Labour have tonight chosen John O’Farrell as their candidate for the Eastleigh by-election.

The TV comedy writer was selected ahead of media entrepreneur Mark Latham and two Southampton city councillors, Cllr Andrew Pope and Cllr Darren Paffey.

Labour was the final party to select its candidate for the hotly contested by-election, which will take place on February 28.

Mr O'Farrell will do battle with six other hopefuls for the seat, including the ConservativesMaria Hutchings and Mike Thornton from the Liberal Democrats.

It comes after disgraced Chris Huhne resigned from the role, after admitting to perverting the course of justice.

Mr O'Farrell said: “I am delighted to have been selected as the Labour candidate for Eastleigh, and look forward to pounding the pavements with members and supporters over the next two weeks."

For all the latest from the Eastleigh by-election click here