STELLA Creasy is to be the next Labour candidate for Walthamstow, the Guardian understands.

Local party members voted on Saturday for the former councillor to defend current MP Neil Gerrard's 8,000 majority after he steps down at the next election.

A Labour Party source told the Guardian Ms Creasy won the final round in the selection process by 121 votes to 98, against Famida Bai.