A former Labour candidate who was caught up in a vote-rigging row has applied to be the party's candidate in a marginal seat.
Karie Murphy said she had been contacted by a "significant" number of party members in Halifax, West Yorkshire, where the sitting MP, Linda Riordan, is standing down.
Ms Murphy decided not to stand as Labour's candidate in Falkirk in 2013 over allegations that the Unite union tried to manipulate the selection process in her favour.
The union and Ms Murphy were both subsequently cleared of any wrong-doing, but the episode led Labour leader Ed Miliband to announce reforms to the party's links with unions.
Ms Murphy said in a statement: "In recent days I have been contacted by a significant number of Labour Party members in Halifax asking if I would consider standing in the selection to choose their next parliamentary candidate.
"Given the high level of support and encouragement I have received from local party members and as one of the Labour Party's officially approved candidates, I have decided to apply to be the prospective Labour Party candidate for Halifax.
"As a nurse with over 25 years' service in the frontline of the NHS I am committed to carrying on Linda Rirodan's passionate defence of the local NHS and saving the A&E department."
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Linda Riordan, who has represented Halifax for the past 10 years, wrote to Labour earlier this week, warning the party was in "very real danger" of losing the seat unless a candidate is selected soon.
She announced last month she was retiring on health grounds, stressing someone should be chosen as a "matter of urgency" given the slim 1,472 majority Labour is defending.
It is understood that an all-women shortlist will be announced next week ahead of a decision on March 28 by the local party on who should be selected.
ends
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