LABOUR Party chairman Hazel Blears is a facing a battle against one of her own colleagues for the right to be Salford's MP.
She will be challenged by Eccles Labour MP Ian Stewart for the party's nomination to stand in one of two newly-drawn constituencies at the next election.
Boundary Commission changes will see Mr Stewart's constituency disappear as the three seats of Salford, Eccles and Worsley are merged into two.
Mr Stewart was entitled to challenge Ms Blears, and Worsley MP Barbara Keeley for either of the new seats - named Salford and Eccles and Worsley and Eccles South.
On Saturday Mr Stewart lost a contest with Mrs Keeley for selection as Labour candidate at the next election for the Worsley and Eccles South seat.
About 300 Labour Party members voted in a mainly postal ballot. Mr Stewart was at a disadvantage from the start as only four of his wards are in the new constituency compared to five for Mrs Keeley.
Mr Stewart will now switch his sights to Ms Blears' seat for a contest that will take place in January and will be closely scrutinised by the party nationally.
Activists in Salford have warned that due to a strong anti-Blair feeling the contest could be tight. Ms Blears has been a loyal supporter of the prime minister.
Some party members believe her rapid rise within Labour's ranks has meant she has lost touch with her local constituents. But Ms Blears believes her posts held during her years in office, as a junior health minister and Home Office minister, have enabled her to carry more clout when campaigning for government support for regeneration cash and facilities for Salford.
Figures
Mr Stewart has made it clear that he wants to fight for the right to continue representing people within the borough and is not interested in being brought into another safe Labour seat elsewhere in the country.
After his defeat to Mrs Keeley, he said: "The vote was close and the policy of the Labour Party is not to release the figures. I am disappointed of course - for all my supporters who have worked so hard for me, that is the key thing.
"I have never promoted myself as a charismatic individual. I am a team player, and I am sorry for the team. I will now work hard to make sure a Labour MP is returned to the new Worsley and Eccles South seat, which is, after all, where I live.
"I have made it clear that I have an equal interest in both of the two new Salford seats. I will reflect on what has happened in Worsley but I do intend to stand."
Mr Stewart became an MP in 1997 with a massive majority, when he succeeded Baroness Lestor of Eccles.
Mrs Keeley, who became an MP last year, said: "I am thrilled to have been selected, and I am looking forward to getting to know new parts of my constituency and the prospect of continuing as a Salford MP."
Whoever wins the contest for the Salford seat, both Ms Blears and Mr Stewart will remain MPs until the next General Election.
Ms Blears said: "The Labour party is a democratic organisation, and members who commit their time and energy to working for us will have the opportunity to decide on the selection of MPs."
Who do you think should be MP foor Salford? Have your say.
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Old Soldier, Greater Manchester (18/12/2006 at 11:15)
If she is chosen again to stand in Salford it will reveal apathy on the part of Salfordians, not enthusiasm.
Bert, Eccles (18/12/2006 at 12:33)
Paul Hart, Walkden (18/12/2006 at 14:46)
Ms D, Manchester (18/12/2006 at 15:38)
Richard, Salford (18/12/2006 at 15:39)
A few too many overseas trips for my liking on a plane.
Oh yes and there might be two teams in Manchester but this Salford & Eccles we've talking about so whats Manchester got to do with it?.
Salford has seen unparalleled investment due to Blears and that is continuing to come in everyday, you just have to read the M.E.N to see the regeneration thats being proposed/in progress in Central Salford, Pendleton and alike, while Eccles is struggling to regenerate so the prospects look good for Eccles if the local Labour party picks Blears.
I don't call regeneration 'out of tune' nor 'apathetic'.
mark, manchester (18/12/2006 at 17:01)
how she can say she represents - then ask for money is sheer hypocrisy. i have seems blear's being interviewed on tv and pointedly refusing to answer pertinent questions.
please show this jumped up nobody the door.
Light Oak, Salford (18/12/2006 at 18:14)
Paul, Eccles (20/12/2006 at 12:18)
d maylor, salford 6 (20/12/2006 at 15:39)
John, Salford (20/12/2006 at 22:29)
Langworthy Resident, Langworty (03/01/2007 at 17:21)
patrick, oldham (07/02/2007 at 10:10)