THE race to become Burnley's next MP is hotting up with the announcement that the selection process is set to start in the next few weeks.

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.

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

She said: "I am actively considering it and taking advice from friends.

"If I did do it I would run a campaign that sought to put Burnley on the map using my experience with the Department of Trade and Industry and manufacturing to bring more jobs to Burnley."

A new addition to the list is union boss Debbie Brannon, regional and political officer for manufacturing union Amicus.

She said: "I will definitely be standing. I've got experience in manufacturing and industrial issues and within the Labour party. I have a good grasp of both national and local issues."

Lancashire County Council leader Hazel Harding has also been connected with the seat.

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

A spokesman for the Labour Party's North West regional office said: "The selection procedure will begin before the end of the year and will last about three months when there will be a vote of all the local Labour party members to choose a candidate."