Former MP George Galloway says he is considering standing as an independent in the Gorton by-election.

The controversial figure – originally a Labour MP before setting up his own party, Respect – told the M.E.N. he ‘hadn’t yet decided’ whether to run for election but would be visiting Manchester both tomorrow and Saturday ‘at least’.

His comments come after days of tweets and Facebook posts from the veteran left-wing figure about his visits to the Gorton constituency, sparking speculation that he was preparing to stand.

The former MP been out and about in both Rusholme and Levenshulme since last weekend. He also published a blog post for the site Westmonster about Labour’s Gorton selection process - in which he paid tribute to late Gorton MP Sir Gerald Kaufman and underlined his own personal ties to Manchester.

When asked by the M.E.N. about his intentions, Mr Galloway denied rumours of an electoral pact that he would only stand if north west MEP Afzal Khan was not selected for Labour – saying that was ‘untrue’ and adding that he had never met him.

His potential candidacy will only further fuel jitters within the local Labour party, which has been gearing up for a selection process in the constituency for years.

So far more than half a dozen candidates have confirmed they will stand, with seven down to attend a Unite hustings in the city this evening.

Mr Khan is currently considered the frontrunner by many in Labour’s own selection process, which has now begun in earnest.

This morning he also secured the backing of two trade unions, the CWU and the GMB.

He said he was ‘delighted’ about the news, adding that he would be a ‘strong voice for workers’ rights’.

Soon after Mr Khan declared his intentions earlier this week he was followed by Manchester councillors Julie Reid and Mike Amesbury.

Coun Reid announced her candidacy in an online post that promised to continue the legacy of late MP Sir Gerald Kaufman, adding: “I am a feisty Gorton woman, I have that fight in my belly. I can carry on Sir Gerald’s good work.”

Rusholme councillor Rabnawaz Akbar also today confirmed his candidacy, telling the M.E.N: “Over the last few days I have been approached by many residents of Gorton other than party members to put my name forward.

“Sir Gerald is not going to be an easy act to follow but I believe I have the commitment, dedication, experience, an ethos of hard work and a vision for Gorton that will allow me to continue his remarkable legacy.”

Sam Wheeler, whose name was circulated as the Labour leadership’s favoured candidate within hours of Sir Gerald’s death, is also understood to be applying, despite friends saying initially that he was ‘shocked’ his name had been mentioned.

Karl Eastham, a councillor on Southwark council in London, has also declared.

Brought up in Accrington, he admits to being a ‘relative outsider’ in the race but says he would provide a ‘fresh face’ to the contest.

He said he was centre-left, not aligned to any particular faction locally and has been ‘unafraid to criticise those who have sought to sow division, whatever their motivation’.

“Party policy is popular with the public and they need a strong voice to drive the message home,” he added. “I will be out every day in Gorton to make sure our voice is heard. That is what people want – a unified Labour voice speaking for Labour people.”

Other candidates expected to stand include Manchester councillors Amina Lone and Luthfur Rahman, but neither has so far confirmed their intentions.

Former NEC member Mohammed Azam and Moston councillor Yasmine Dar are also expected to attend the Unite hustings.

Labour’s application process shuts on Monday, followed by shortlisting at national level and selection locally on March 22.

A date has still not been formally set for the by-election but most within the party expect it to take place on the same day as the mayoral vote on May 4.