Five contenders are lining up to be Labour’s candidate in the Wythenshawe and Sale East by-election.

The party’s ruling National Executive Committee met to shortlist the candidates yesterday (Wednesday Jan 22).

The candidates are:

Rosa Battle  Manchester City Council’s, culture and leisure spokesperson. She is the daughter of Deputy Police Comissioner and former Council Deputy Leader, Jim Battle. She lives in Baguley with her two daughters.

Catherine Hynes Urmston’s councillor on Trafford Council. She was elected to the council in May 2012.

Mike Kane A former teacher and has been acting chief executive of Movement for Change, leading on their payday lenders campaign. The former Northenden councillor is thought by many to be a strong contender for the seat.

Suzannah Reeves is a Manchester City Councillor, representing Old Moat ward. She’s a Director at Oldham Sixth Form College.

Sophie Taylor is the councillor for Clifford ward on Trafford Council. She’s also an NHS physiotherapist and a lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Party members will make their final choice at a selection meeting on Friday.

The Green Party has issued a financial appeal to members and will also choose a candidate on Friday if they raise enough cash to stand,

And it has been reported that businessman and former Labour supporter John Bickley has been chosen to fight the seat for UKIP