CONGRATULATIONS to Rachael Maskell on her selection as Labour Parliamentary Candidate for York Central.

Given that Rachael was preferred to credible local Labour candidates, she will undoubtedly come under scrutiny as to whether she is the right candidate to be an MP for York.

Having knocked on many hundreds of doors, people say that they respect that I have been living and campaigning in York for nearly 30 years and that you can’t hope to know what makes York tick and what residents want after living here for seven weeks.

At a time of huge disillusionment with career politicians, voters may question the motives of a London-based candidate who never showed any interest in York until Hugh Bayley decided to retire. Could Rachael’s sudden move to York be seen as personal career advancement?

Rachael is part of the political establishment, being employed by Unite and sitting on Labour’s national executive. Will she prioritise loyalties to them, rather than York residents?

Nick Love, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, York Central Constituency.