HULL MP Diana Johnson has said she was “disappointed” to face a democratic selection process by Labour members in her constituency, writes Phil Miller.

Ms Johnson, who is on the right of the party and supported the vote of no confidence in Jeremy Corbyn in 2016, will have to win support from local members before she can stand as a parliamentary candidate at the upcoming general election.

Under the party’s new rules, it takes the vote of three branches to trigger a reselection process.

Right-wing Labour MPs such as Jess Phillips and Thangam Debbonaire tweeted in support of Ms Johnson.

However, a local Labour source told the Star: “Diana’s popularity seems inverse to how well members know her.

“Many well respected local people have turned against her because of her hostility to the local and national leadership.

“It’s telling that [neighbouring Hull MPs] Karl Turner and Emma Hardy don’t have this problem.

“On the big estates in North Hull, people are angry at her over Brexit and other issues.

“It can’t be denied that she has alienated people across Labour’s broad church.”

The Star understands that Aneesa Akbar, a local Labour councillor and trade unionist, is a popular suggestion among local members to challenge Ms Johnson.