Paul Duffy to be Lib Dem candidate for by-election

Paul Duffy previously stood as a candidate for the role of Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner

The Liberal Democrats have chosen their candidate to contest the upcoming Runcorn and Helsby by-election.

Paul Duffy will be hoping to take the seat having previously stood as a candidate for Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

He said he was "determined" to stand up for residents on issues such as cost of living, social care and crime.

The by-election was triggered following the resignation of Mike Amesbury after he received a suspended prison sentence for assault.

Mr Duffy said the by-election was a "really exciting opportunity to provide an alternative to the two main parties and to Reform's media circus".

"I'm proud to have been selected as the Liberal Democrat for Runcorn and Helsby and I'm ready to get stuck in delivering for residents," he said.

Mr Duffy, who also stood for election in Congleton in the 2019 and 2024 general elections, added: "We have a golden opportunity to champion the issues that matter most to people; the cost of living, social care, and crime.

"I've got a proven track record of fighting for residents and I'll continue to fight for the people of Runcorn and Helsby through this election and beyond."

No date has yet been set for the by-election but it is likely to be 1 May.

Candidates for the Conservatives, Liberal Party, Labour, Greens and Workers Party of Britain have also been announced. Reform has yet to announce its candidate.