The Labour candidate for Slough at the June 8 general election has spoken of his delight at being chosen.

Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, 38, was selected yesterday, Friday April 28.

He is the Chair of Gravesham Constituency Labour Party in Kent, the former Mayor of Gravesham and is a ‘seasoned campaigner’ for the Labour Party in the South East, the party said.

Mr Singh received the approval of his party in somewhat controversial circumstances when it emerged yesterday that men had been introduced for consideration late on.

This was despite Labour having a policy of only replacing retiring female candidates with other women. This is to help keep the number of women MPs up in the party.

Mr Singh, who is Slough born with two children and currently resides in Kent, said: “It is a privilege and an honour to be selected as Labour’s candidate for Slough, the town I was born and brought up in, and a place I love so much.

“I want to thank Fiona Mactaggart for her 20 years of dedication to Slough and the Labour Party.

“I am determined to be a strong voice for Slough after seven years of damaging Tory cuts.

“This general election is a choice between a Labour Party, who will stand up for the many and a Conservative Party, which only looks after the privileged few.

“If elected, I will work tirelessly for the people of Slough.”

Interestingly the selection still has to be endorsed by the party’s National Executive Committee, the media has been advised.

Interviews had been held on Friday and included Cllr Sabia Hussain, the deputy leader of Slough Borough Council, who was unsuccessful.