THE Conservatives have chosen Sara Britcliffe to try where her father twice failed and win Hyndburn constituency in December 12’s General Election.

The 24-year-old former Oswaldtwistle sandwich shop owner will take on sitting Labour MP Graham Jones who had a majority of 5,815 in 2017.

Ms Britcliffe’s father Peter twice failed to win the seat from Labour in 1997 and 2001.

She won her father’s old St Andrew’s ward on Hyndburn Council in May last year.

Ms Britcliffe, a Manchester University modern languages graduate, said her campaign will focus on delivering a successful Brexit for Hyndburn, bringing investment to the region, working to improve educational standards and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.

After her selection on Monday night, she said: “I am delighted.

“This constituency is not a stepping stone for me, it's not just any seat, it’s my home, my family and friends' home. I have that burning desire to make our home a better place to live and would be proud to serve as the MP, standing up for local residents in Westminster.

“I strongly believe that the Conservatives have an opportunity to take on and beat Labour in Hyndburn.

“It’s only the Conservatives who can realise the benefits of Brexit and get our country back on the road to a brighter future and as the Conservative MP I would be best placed to ensure this happens."

He father, who represents Oswaldtwistle on Lancashire County Council, said: “I am so proud of my daughter Sara. I hope she will enjoy better luck than I did during two Tony Blair landslide election victories.”

The Brexit Party are fielding Greg Butt as their candidate in Hyndburn.

n Labour has selected Clitheroe resident Giles Bridge as its General Election candidate in the safe Conservative seat of Ribble Valley, held by Nigel Evans with a 13,199 vote majority two years ago.

Mr Bridge, chair of Ribble Valley Labour Party, said: "This is the most important election for a generation. The community will have to choose between Labour’s plans to rebuild our economy and invest in building a green economy for our future, or the Tories failed austerity plan – which has taken an axe to public services, and been brutal to rural areas.”

Other declared candidates in Ribble Valley are Lib Dem Chantelle Seddon and The Brexit Party’s Greg Rodwell.

* In Wednesday's paper and online the Lancashire Telegraph incorrectly stated that Janet Brown would be standing for UKIP in the Hyndburn constituency in December 12's General Election. In fact Mrs Brown, the candidate in 2017, has left UKIP and joined the Conservative Party and is canvassing for its candidate Sara Britcliffe.

We also stated that Leslie Jones would once again be the Liberal Democrat candidate. The party has yet to confirm who will stand for them in Hyndburn next month.