Tooting by-election: Dr Rosena Allin-Khan chosen by Labour in battle to secure Sadiq Khan’s former seat
Labour has chosen Dr Rosena Allin-Khan as its candidate in the Tooting by-election, triggered by the resignation of Sadiq Khan after he won City Hall.
The by-election will take place on 16 June in a constituency that has been held by Labour since its origin.
Allin-Khan was born in Tooting and lives in the area with her family. She works as an A&E specialist doctor at St George’s Hospital and is a local councillor. Rosena has also used her medical experience working as an international humanitarian aid worker.
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"I love Tooting. I was born and raised here, and there’s no place I would rather raise my children. This community gave my family everything, including a secure home to raise our family," Allin-Khan said.
"It’s an honour to be selected as Labour’s candidate – continuing Sadiq Khan’s work standing up for everyone living across Balham, Earlsfield, Furzedown and Tooting.
"With local health services under threat and the Tories pushing ahead with plans to take millions of pounds from our local school budgets, my priority will be to ensure our community gets the excellent local services families need and deserve."
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Housing and the protection of key local services will be put at the heart of Allin-Khan's campaign.
The Conservatives have tapped Dan Watkins, who fought for the seat at the last General Election, and while it is a two horse race, Labour are heavy favourites to retain the seat with bookmakers.
"It was an honour to serve as the MP for Tooting for 11 years – representing the area I’ve lived in all my life. I could think of no better person to now represent Tooting than Rosena," the Mayor of London said.
"Rosena has lived in the area all her life and has always been committed to helping and standing up for local people – whether working as an A&E doctor at St George’s or campaigning as a councillor on issues like protecting childcare services."