LABOUR’S national executive committee (NEC) is likely to override calls from the party grassroots to select a woman in a key safe seat today.

Party members in Edmonton, north London, have reportedly called for an all-women shortlist in the contest to succeed retiring MP Andy Love.

Because the contest is so close to the general election the selection is being conducted centrally, with local members choosing the candidate from an NEC shortlist.

The executive decided on a longlist for interview last week — excluding right wing former NEC member Luke Akehurst and Unite activist Kingsley Abrams, who immediately announced his resignation from the Labour Party.

Mr Akehurst had turned fire on the Star after a news report noted that key party figures had called for an all-black shortlist.

“I do hope the Morning Star’s support for an all BAME shortlist is based on wanting BAME representation not on cynically blocking me,” he tweeted.

The seat is fiercely coveted because of its 9,613 majority and its London location.

Some insiders believe there is a strong case for the seat to be represented by an ethnic minority woman — given the large non-white population and the local party’s unusual call for men to be excluded.

One former NEC member told the Star: “When members kick up a fuss about all-women shortlists, the officials say they have to impose them because no-one wants them.

“Now when a constituency does want one, they’ve got to listen. It would look like a shambles otherwise.”