A RELATIVE of Tony Blair looks set to fight a crucial seat at the next general election after Labour endorsed her controversial selection.

Steph Booth – stepmother of the former Prime Minister’s wife Cherie Blair – was chosen as Labour’s candidate for Calder Valley earlier this month.

But some activists in the constituency – which includes Elland and Brighouse – expressed concerns about the high level of postal voting in the selection contest.

Mrs Blair was beaten on the night by Susan Press by 35 votes to 22. However, Mrs Booth triumphed in the postal vote by 73 to 17, giving her an overall victory by 95 votes to 52.

Labour’s National Executive Committee has now endorsed Mrs Booth’s selection.

Current MP Chris McCafferty is standing down at the next election. The Labour woman had a majority of 1,367 at the last poll in 2005.