BARNET’s representative in City Hall has confirmed he will stand again in the elections next year.

Labour’s Andrew Dismore, who wrested the Barnet and Camden seat from the Tories in 2012, says he is “positive” about his prospects.

It came as Labour confirmed its shortlist for the London Assembly elections in May 2016.

He said: “It is a long way out, and it is a marginal constituency, but I have done a reasonable job. I am positive. There will be a lot of key issues next year. We have got different boroughs, some issues are common and some are different.

“Housing is obviously a big issue across London. But particularly with the huge cuts to emergency services coming. It is pretty serious, and undoubtedly that will be a big issue.

“But there are also local things, such as Abbots Depot and library cuts. In Camden, we have got issues like HS2. I would be surprised if Europe does not become an issue too. London benefits hugely, despite all its flaws.”

The Conservatives have selected Councillor Daniel Thomas, deputy leader of Barnet Council, as their candidate for the seat and the Green Party will announce theirs later this month.

Speaking about Labour’s London mayoral candidate Sadiq Khan, Mr Dismore said: “People will see in Sadiq somebody who will do a very good job. I think he will be a good candidate, he is very hard working and enthusiastic.”

Asked about his record as an Assembly Member, he said: “It is a scrutiny role, and it is our job to hold the mayor to account, and to challenge them on things they are doing wrong.

“But I think we have made progress on things like the fire cuts. We have made some good progress on safety issues, and the roundabouts, like at Stirling Corner.

“We will have to see what the budget looks like next year, but I think we have done a lot on public transport, although we need to do a lot more on housing. All these big, strategic issues have big implications locally.”