AS the secretary of the Forest of Dean Constituency Labour Party, I can confirm that we are currently in the process of selecting our next Prospective Parliamentary Candidate.

I was therefore surprised and intrigued to see two letters in the local press from individuals, with names I didn't recognise, supporting one of our shortlisted candidates.

A little research confirmed that neither is a member of the Labour Party. Indeed, neither appears to be a registered elector in the Forest of Dean Parliamentary Constituency.

From a very strong list of applicants from as far afield as London and Derbyshire, the party has shortlisted three local applicants; all of whom have the potential to take on Mark Harper and win. The shortlisted candidates are Tim Gwilliam from Berry Hill, Tanya Palmer from Ruardean and Steve Parry-Hearn from Clearwell.

Party members will be making their final selection at the hustings meeting at the Miners' Welfare Hall, Cinderford at 2pm on Sunday July 28. As with all Labour Party elections, the voting will be by single transferable vote. All eligible Labour Party members are urged to attend. The result will be announced after the count which will immediately follow the Hustings.

Could I suggest to the letter writers that the best way to influence the choices made by Labour Party members is by becoming one and the best way to influence the outcome of elections is to register to vote.

Bruce Hogan,

Secretary,

Forest of Dean Constituency Labour Party