The runners and riders for the Labour nomination in Leicester South

Who will be the Labour candidate in the Leicester South by-election and thus the bookies' favourite to be the constituency's next MP?

Labour's internal politics in the city are notoriously faction ridden and a post on LabourList says:

With such a short selection period there is a real sense of unease within the constituency. Local party members, activists and likely candidates are already talking about the race as a foregone conclusion with real concern over the likelihood of a candidate being parachuted into the constituency. There is particular concern as to whether the NEC will shortlist prominent local candidates. Labour Party members in Leicester South are holding their breath for a fair and open contest.

I am not sure the "holding their breath" metaphor quite works here. Still, LabourList goes on to list a dozen people, from Leicester and beyond, who may put their names forward. They include Jonathan Ashworth, described as a "close personal friend and ally of Ed Miliband (and current Head of Party Relations for the leader)".

Nominations close on Monday and the Labour candidate for the by-election will be announced on Saturday 19 March.