Former Selby MP John Grogan could contest Keighley for Labour

He is among four people shortlisted as possible candidates in the party’s selection procedure.

Mr Grogan, 52, represented Selby from 1997 until the seat was merged due to boundary changes in 2010.

“Like Selby, Keighley is an urban area with a big rural hinterland and many villages,” he said.

“To be considered as a possible candidate is a great honour in itself.

“The town and surrounding villages have a great history and heritage, but also great potential for the future.

“The seat is always closely fought, and the eyes of the country are inevitably upon it – it’s often a good pointer for who will form the next government.

“Selby was also a marginal seat, so I am used to fighting marginals.”

Mr Grogan, who lives at Burley-in-Wharfedale, said his first political experience was in Keighley.

“As an 18-year-old schoolboy in 1979, I campaigned for Bob Cryer – who went on to win the seat – delivering leaflets after school,” he said.

“I feel a strong affinity with the area. My late father John’s first teaching job was in the town, at St Anne’s School.

“So when friends in the Labour party suggested I put my name forward, I decided to do it.

“Although I haven’t been an MP since 2010, I have remained active in politics.”

Others shortlisted for the candidate post are Councillor Kaneez Akthar, who represents Keighley Central on Bradford Council, Councillor Ralph Berry, a Wibsey councillor who is the council’s executive member for children and young people’s services, and Henri Murison, who lives in Addingham.

A decision is due to be made at a hustings event in Keighley on November 23.

The Keighley constituency – which includes Ilkley – is currently held by Conservative Kris Hopkins, who won the seat at the 2010 General Election with a 2,940 majority. The seat had previously been held by Labour’s Ann Cryer.