Faiza Shaheen to stand as independent after Labour deselection

Faiza Shaheen said she aimed to show there was a ‘progressive alternative’ to both parties. Photograph: Guy Smallman/Getty Images

Faiza Shaheen, the candidate blocked by Labour from standing in Chingford and Woodford Green, has announced she will stand as an independent.

In a move that will pit her against Labour in one of the party’s target seats, she said she was standing in response to hundreds of messages from local people who said there were no options left for them.