Oliver Cooper and Naz Panju [www.nazpanju.com]

EIGHT parliamentary hopefuls are vying to be named the Conservative party’s candidate for the general election after Nickie Aiken announced she would be stepping down.

Former city cabinet councillor Tim Barnes, former Camden Conservatives leader Oliver Cooper, and current councillor and London Assembly member Tony Devenish, are some of the familiar names in the running.

Moz Hossain – who was pipped to the post to be the Tories’ Mayor of London candidate by Susan Hall – is also said to be on the “long list”.

Has Ahmed, a youthful former candidate for Ilford South, has also been named along with Yasmin W Al-Atroshi, a health reform campaigner and contender for the Solihull candidacy before Christmas.

Tim Barnes and Tony Devenish

Naz Panju, a crimin­ologist and area chair for the Conservative Women’s Organisation in Hertfordshire, has also been named, along with another hopeful, Jessica Stewart.

Ms Aiken, who was elected as the MP for the Cities of London and Westminster in 2019 with a majority of 3,953, announced she would not be contesting the general election as she would be moving abroad for a new life with her husband.

Last month the MP, who is also a former leader of the city council, said: “I have been privileged to represent the most diverse and vibrant part of London, with its rich culture and history. This is not a decision I have taken lightly.

Nickie Aiken

“My husband, Alex, who has supported me steadfastly throughout my political career, has accepted a job offer overseas and he deserves my full support as he pursues a new career.”

More than 50 Conservative MPs, including the former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng and ex-defence secretary Ben Wallace, have announced they will not stand again.

An official long list for the new 2024 constituency, which has minor boundary changes, is expected to be announced next week.