LABOUR’S imposed candidate in Islington North, Praful Nargund, has refused to attend hustings organised by Islington branch of Keep our NHS Public, forcing their cancellation.

The move is no surprise since Mr Nargund, bidding to unseat Jeremy Corbyn, is a private health entrepreneur who has said privatisation is needed in the NHS.

The no-hope Tory candidate for the seat also decided to duck the debate, forcing its cancellation.

Mr Corbyn, by way of contrast, spoke to hundreds at a rally in support of the NHS held in the constituency at the weekend.

Canvassing reports indicate massive support for the former Labour leader, particularly in the working-class areas of the constituency.

And in neighbouring Holborn and St Pancras, held by Mr Corbyn’s successor as Labour leader, independent challenger Andrew Feinstein is outgunning Sir Keir Starmer on the streets.

The Labour leader, who has hardly been seen in the constituency since the election has been called, is only fielding a maximum of 150 canvassers, while former South African MP Mr Feinstein has mustered more than 200.