THE defeated Labour candidate in the Hendon parliamentary seat says cash is the main stumbling block from raising a legal challenge against the result.

Andrew Dismore, who held the seat for 13 years before losing to Tory Matthew Offord by 106 votes on May 6, has until Thursday to launch the election petition.

At a meeting with lawyers on Friday Mr Dismore was told he has an “excellent case” over electoral malpractice, but warned he must raise a six-figure sum to fund the bid.

He told the Times Series: “The lawyers I spoke so said it was a really strong case, but the main problem now is coming up with the money as it will be a civil case.

“We have a thick file from people who have been turned away from polling stations, not had their postal votes until the weekend after the election and things like that.

He added: “It's not a question of being a bad loser, it's standing up for people who were disenfranchised.

“We've had problems with Barnet Council before but this is the first time they might have made a difference to the result.”

Mr Dismore said he and his team had been working out ways to raise the cash, but admitted it is “not easy” and added the Labour Party does not have the resources to help.

The petition would be launched against Barnet Council chief executive Nick Walkley as the acting returning officer, who had overall control of electoral procedures.

Anyone who wishes to help the campaign can contact Mr Dismore on 0208 202 2154 or email admin@hendonlabourparty.com.