Labour candidate named for key West Bromwich target seat
Labour has named its candidate to fight a key Black Country target seat at the next general election.
Sarah Coombes has been selected after a members' vote to attempt to regain West Bromwich East, which will become West Bromwich at next year's general election following boundary changes.
In a two-horse race for candidacy Ms Coombes, an advisor to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, held off the challenge of former Unite regional boss Gerard Coyne.
West Bromwich East was Labour for 45 years until 2019 when Nicola Richards took it for the Conservatives with a majority of 1,593.
It is viewed by Labour as a "must win" seat if Sir Keir Starmer is to end up in Number 10 following the next general election.
Ms Coombes was backed by former Labour deputy leader Lord Watson, whom she worked for when he was an MP in the constituency. She also received support from unions including the GMB, FBU and CWU.
She said: "It is a huge privilege and responsibility to have been selected by members of West Bromwich East Labour as our parliamentary candidate.
"A massive thanks to my team, everyone who helped on my campaign and everyone who supported me.
"Now let’s win back West Bromwich East!"
Labour sources said the turnout was "extremely high" at around 75 per cent.
The Conservatives are looking for a new candidate after Ms Richards opted to look for a new seat. Selections opened in April.
