Labour choose their candidate to try to take Calder Valley from the Conservatives at next general election

The Calderdale councillor for Hebden Bridge – who was Labour’s candidate for the Calder Valley in the 2015, 2017 and 2019 general elections – will once again try to win the seat.

It is currently held by the Conservative MP Craig Whittaker who has announced he will not stand at the next election.

Vanessa Lee has been chosen as the Tory party’s candidate.

Councillor Fenton-Glynn came closest to unseating Mr Whittaker in 2017 when he was 609 votes behind.

He said: “I couldn’t be prouder to have chosen as the Labour candidate to be our next MP in Calder Valley.

"From Brighouse to Todmorden, this area has wonderful and varied communities but like so much of the country, the past 13 years have seen many in our towns left behind.

"I want to be an MP who fights for our whole valley, our schools and transport, our hospitals, homes and jobs.

"Thanks to all the Labour members who voted for me last night and thanks to the other candidates for a great campaign. The Labour Party is lucky to have so many committed members and activists.

"The work to take a message of hope out to Calder Valley voters starts now.”

Councillor Fenton-Glynn had faced stiff competition for the candidacy including from other senior Calderdale councillors Adam Wilkinson and Scott Patient.

Craig Whittaker won the seat for the Conservatives from Labour’s Chris McCafferty in the 2010 general election.