THE Conservatives have chosen their candidate to spearhead their bid to seize Eastleigh in next year’s General Election.

Mims Davies was elected as the party’s candidate at a meeting of the Eastleigh Conservatives Association.

She will look to become the party’s first MP for the constituency since the by-election of 1994 which saw the Liberal Democrats take control.

Currently a district councillor in Sussex, she will contest the seat with current Liberal Democrat MP Mike Thornton, while Diane James is expected to be named as UKIP’s candidate.

Speaking after her nomination, she said: “I am truly delighted and honoured to be chosen as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Eastleigh.

“I will enjoy putting on my trainers and getting out on the campaign trail, meeting residents, listening to local businesses and really making a difference across the constituency.”

The mum-of-two has worked as a local radio presenter, reporter and producer and a road safety communications officer, and is currently chairman of the Conservative Women’s Organisation’s Southern Region.