The local Labour party in North West Leicestershire has lined up its candidate to fight at the next General Election.

Amanda Hack has been selected as the Parliamentary candidate facing the tough task of winning the seat, which has not been Labour-owned since 2010.

Independent MP Andrew Bridgen, originally gained the North West Leicestershire seat as a Conservative candidate in the 2010 General Election.

He has subsequently won at every election since as a Tory candidate, but currently stands as an independent after he was suspended by the party due to the 'spreading of misinformation about the Covid-19 vaccine'.

It is currently unknown if Mr Bridgen will be reinstated to the party following his suspension and if he will be running in the constituency as a Tory candidate once more.

An exact date for the next UK General Election has yet to be decided, but it is scheduled to take place no later than January 28, 2025.

Ms Hack will contest the constituency which includes Ashby and Coalville, along with Ibstock, Castle Donington, Measham and Kegworth.

She said: "I'm delighted that Labour members put their trust in me, but I'm under no illusions about the scale of the task ahead.

"Britain is hurting. The value of workers' wages in North West Leicestershire has fallen by record levels.

"Mortgages, food prices and taxes are soaring.

"Public services are struggling. The Conservatives made this happen."

Ms Hack currently sits as a councillor at Leicestershire County Council, representing the Braunstone division of the Blaby district.

She also works for a housing association, which provides homes for vulnerable people in society.

The NWL candidate grew up in Lincolnshire but moved to Leicester to study business at De Montfort University and still lives in the county. She added: "After thirteen years under the Conservatives, voters in North West Leicestershire are telling me they want a fairer, greener Britain.

"The General Election may be some time away, but I'm ready.

"I'm in this for the long haul. The hard work starts now."