Tories name council leader as election candidate

Simon Tagg said it was "fantastic" to be selected as the Conservative candidate for Newcastle-Under-Lyme

The leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has been named as a Conservative candidate for the general election.

Simon Tagg was chosen by the Staffordshire Conservative Association as their candidate for the Newcastle constituency.

In a statement, Mr Tagg said it was "fantastic" to have been selected.

"I’ll fight for every vote and will work hard to support local people and businesses here in our community," he said.

His appointment comes after the former constituency MP Aaron Bell announced he would not contest the seat, after being elected in 2019.

Other candidates standing for the Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency are:

• Jennifer Leigh Hibell for the Green Party

• Adam Jogee for the Labour Party

• Neill Walker for Reform UK

The Liberal Democrats have yet to name their candidate.

A full list of candidates will be published by the BBC after nominations close on 7 June.