Former city councillor bids to become Cheshire MP

Sarah Russell spent a number of years as a councillor in Manchester

Labour has named its candidate to stand for the Congleton seat at the next general election.

Sarah Russell, who was previously a councillor in Manchester, is a solicitor and school governor who lives in the town.

Congleton is currently held by Conservative MP Fiona Bruce, who is also a solicitor.

It has been a Conservative seat since the constituency's creation in 1983.

GP and Sandbach town councillor Mark Mitchell and Alsager town councillor Michael Unett had also campaigned to become Labour’s candidate in Congleton.

A spokesperson for the Labour Party said Ms Russell had "dedicated her career to public service" and would "provide the change communities like Alsager, Congleton, Sandbach and surrounding villages need".

The Liberal Democrats have named Paul Duffy as their candidate for the seat, Rich McCartney will stand for the Green Party, while Martin York will represent Reform.

Ms Bruce has held the seat since 2010, last time polling a 59% share of the vote, and will once again represent the party at the next general election.