Labour has chosen a NHS worker and member of the party’s national policy forum to fight the forthcoming Wakefield by-election.
Simon Lightwood was selected from a shortlist of two after the entire executive committee of the local constituency party resigned in protest at the lack of a local candidate.
In a statement, Mr Lightwood said it was an honour to have been chosen and promised “to fight tooth and nail” for the city.
Twitter: Simon Lightwood
In a statement, Mr Lightwood said it was an honour to have been chosen and promised “to fight tooth and nail” for the city.
“Twenty years ago I joined the Labour Party here in Wakefield, and for 10 years I lived, studied and worked in this great city,” he said.
“We have a lot to be proud of in Wakefield, and a huge amount of strength and resilience in our communities.”
The by-election follows the resignation of ex-Conservative MP Imran Ahmad Khan after his conviction for sexually assaulting a boy.