A second candidate who was previously reported to the Labour Party over anti-Semitism has been shortlisted for a parliamentary seat, casting doubt on the effectiveness of the party’s new selection processes.

Ealing councillor Aysha Raza has been selected alongside three others on the shortlist for Ealing North, where candidates are hoping to replace Labour MP Stephen Pound, who is standing down.

On Monday, BuzzFeed News reported that Luke Cresswell, who had been referred twice to the party twice over anti-Semitism had been shortlisted in the contest for the South Suffolk seat. BuzzFeed News understands that Cresswell has since been removed from the shortlist.

In April 2018, Raza was reported to Labour by the campaign group Labour Against Antisemitism (LAAS) over social media posts in which she said she was "traumatised by the hours spent in that Zionist shop" after buying a suit and defended the same East End mural that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was heavily criticised for backing, writing: “#OneRuleForYou&AnotherForUs and #FreeSpeech”.

Raza told BuzzFeed News: “In the past I have apologised sincerely for historical tweets dating back several years, have undertaken anti-Semitism awareness training run by the Jewish Labour Movement, and I once again sincerely apologise for any hurt my words caused.

“As the only candidate who lives in, and has a track record of representing our diverse Ealing North community, I am confident that local members will recognise that I fully understand the importance of representing the interests of everyone in our community, regardless of religion, race or background."