A MIXED bag of candidates is currently eyeing up the nomination for the Tottenham constituency vacated by the death of Bernie Grant.

Following his funeral last week, his widow Sharon announced that she is thinking about contesting her husband's seat.

She said: 'This is a difficult time for everyone. Bernie was irreplaceable, and there is still a great deal of sadness locally.

'Bernie always took his cue from the people ? that's what made him so special. I shall do nothing less.

'This is a new situation with many sensitivities. Let us take our time and do what is best for Tottenham's future.'

Mr Grant was one of Britain's first black MPs when he was elected in 1987 and he was returned at the 1997 general election with a majority of 20,200.

Mrs Grant added: 'The community in Tottenham has been wonderful to me, and I could not have wished for more support and affection in coping with Bernie's loss.

'I plan to spend the next week or so talking and listening to local people including Labour Party members.'

One man who has already declared his interest in standing is Merton councillor Kingsley Abrams.

He won his political spurs as a volunteer in Mr Grant's office in the early 90s, travelling to the US and Europe with him.

Mr Abrams told the Independent: 'It would be a privilege to be a candidate for Tottenham and eventually succeed Bernie Grant.

'No-one can be Bernie Grant ? he was special and different.'

Mr Abrams, 38, has a similar background to Mr Grant, being born in Guyana and arriving in London aged 15.

He studied social science at South Bank University and combines his job at a community centre with being a leader of the London Borough Grounds Committee.

He added: 'I will work very hard if I am selected to build and follow on Bernie Grant's legacy.'

Another potential candidate is black barrister and Labour GLA candidate David Lammy.

He was brought up in Tottenham and Mr Grant supported his nomination as the youngest candidate on Labour's slate for next month's elections.

Mr Lammy, 27, refused to be drawn on speculation that he is one of the favourites to fight the Labour safe-seat.

He said: 'I can't think about it at the moment, I think it is premature.'

Well-known black politician Trevor Phillips seems to have ruled himself out of the running as has broadcaster and former Tottenham Hotspur striker Garth Crooks.

A Labour Party spokesman said: 'The whole focus for Labour is fighting the GLA elections.

'Anyone who has got aspirations for the seat is fighting the elections.

'We will look at Tottenham after the elections on May 4.'

Meanwhile, the Conservative Party is set to select its candidate. Details are set to be announced next week.

The by-election is expected to take place in June or July.