THE FINAL list of Conservative candidates for the Hyndburn constituency has been released.

A Labour candidate for the area was chosen months ago, but delays from the Conservative's national headquarters mean a prospective Tory MP for Hyndburn has still not been chosen.

However, a six-name shortlist has now been released by the central office.

Those shortlisted are: Hyndburn borough councillor Janet Storey, Fylde councillor Karen Buckley, South Ribble Conservative councillor Mary Robinson, former Hackney candidate John Moss, John Barker and Paul Carter.

All six will be interviewed and questioned at a meeting by party members in three weeks before the votes are cast.

Clayton-le-Moors councillor Janet Storey said: "I am really pleased the list has finally been chosen and things are underway because it will be short notice for canvassing.

"I am really passionate about serving the area, but whoever is chosen will have my full support anf the support of the party."

Wakefield-born John Moss who is a former Boris Johnson campaign team member has been active in the Conservative party for more than ten years.

He said: "My main priority for Hyndburn would be to use my regeneration experience to help the council deliver its ambitious plans for Accrington town centre and Clayton-le-Moors and to attract new businesses."

Karen Buckley, whose professional background is in law, says she was attracted to the post because of her family links with the area.

On her website, she says: "I am honoured to have been selected to the shortlist.

"My family roots are from Accrington and I want to change things for the better both locally and at a national level."

Mary Robinson said: "I'm delighted to have this chance and as someone who has always lived in Lancashire would work hard to convince others that the Conservative party has the right ideas for families and businesses here."

East Lancashire's sole Conservative MP, Nigel Evans said he was delighted selection delays were over.

He said: "I'm disappointed it's taken so long but now we can get on with the business of campaining to win this very marginal and highly winnable seat."

The final candidate will be selected on Saturday March 13.

The borough council Labour leader Coun Graham Jones has been selected to try and succeed sitting Labour MP Greg Pope, who is stepping down.

CORRECTION: In the original version of this story, we incorrectly described one of the possible candidates as 'Clitheroe mayor Mary Robinson'.

In fact the person in question is Mary Robinson, a South Ribble Conservative councillor. Clitheroe mayor Mary Robinson is a Liberal Democrat.

We apologise to both councillors for any embarrassment this error has caused.