FORMER police chief Bob Eastwood has been named as the Tory candidate for Blackburn MP at next year’s general election.

Mr Eastwood, 49, who was on a shortlist of three ahead of the vote on Saturday, retired as chief superintendent in charge of Lancashire Police’s Eastern Division covering Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley in April after four years in the post.

The Blackburn-born father-of-four, educated at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Grammar School, had served in the service for more than 30 years having joined aged 18 as a cadet.

While in the police he gained a degree in law and politics from Lancaster University.

He said: “I’m very pleased and I’m confident that I will make a big impact on the election.

“As far as I’m concerned Jack’s majority is just his and I want to give Blackburn residents a clear choice.

“He has helped a lot of people over the years with their problems and they are big shoes to fill.

“I want people to have the confidence that I will represent their interests both nationally and locally.”

Coun Mike Lee, Conservative group leader on Blackburn With Darwen Council, said: “It’s a good choice for the Conservative Party and it gives us a chance to fight the next election and to get a Conservative MP in the area."

He will take on Labour candidate and Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Kate Hollern in the poll on May 7.