THE former Hendon Labour MP has admitted he is hoping to go head-to-head with Tory rival Brian Coleman for the Barnet and Camden London Assembly seat.

Andrew Dismore, who lost the last election by just 107 votes to Matthew Offord, says he will put himself forward for the Labour nomination for the seat.

The news comes after Totteridge councillor Brian Coleman was reselected as the Conservative candidate after a meeting of the five associations in Finchley on Thursday.

He hit the headlines this week after a tirade against the Fire Brigades Union who he has been in strike negotiations with, has held the seat since the Assembly was formed in 2000.

However, Mr Dismore said he is confident if he gets the nod from the party he will pose a threat to Cllr Coleman's control.

He told the Times Series: “I don't think he's ever had a very heavy duty campaign against him and the difference with me running is I have a profile in Barnet and a strong personal support.

“I've got experience of outer London and inner London campaigning as I was a councillor in Westminster for 15 years, so I understand the needs of both areas.

“I also know I would get a lot of support from the Fire Brigades Union. Whoever ran would, but I have a long history of supporting them, as far back as my time as a lawyer.”

The selection process for the candidate to face the vote in May 2012 is not likely to happen until the spring, but Mr Dismore said he is confident of securing the nomination.

He added: “I will fight a campaign on the issues, not on personal politics. There are a lot of things Brian Coleman has done I take issue with, so there is a lot to go on there.

“I do not want to go down the route of personal attacks, although if he does then there are also plenty of things to bring up as well.”