After Simon Danczuk was barred from standing as the Labour candidate for Rochdale, there have been reports that the Leader's Office are keen for Corbyn adviser Katy Clark to be put forward for the seat -- after she lost out in Leigh.

However, now the word on the ground is that Labour want a local candidate over concerns a non-local candidate could lose the seat if Danczuk runs as an independent. So, could it be another Corbynite who is in contention to make the shortlist? Applications for the seat open today and close tomorrow. The chatter in Labour is that Paul Mason may go for it -- after he was apparently spied visiting the Leader's Office today. The former Channel 4 economics editor turned revolutionary was born in Leigh and knows the North West -- meaning he could bat off any carpet-bagger accusations.

If Mason does take the plunge, Mr S hopes that he has more luck than he did last year when he tried -- and failed -- to get elected as a branch delegate to Vauxhall Labour.

Mr S has contacted the Leader's Office for comment.