Five in the running for Labour nomination to take on Simon Hughes

14 party members applied to be the party's prospective parliamentary candidate in Bermondsey & Old Southwark and now five contenders – all local – are on the shortlist.

The candidate will be chosen by party members at a meeting in early June.

Earlier this year Labour HQ named Bermondsey & Old Southwark as one of its 106 target seats for the next general election.

For the first time in three decades, Lib Dem incumbent Simon Hughes will be defending the record of a party of government and is likely to face greater scrutiny and pressure than ever before.

Neil Coyle

Councillor for Newington since 2010, Neil works in the field of disability rights.
He says: "My platform for 2015 would include tackling youth unemployment in Southwark with Labour's jobs guarantee; boosting the economy and tackling the housing
crisis by building more homes and – creating a National Care Service, which I helped
make Labour policy."
Supporters include Polly Toynbee, Cllr Patrick Diamond and Canon Grahame Shaw
Website: www.neilcoyle.org.uk

Gavin Edwards

Councillor for Peckham Rye since 2010 and national officer for the Unison union.
He says: "Politics has become too remote from people's lives. That's partly because we have too many MPs who speak as if they are in a policy seminar, instead of a normal conversation. Because of my background, I'm very comfortable speaking to people on the doorstep and explaining why Labour policies will help."
Supporters include Cllr Rebecca Lury, Steve Reed MP and Alison McGovern MP
Website: gavin4bos.wordpress.com

Stephanie Cryan

Rotherhithe Labour activist who was born in Waterloo and grew up near Elephant & Castle.
She says: "I am a local candidate and have lived in the area all of my life. I am passionate and hardworking and want to make a difference to the lives of everyone in Bermondsey and Old Southwark. I want to fight for our community to ensure that everyone has access to decent jobs, decent housing and a decent education."
Supporters include Lucas Green, Deri Paul O'Regan and Seb Dance
Website: stephaniecryan.wordpress.com

Prem Goyal

Bermondsey-based businessman, charity fundraiser and magistrate.
He says: "In the 8 years I've lived here, I've established a strong bond with the area and its people. That's why I can't stand by and watch our community suffer under crippling problems of inadequate housing, lack of jobs and wages, for many, that are barely enough to get by on."
Supporters include Sir Patrick Stewart, Andy Sawford MP and Cllr Althea Smith
website: www.premgoyal.com

Richard Livingstone

First elected as a Labour councillor in Chaucer ward (1995-1998), he has represented Livesey since 2006. Since 2010 he has been cabinet member for finance and resources.
He says: "I am a principled politician who not only talks about Labour's values, but is delivering them. For example I have personally ensured all Southwark Council staff receive the London Living Wage, as well as ensuring that all new council contracts pay the Living Wage too."
Supporters include Cllr Fiona Colley, Cllr Martin Seaton and Cllr Rowenna Davis
Website: richardlivingstone.wordpress.com