Leicestershire County Councillor Craig Smith has been chosen as the Conservative Party's candidate for the North West Leicestershire seat at the next general election.

Cllr Smith described it as 'the honour of my life'.

He replaces the current sitting MP Andrew Bridgen, who was thrown out by the Conservatives earlier this year and joined the Reclaim Party.

However, he did not step down as an MP, choosing to stand once more at the next election.

Mr Bridgen will go up against Smith who represents Coalville North on Leicestershire County Council.

North West Leicestershire Conservatives announced Smith as their candidate last night (Saturday) for the constituency which includes Ashby de la Zouch and Coalville.

A social media post said: "North West Leicestershire Conservatives are delighted to announce local candidate Craig Smith as our prospective parliamentary candidate for the next general election."

Cllr Smith also commented on social media by saying: "Absolutely thrilled to have been selected as the Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for North West Leicestershire.

"The honour of my life to represent the area I have always called home.

"Thank you to everyone for their support, I will not let you down.

"Campaign begins tomorrow morning, lots of hard work ahead.

"Let's Get Stuff Done."

When announcing a new leadership team in July, North West Leicestershire Conservatives said of Cllr Smith: "Craig Smith, an accomplished local businessman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep commitment to public service since being elected as County Councillor for Coalville North two years ago.

North West Leicestershire Conservatives members with Craig Smith on Saturday

"Craig's strong ties to the community make him an ideal addition to the Deputy Chairmanship."

North West Leicestershire Conservatives communications officer, Kirat Sandhu, added: "Last night brought fantastic news, not just for the North West Leicestershire Conservatives but also for the North West Leicestershire community.

"Introducing County Cllr Craig Smith - Coalville North as our Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the upcoming General Election.

"Craig's journey is inspirational. A local lad from Whitwick, he now has the incredible opportunity to represent the place that he, his family, and his ancestors have always called home, but this time at the national level.

"The work to #getthingsdone will continue; it'll just be on a bigger scale!"

The Labour Party announced its candidate for North West Leicestershire in March when Amanda Hack was named.

Ms Hack is also a Leicestershire County Councillor, representing the Braunstone division of the Blaby district.

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 represents Reclaim.