Ashton Upon Mersey councillor selected to fight for Altrincham and Sale West seat at next general election

Ben Hartley (centre) has been selected as Labour’s candidate for the Altrincham and Sale West seat at the next general election © Councillor Ben Hartley

Councillor Ben Hartley, who currently represents the Ashton Upon Mersey ward in Sale, has been selected to be Labour's candidate at the next general election for the Altrincham and Sale West constituency.

Councillor Hartley said via Facebook: "I'm delighted to say that local Labour party members in Altrincham and Sale West have selected me to be their parliamentary candidate for the next General Election.

"Thank you to everyone for their support. Looking forward to starting the campaign! 🌹"

Andrew Western MP, for Stretford and Urmston, said ahead of the selection, "I've campaigned with Ben across Altrincham and Sale West for 15 years. He was the first Labour candidate to beat the Tories in Ashton upon Mersey. He can do the same for Altrincham and Sale West and will be an outstanding MP for the area."

The next general election, due in 2024, will see a new MP elected for Altrincham and Sale West, following the announcement from Sir Graham Brady MP that he will step down.