems’ Jonathan Davies, a prominent member of Golders Green Synagogue. Alison Moore, veteran Barnet councillor, is favourite to stand for Labour.
Running against Labour’s Tulip Siddiq in Hampstead and Kilburn are Lib Dem Kirsty Allan and Claire-Louise Layland for the Conservatives.
In Harrow West, represented by Labour’s Gareth Thomas since 2010, Hannah David is favourite to mount the Tory challenge, while councillor Chris Noyce is standing for the Lib Dems.
Bob Blackman, is standing again for the Tories in Harrow East, where Adam Bernard will be the Lib Dem candidate. Labour are expected to name councillor Kiran Ramchandani as their candidate.
Tory Theresa Villiers faces a challenge from Marisha Ray of the Lib Dems and the Greens’ Phil Fletcher in Chipping Barnet.
Labour and Ukip will announce their candidates on Tuesday.
