Sir Keir Starmer’s niece has been “parachuted into a safe Labour seat” in the local elections, exasperated party members in London have claimed. Ellie Sandover has been selected to stand for election in Bensham Manor, a ward in Croydon, south London, which is seen as one of Labour’s most winnable seats in the capital.

Ms Sandover, daughter of the Prime Minister’s sister Katherine Swabey, was selected in August last year. However, local party members have raised concerns after two of the Bensham Manor’s sitting Labour councillors were reportedly blocked from standing by the party. One party activist said members in the ward are “disappointed no selection happened”.

“Ellie’s not very visible in campaign or community,” they told Inside Croydon.

A resident told the website: “Ellie’s a very new member to the party.”

Ms Sandover, believed to be in her mid-20s, previously worked as a parliamentary intern for policing minister and Croydon West MP, Sarah Jones.

She has also worked at a Croydon charity as its “youth engagement lead”, The Telegraph reports.

Ms Sandover reportedly has a degree from the Central School of Speech and Drama and has a master’s in law.

A Labour spokesman said Sir Keir’s niece was selected as a candidate in line with party rules and procedures.

They told The Telegraph it was categorically incorrect so suggest she was selected in anything other than the usual way.

“Labour is proud to have a strong set of local candidates standing for election in Croydon and right across London,” they added.

The local elections are being held on Thursday May 7, with warnings Labour could face catastrophic losses.

Leading polling expert Lord Robert Hayward has predicted Sir Keir’s party will lose more than 75% of the council seats it is defending across England.