A TOP aide to Health Secretary Alan Milburn could be in the running to succeed Mo Mowlam in her Redcar seat after her decision to quit at the next election.

Darren Murphy, special advisor to Darlington MP Mr Milburn and organiser of his successful 1992 election campaign, is understood to be considering Dr Mowlam's rock-solid Redcar constituency.

But Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council leader David Walsh - considered by many as an ideal local candidate to take over - has insisted he will not be throwing his hat in the ring.

Dr Mowlam issued a message of thanks to her constituents for the past 13 years, saying it had been a 'tremendous honour' to represent them and how she would miss her Redcar friends 'terribly.'

"I am very grateful for all the hope and support people in Redcar have given to me over the years," said Dr Mowlam, adding she hoped that they would understand her decision.

Dr Mowlam, who was officially re-selected as Labour candidate, has so far not expressed a public preference for who should take over from her.

The local party may well be under pressure to find another woman to boost Labour's credibility of encouraging more women to be MPs.

Redcar Labour constituency chairman John McCormack has already stated his preference for a local candidate who knew the area.

Mr Murphy, who previously worked for Durham North-West MP and Local Government Minister Hilary Armstrong, is a former Newcastle city councillor, still lives on Tyneside, and is on Labour's approved candidates list, with a preference for a North-East seat.