Apparently Karl Turner has been selected in Hull East. No further details of the result yet.

Despite receiving nominations from nine union branches, former minister Chris Leslie is believed to be stepping down from the selection in Hull East, the seat made available by the announcement of John Prescott's retirement.

It appears there is an overwhelming desire in the constituency for a local candidate.

The NEC meets soon to decide on the next tranche of selection arrangements, one of which will be John Prescott's Hull East seat. With Prescott's son David and Gordon Brown favourite Chris Leslie believed to be interested in the seat, will the NEC be prepared to implement an all-woman shortlist?

In light of speculation over possible replacements for retiring MPs, do people think we are attracting the talent to be prospective MPs that we should be? A lot of the names bounded about seem thoroughly decent but, well, pretty average.

Chris Leslie, former MP for Shipley has indicated that he is interested in replacing John Prescott as the Member for Hull East. Prescott is committed to staying on as MP until the next election but has said he will not seek another term.