The longlist of six to become the Labour Party's candidate for Stretford and Urmston at the next general election is now a shortlist of three, The Messenger understands.

Trafford Council's leader Cllr Andrew Western and executive member for culture, leisure and strategic partnerships Cllr Joanne Harding are included, as is Iram Woolley.

But left out are Oxford Council's Cllr Tom Hayes and author and broadcaster Paul Mason, as well as Abisola Arobieke.

All three of those on the shortlist responded to their inclusion with announcements on social media.

READ MORE: Six on longlist to replace Kate Green as candidate for Stretford and Urmston MP.

Cllr Western, who has led the borough's Labour Group since 2014 and the council since 2018, tweeted: "I'm delighted to confirm I've been shortlisted in the Stretford and Urmston selection.

"I'm looking forward to talking to members in the coming days ahead of the hustings on June 26."

While Cllr Harding said: "I'm honoured and delighted to have been shortlisted for the Stretford and Urmston selection.

"The hard work starts now and my record speaks for itself. I can’t wait to meet members and tell them more about me."

READ MORE: Kate Green to stand down at the next general election, MP confirms.

Ms Woolley, who is from the London Borough of Ealing and is also understood to be a prospective parliamentary candidate in Derby North, tweeted: "I'm absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted as a prospective parliamentary candidate for Stretford and Urmston.

"I'm looking forward to the hustings on June 26."

A safe seat for the Labour Party since its creation in the 1990s, Stretford and Urmston returned a majority of more than 16,000 for Kate Green at the last general election.

It means whoever is chosen as the candidate stands an excellent chance of becoming the area's MP in 2024, or before if the next general election is earlier than scheduled.

Ms Green confirmed her intention to stand down on February 10, and she has since thrown her support behind Cllr Western.

The candidate is to be chosen after a hustings on June 26.