Two controversial Birmingham MPs are expected to be re-selected today - despite opposition from within their own party over their views on immigration and the Iraq war.
Labour Party members attended reaffirmation meetings for Roger Godsiff and Khalid Mahmood at the weekend, days before Tony Blair is expected to dissolve Parliament before an expected May 5 General Election.
It also emerged that Mr Godsiff, who caused controversy among some Muslim constituents for backing the Iraq war, will stand against a candidate from George Galloway's Respect Party.
Salma Yaqoob - chairwoman of the Birmingham Stop the War Coalition - aims to become the first hijab-wearing Muslim in Parliament.
The Labour Party selection announcements will be made today when Mr Godsiff (Sparkbrook and Small Heath) and Mr Mahmood (Perry Barr) are expected to have their candidacy confirmed.
However, Mr Godsiff was criticised by Labour colleagues earlier this year when he said Britain was full and could take no more economic migrants.
He was also drawn into the controversy over vote-rigging in last year's local elections after writing to the judge sitting at the High Court hearing exploring the allegations.
Moves by local Labour activists to sack Mr Godsiff were expected but he looks safe as he has the backing of the GMB union. Rebel MP George Galloway is urging the electorate to shun Mr Godsiff. He said "Your Member of Parliament is the worst ever."
Mr Mahmood' received constituents' criticism for his loyalty to the Government during the Iraq war.
