EASTLEIGH’S MP will fight to retain his parliamentary seat at next year’s General Election.

Mike Thornton, pictured, has won the unanimous backing of his Liberal Democrat party to stand again one year on from his victory.

Mr Thornton won his seat in a by-election last February following the dramatic resignation of former MP Chris Huhne. Mr Huhne was jailed last March after he admitted passing speeding points to his ex-wife Vicky Pryce.

Mr Thornton secured 13,342 votes – 32 per cent of the vote and a majority of 1,771 over nearest rival UK Independence Party candidate Diane James.