A MOVE to secure Labour's nomination for a forthcoming North-East town's by-election by a key advisor to Tony Blair could be scuppered by local party members.

Rank-and-file Labour activists seeking the successor to Hartlepool MP Peter Mandelson said they want somebody local to replace the former Cabinet minister.

Hartlepool councillors have poured cold water on a bid by a Downing Street advisor and ally of Mr Mandelson to become the party's candidate.

The Northern Echo revealed on Friday how Patrick Diamond, who advises Tony Blair on education, has been canvassing support among party members and is expected to be on the shortlist for selection on Friday.

But councillors in the town said as many as ten local party members could also be seeking the nomination for the poll, which will be held in the autumn, to find a successor to Mr Mandelson.

He will vacate the seat to become an EU commissioner.

Labour's leader on Hartlepool Borough Council, Steve Wallace, along with colleagues Iain Wright, Robbie Payne, Pam Hargreaves and Gerald Wistow, have all been mentioned by Hartlepool activists as likely contenders for selection.

Gateshead-born former Yorkshire Euro-MP David Bowe is also bidding for support.

Several party members say they plan to back a local candidate ahead of Mr Diamond at a selection meeting on Friday.

Dyke House ward councillor Mary Fleet said: "I think people would prefer someone local, if they are suitable for the job. We have got to think hard about this and get the right person."

Referring to Mr Diamond's possible nomination, Owton councillor Maureen Goosey said: "I don't think it would be politically right at the moment.

"He's a bit wet behind the ears. His time will come, but my personal opinion is that it's got to be someone from Hartlepool - someone different from our current MP."

Sheila Griffin, who represents Brus ward, said: "I think the preferred option would be a local person.

"But we've got to take all things into consideration, including their experience and loyalty to the town.

"People have been saying they want a local person, but they would have to have the right expertise. What we don't want is a candidate foisted on us."

Rossmere councillor Ann Leonard said: "Personally, I would rather have somebody from the town, or near the town, or related to the town, but the main thing is it should be the best man or woman for the job."

But Grange councillor Bill Iseley said: "I have no objection whatsoever to a candidate from outside if they are good quality."

The Liberal Democrats have already selected barrister Jody Dunn, who lives in Gainford, near Darlington, and works in Middlesbrough, to fight the seat.

The party has high hopes of overturning the 14,571 majority Mr Mandelson won in 2001, after winning the Leicester South by-election last month, and success in local and European polls in the North-East in June.