SOUTHAMPTON’S Labour Party has picked its candidate for the Woolston by-election.

Christopher Hammond, who currently works as a Parliamentary Assistant to Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead, was chosen by the party members.

The by-election was caused after former Southampton City Council leader Richard Williams resigned last month after an inquiry into his conduct, having served Woolston for 17 years.

Labour has won the Woolston ward each time it has been contested since 2004.

Mr Hammond, 25, who lives in Southampton, said: “I look forward to working with people in the communities of both Woolston and Weston, especially those people who can’t always make their voices heard, and to help people whether they engage in the political process or not.”

Mr Hammond grew up in Dagenham in a tower block similar to those at International Way in Weston.

After moving to the south coast, he worked as community advocate for Dorset Race Equality Council, which campaigns against racism.