THE race is on to find a Conservative contender to take on Ealing North's established Labour MP Stephan Pound in the next general election.

A public meeting on May 9 will give residents the chance to choose between four potential candidates in an open primary.

This year is Mr Pound's tenth as MP for the marginal constituency.

The first of the committed Tories putting themselves forward is Aidan Burley, currently a councillor in Hammersmith and Fulham.

Mr Burley works for Nick Herbert MP, the shadow minister for police and reform, and has a history of campaigning against the West London Tram and westward extension of the congestion charge.

The second candidate, Ian Gibb, has lived in Ealing for 20 years and is the deputy leader of the council as well as a councillor for Ealing North.

The father-of-two plans to campaign for improved public services, lower taxes and "family friendly policies".

The first female hopeful, Mimi Harker, has served as a councillor for eight years and has campaigned against the closure of local post offices.

The final Conservative, Sheela Mackintosh, is a barrister, solicitor and mother-of-two, who is committed to stopping the West London Tram plans and reduce traffic congestion among other projects.

Candidate selection will take place at Greenford Assembly Hall, in Ruislip Road, Greenford from 6.45pm.

Anyone wishing to attend must register by writing to Ealing North Conservative Association, Courthope Road, calling 020 8578 5912 or emailing their details to ealingnorth@bluesky.org