Mandelson: Brussels calling

The Hartlepool Labour Party was on Friday poised to select a candidate to contest the parliamentary by-election which follows Peter Mandelson's appointment as a European commissioner.

Party members were set to select one of three candidates to replace the former cabinet minister.

Some predict the by-election could be held in early October - which could result in a possible Labour victory eclipsing Michael Howard's speech to the Tory faithful in Bournemouth.

The three candidates are Darlington councillor Lee Vasey, party agent Phil Graham and local councillor Iain Wright.

The runners are all campaigning on a ticket to combat anti-social behaviour, litter and graffiti in the constituency.

Some higher profile candidates have decided to sit out the race to succeed Mandelson.

The former cabinet minister had championed the candidacy of his former adviser Patrick Diamond - who now works for Tony Blair in the Downing Street policy unit.

However he pulled out of the contest earlier this week.

Another high profile possible candidate was Ray Mallon, the mayor of Middlesbrough, who has pledged to get tough on law and order.

Whilst Labour is confident it can retain the seat, the party is said to be uneasy at the prospect of Robert Kilroy-Silk entering the contest as a UKIP candidate.

The Liberal Democrats have already selected barrister Jody Dunn for the seat in which Labour has a 15,000 majority.