A would-be MP today threatened to quit the Labour Party after losing his bid to become Castle Point's next parliamentary candidate.

Dave Blackwell had hoped to win over the Labour voters and fight Tory MP Bob Spink for the borough seat at the next general election.

However, although he gained 32 votes - just two below the necessary 34 needed for an out right win - he lost out in the second count which took into account the voters' second choices.

Published Wednesday January 14, 2004

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