Labour chooses candidate for Blackpool South constituency to fight the next General Election against Conservative MP Scott Benton

Chris Webb, the former Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire and chair of trustees for Counselling in the Community, has been chosen to take on Conservative MP Scott Benton in the constituency.

Blackpool-born Mr Webb sealed his place on the ballot paper following a hustings and vote of the local Labour party on Saturday, March 18.

“It is an honour to have been selected in my home town as the Parliamentary candidate for Blackpool South,” he said. “I am extremely proud to have been backed by so many Labour members, Councillors and trade unionists in the constituency. It shows we have the movement to win here in Blackpool South.

“Blackpool South deserves better than this government. After 13 years of the Tories, nothing in this country seems to work anymore. The Tories have broken Britain – and they are too distracted by chaos of their own making to fix it. We are five Tory Prime Ministers on and what has our country got to show for it? Food prices and energy costs spiralling out of control, longer hospital waiting lists and crime through the roof.

“Labour will restore Britain’s hope and optimism, and deliver on the change our country has demanded after nearly 13 years of Tory failure. Labour has a plan to help people through the cost of living crisis, tackle NHS waiting lists and ensure people feel safe on our streets.”

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council said: “l've seen Chris’ dedication, passion and devotion to improving the lives of his fellow residents of his hometown first-hand. His work and experiences in the real world of Blackpool’s hospitality, tourism, public, third and charity sectors make him well placed to understand the issues our town faces and what residents need to thrive.

“He will be the tenacious champion Blackpool needs in Parliament who will fight to get our town its fair share of funding, ensuring our communities are protected, and securing the resources Blackpool needs to tackle the deprivation and inequality we have suffered under Tory austerity these past 13 years.”