When Stuart Holland resigned from the House of Commons in 1989 a dramatic by-election was triggered in Vauxhall. One of those gunning to replace Holland was Nigerian-born, Martha Osamor, a left-wing activist and a member of Labour’s Black Sections – a movement fighting for fairer representation in parliament.
But Martha was vetoed from becoming the official candidate as Labour’s leader, Neil Kinnock, became obsessed with resisting the rising left-wing rank and file members. It was a contest that many claim Martha could have easily won, given the chance. Instead Kate Hoey was chosen for the candidacy and has been sitting as MP for Vauxhall ever since.
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