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Former Lib Dem MP John Hemming has confirmed he will challenge Labour’s Jess Phillips for the Yardley seat reigniting one of the bitterest contests in Birmingham’s recent political history.

Mr Hemming served as Yardley MP for ten years until 2015 when he became one of the many Lib Dem MPs to be dumped by the electorate after the Coalition Government years.

He was defeated by Jess Phillips, who won with a 6,595 vote majority , in what was a rare success for Labour.

Both have been described as outspoken and maverick MPs, known for speaking their minds and willing to challenge their own party leaders.

But there is no love lost between them.

Announcing his decision on facebook Mr Hemming said: “Following requests from many local people who have written to me, emailed my, made phone calls, or sent twitter messages I will be re-standing to be MP for Birmingham Yardley.

“I think it’s important that the people of Birmingham Yardley whose main focus to be a full-time MP who deals with their issues, resolving their problems, representing them effectively and achieving change for Yardley, making things better cleaning up the city.”

Since leaving Parliament two years ago Mr Hemming has lost legal action against Birmingham City Council over its failure to keep the streets clean .

He has also continued his family courts campaign – claiming the state has caused untold misery to many families through zealous action in taking young children and babies into care with little oversight or scrutiny.

But he hit the headlines in 2011 when his wife was found guilty of stealing a cat from the home of his girlfriend and their daughter.

His statement is a clear swipe at Ms Phillips who has been a regular figure on the national media and outspoken on social media and often the target of online trolls . Critics say she has spent too long cultivating her media profile including memorable appearances on Question Time and Have I Got News For You.

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A former Women’s Aid worker she has been a vocal campaigner for victims of abuse and domestic violence.

She has used crowdfunder website to raise funds towards her re-election campaign – the total is approaching £8,000 and rising. Her pitch states that politics should not be a game solely for the independently wealthy – also a dig at Mr Hemming - who is a successful businessman.

And she has upset supporters of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn saying the leader is just not good enough and had public rows with his allies including Diane Abbott.