Prime Minister's niece selected as Labour candidate after being 'parachuted into safe seat'

The Prime Minister's niece is contesting a council seat in one of London's most reliably Labour areas. in what critics claim to be a product of nepotism.

Ellie Sandover, in her mid-twenties, is running in Croydon's Bensham Manor ward on May 7, prompting accusations from frustrated local party members that she has been "parachuted into a safe Labour seat".

Ms Sandover's mother, Katy Swabey, is one of the Sir Keir's three siblings, and works as a care sector nurse.

It was Ms Swabey to whom Keir Starmer, when the leader of the opposition, referred to as “my sister is a poorly-paid care worker” in a Prime Minister’s Questions back-and-forth with Boris Johnson in 2021.

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Her candidacy comes after the party prevented two incumbent Labour councillors from seeking re-election in the ward.

The two councillors barred from standing again are Eunice O'Dame and Enid Molyneux, both of whom currently represent Bensham Manor.

Ms Sandover secured her selection in August 2025, having previously served as a parliamentary intern for Sarah Jones, the policing minister representing Croydon West.

Before entering politics, she held the position of youth engagement lead at Croydon-based charity Legacy Youth Zone.

Her academic credentials include a degree from the Central School of Speech and Drama, and a master's qualification in law.

Despite her ample credibility, local party figures have expressed reservations about her candidacy.

One Labour member told the Inside Croydon website: "Bensham Manor members are disappointed no selection happened. Ellie's not very visible in campaign or community."

A local resident described her as "a very new member to the party."

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At a crucial time in the election campaign, Ms Sandover’s posted a selfie on April 9 out campaigning in the community.

She heard of fly tipping incidents and uneven pavements, and posted to X: “No small issues for people in the place they call home."

The usual requirement by the Labour Party is for those seeking selection as a candidate to have been a member for at least six months.

Ms Sandover must have been a party member by at least February 2025, were she eligible to be selected that August.

Amid criticism, Labour has firmly rejected suggestions of any irregularity in the selection process.

A party spokesman stated that Ms Sandover had been chosen in accordance with party rules and procedures, adding that it was "categorically incorrect" to suggest her selection occurred in anything other than the standard manner.

"Labour is proud to have a strong set of local candidates standing for election in Croydon and right across London," the spokesman said.

Questions about cronyism have plagued Sir Keir since he entered Downing Street in July 2024, with the Prime Minister having promoted several individuals with personal or familial connections.

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