LABOUR party members in Stretford and Urmston have selected a replacement for MP Bev Hughes.

Constituency members chose Kate Green from an all-women shortlist of six at a final selection session on Saturday.

Kate, who quit her post as chief executive of the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) earlier this week after learning of her success, will now run for office at the next General Election, when Ms Hughes stands down.

It is the second time the 49-year-old divorcee has stood for a candidacy, having previously tried unsuccessfully for a London constituency several years ago.

In an exclusive interview with Messenger on Tuesday she said: “It’s a great privilege to have been selected by the members of Stretford and Urmston.

“I’m determined to stand up and fight for the people in this constituency and I can’t wait to get started.”

Explaining a bit about herself, she added: “I’m originally from Scotland – from an area very much like here, actually, in Edinburgh, on the outskirts of a city with a similar mix of families and a community feel,” she said.

“I’ve just resigned as chief executive of the Child Poverty Action Group and I’m hoping to be living here in the constituency by the end of the week. It’s a commitment I made to the constituency and I don’t believe it’s a job that can be done any other way. I’m really looking forward to becoming part of the community here.

“I’ve already been made really welcome and it’s been fun meeting people.

“There are a lot of decent, hard working families, some struggling more than others, but there’s a real sense of community."

And commenting on the types of issues people here have already raised with her, she said: “They’ve been talking about everything from jobs to their families, their children’s futures, their education – but I don’t think those are special concerns for the area, or that they are particularly worse here.

“There are other local issues too such as parking problems on the streets on match days. There’s been quite a broad mix.”

On retaining the Stretford and Urmston constituency for a fourth term for Labour, she added: “I’m sure we’re going to win this seat!

“I’m following on from a great MP with a great track record, which I think has stored up a lot of good will for Labour.

“My job now is to work hard and to meet as many people before the election as it’s important people know who they're voting for.

“I think people can see Labour’s policies have made a difference, by putting money into the economy to save jobs, and improve schools and hospitals.”

The area’s current MP, Bev Hughes, welcomed Kate, commenting: “It was an extraordinarily strong panel of women candidates, but Kate was outstanding among an excellent bunch and people were very happy with her appointment, and I am too. I worked with Kate as Minister for Children and came across her at CPAG. She’s outstandingly committed to families and think she will be a great candidate.”