LABOUR’S parliamentary candidate for Northfield has announced he will no longer be running in July’s snap election.
Alex Aitken announced the news in a Facebook post yesterday (Tuesday, May 28) citing ‘personal challenges’ as his reasoning.
The Birmingham City Councillor for Kings Norton has also decided with ‘deep regret’ to resign from his elected role on the council.
Announcing the news on Facebook, Alex said: “Northfield is, and has always been, my home and I have always wanted to be able to represent my community to the best of my ability.
“However, due to some personal challenges that have arisen recently, it has become clear I am unable to do so in order to focus on myself.
“This fight was always about much more than me – it was about giving Northfield the fresh start it deserves.
“I’m deeply grateful for the support and trust that local members put in me, and I’m gutted to not have been able to see it through.”
Labour will now turn their attention to finding a swift replacement for Aitken as the race hots up to win back Northfield after losing it to the Conservatives in 2019 for the first time in almost 30 years.
This year’s general election will be held on July 4.
Birmingham Labour Group have been approached for comment.
