FORMER left MP Chris Williamson says he is fighting to become Labour’s candidate in Oldham West and Royton as a tribute to his “political hero” Michael Meacher.
Mr Williamson is one of four candidates vying to be selected by local members tonight to stand in next month’s by-election, which was triggered by Mr Meacher’s death.
The former MP for Derby North, who lost his seat in May, said Mr Meacher had become a “friend and mentor” during his five years in Parliament.
The historic heartland of anti-fascist resistance and mining militancy now faces a new battle — stopping Nigel Farage. ANDREW MURRAY meets ex-Labour MP Beth Winter and former Plaid leader Leanne Wood, the two socialists leading the resistance
With Reform UK surging and Labour determined not to offer anything different from the status quo, a clear opportunity opens for the left, argues CLAUDIA WEBBE



