THE newly selected Labour contender for Twickenham has promised to fight a positive campaign and reject traditional political mudslinging.

Brian Whitington, a 33-year-old education consultant, was unveiled this week to contest the constituency in the next General Election.

He told the Times: "I am very pleased and excited to be selected. I've made it clear that I'd run a very positive campaign based on Labour policies and values, not a negative attacking campaign.

"For instance, if Charles Kennedy's unwell, I say leave him alone.

"However, we'll put up a fight and won't let the side down."

Labour members in Twickenham voted him top of the shortlist of four. There had been nine applicants.

Mr Whitington lives in Brixton, but claims strong connections with Twickenham. He grew up in Hounslow and used to play in Marble Hill Park during his childhood, while he has many friends in the constituency.

Back in the 1992 elections, at the age of just 21, he was agent for Alan Keen, who was elected MP for Feltham and Heston.

While carrying out that job, he built strong links with the Labour workers in Twickenham, who helped campaign for Mr Keen.

Mr Whitington said standing in Twickenham would repay that debt to Twickenham Labour Party.

This is the first time he has stood for Parliament.

He runs an educational organisation in south London, whose work includes mentoring pupils at risk of exclusion, professional development for teachers and providing apprenticeships.

On winning the party ballot, Mr Whitington said: "I look forward to taking Labour's message of social justice and a fair deal for all to the people of Twickenham.

"We will hit the streets and talk to the residents of Twickenham about what concerns them most - as a party we want to listen and respond to the interests and aspirations of local people."

Mr Whitington has worked for Labour for over a decade.

As well as being Mr Keen's agent, he has chaired the Young Socialists, sat on the National Executive Committee's Youth Committee and chaired the Roehampton Institute London Labour Club.

He believes his connections within the Labour party will enable him to promote the concerns of Twickenham on the London and national stage.

The election has to be held some time before summer 2005.