Shortlist drawn up to replace shamed MP Denis McShane

A shortlist of two women has been drawn up to replace disgraced Labour MP Denis MacShane, it was revealed tonight.

Sources said a former RAF wing commander and the head of a children's hospice were chosen by the party's executive.

A selection meeting will be held by local party officials in Rotherham tomorrow to decide who will stand for Labour in the by-election on November 29.

Former Labour minister Mr MacShane quit as an MP earlier this month after he wrongfully claimed at least £7,500 in expenses.

The two women chosen by Labour's executive today are Sophy Gardner, who had a 19-year career in the RAF, and Sarah Champion, who runs the Bluebell Wood children's hospice in Yorkshire.

A Labour source said: "This is a clean break by-election. It is important we have the best possible candidate to deal with the exceptional circumstances in which this by-election is taking place."