THE performances of candidates at hustings on Sunday afternoon are expected to play a vital role in determining Labour’s General Election candidate for St Helens North.

Labour members in the constituency will cast their votes in order of preference after hearing from the six contenders on the shortlist at St Helens Town Hall, with the winner declared later that afternoon.

As the Star reported last week, party insiders see the contest as a three-horse race between former mayor of St Helens Andy Bowden, council leader Barrie Grunewald and political advisor Conor McGinn.

Sources say Grunewald’s campaign has gathered momentum and support this week after he impressed at informal hustings in Rainford at the weekend.

However, Bowden has a strong grassroots following in the constituency where he has been based for 17 years and has a loyal supporter base.

Meanwhile, McGinn, a Northern Irishman, cannot be ruled out after impressing some party members with his calibre and putting in plenty of groundwork over the past month in the North’s communities after basing his young family in St Helens over the past month.

All three said they expected a tight contest when contacted by the Star this week, and acknowledged some minds can still be swayed at the hustings.

Manchester councillor Rosa Battle, Wirral councillor Louise Reece-Jones and Labour Party member Mark Russell, also head of the Christian charity The Church Army, are others on the shortlist but they would have to stage a late charge to come up in the running.

It is thought up to 250 Labour members are entitled to vote, and candidates are working hard to get all to Sunday’s session, which is closed to the public.

Canvassing opinions of Labour members, who asked to remain anonymous, led to many differing views.

One said: “Where they come from shouldn’t matter. They must be of the right calibre to represent St Helens in Westminster.

“The hustings will be very important.”

Another added: “We want someone who is from around here and has the requisite experience. That is what I am looking for.”

Whoever secures selection would be clear favourite to secure the seat at Westminster, given that St Helens North is regarded as one of the safest Labour constituencies in the country. Dave Watts, whose retirement has sparked the race, retained his seat with a majority of 13,101 in 2010.

Members can opt to rank candidates in order of preference or simply choose one candidate at the selection process.

The method means second or third preferences could prove vital when votes are totted up.