Labour Party candidate resigns from Altrincham and Sale West race

The Labour Party's candidate for Altrincham and Sale West at the next general election has unexpectedly resigned, citing “personal circumstances’.

Ben Hartley’s resignation from the race is unexpected © Councillor Ben Hartley

Ben Hartley, who is a councillor for Ashton upon Mersey on Trafford Council, resigned with a surprise statement on social media on Friday (17 May).

He had been selected by Labour in 2023 to be its Parliamentary candidate at the next election, which is expected to take place this autumn.

Cllr Hartley was to take on Oliver Carroll (Conservative), Geraldine Coggins (Green), Jane Brophy (Liberal Democrat) and Paul Swansborough (Reform UK) for the seat of Sir Graham Brady, who announced he would stand down.

Cllr Hartley said: "It is with sadness I am announcing my resignation as the parliamentary candidate for Altrincham and Sale West due to personal circumstances. Being selected as the parliamentary candidate for Altrincham and Sale West was an honour.

"I am proud of the campaign I have run so far and I would like to thank everyone for their support. I wish the campaign well and I will continue to do all I can to deliver the fresh start the residents of Altrincham and Sale West deserve with a Labour MP".

A Labour Party spokesperson said: “Ben has led a strong campaign in Altrincham and Sale West.

"Over the past year, our local activists have spoken to thousands of residents. There is a clear appetite for change in Altrincham and Sale West and residents are looking to Labour to deliver that change.”