THE race to succeed Peter Pike as Burnley's Labour candidate in the next general election is hotting up with the announcement that nominations must be in by next week.

The Labour National Executive Committee has enforced an all-female list of candidates for the job despite opposition from members of Burnley Labour Party.

Mr Pike made the decision to stand down at the next general election after 20 years as the town's MP.

NEC member Shahid Malik, borough council leader Stuart Caddy and county councillor Marcus Johnstone were all linked with the job before the all-female ruling.

Mr Malik is now in the running to be Labour's candidate in Brent East in London, a seat which Labour lost to the Liberal Democrats last September.

Candidates in Burnley have been campaigning for the last three months and the seven local Labour branches must each make a nomination by next Tuesday.

A final shortlist will then be drawn up, most likely consisting of three candidates, before a final vote of all Labour members on February 12.

One of the front runners for the candidacy is Kitty Usher, policy adviser to the Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt.

Also on the list is union boss Debbie Brannon, regional and political officer for manufacturing union Amicus.

Other candidates include Burnley's Trinity ward councillor Carole Galbraith and Peter Pike's daughter Jane.

Twelve women are in the race to become Labour's candidate at the next general election when present incumbent Peter Pike will step down.

Form guide

HERE'S what sources in the Labour party say about the contenders.

FARMIDA BI: a lawyer from London with extensive experience within the Labour party

DEBBIE BRANNAN: a Burnley local with a background in union activism. A front runner

CAROLE GALBRAITH: a local councillor for Trinity who has lived in Burnley for 27 years. Popular among those who want to see a local get the job

CHERIE HILL: a nurse with a keen interest in politics. An outsider

TRACEY HOLLAND: has worked as a firefighter and is secretary of her local Labour party in North Wales. Unlikely to make the cut

ELIZABETH HUGHES: a legal assistant with experience of party activism. Untried at this level

JANE MCDERMOTT: a solicitor and councillor. An outside bet

ANN MOORE-WILLIAMS: a London barrister with family in the North West. Will not stay the course

JANE PIKE: daughter of current MP Peter Pike and a Burnley local. A strong runner and joint favourite

URSULA POOL: a researcher for Scottish MP Kate Maclean. Making her debut at this level and likely to be well beaten

SUKIE SOHAL: a councillor in London. The going is likely to prove too tough

KITTY USHER: adviser to Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Patricia Hewitt and a councillor. She lives in Burnley. Joint favourite with Jane Pike.