WALTHAM Forest councillor Naz Sarkar has made it on to the shortlist to become the Labour candidate for the soon to be vacant Reading West seat.

The other challengers are Raj Chada, the former Labour leader of Camden council, Kelly Edwards, who stood for Labour in Hertsmere in 2005, Reading councillor Paul Gittings, Enfield councillor Denise Headley, Hammersmith and Fulham councillor Lisa Homan, former Croydon councillor Anne Moore-Williams, and Richard Williams.

Sitting MP Martin Salter has announced he will stand down at the next election.

Cllr Sarkar, 33, who represents Hoe Street ward, failed last year to become Labour's candidate in Streatham when he lost to Chuka Umunna, who many see as a rising star in the party.

He also put himself forward to be Labour's candidate in Walthamstow two years ago.

But he had to withdraw when Labour's National Executive Committee decided on an all-women shortlist.

He was criticised after he asked for money, lifts, and help with his campaign in an email to party activists entitled "Urgent Life Opportunity for Naz", which was leaked to the Guardian.

It was a mistake that many believe contributed to the decision to axe him from his council post of arts, culture and leisure cabinet member.

Labour currently has a majority of 4,682 but polling experts say if an election was held tomorrow the Conservatives would take the seat.