LABOUR has chosen its candidate for one of the Southampton seats up for grabs at the next general election.

Darren Paffey, deputy leader of Southampton City Council, is set to contest Southampton Itchen, the seat held by Tory MP Royston Smith since 2015.

Cllr Paffey, who is also cabinet member for children & learning, said it was an honour to be selected.

He tweeted: "Thanks to other candidates for a positive campaign, and the committee who ran the selection. The hard work starts here, and I'm looking forward to building a winning campaign."

Several people have taken to social media to offer their congratulations.

One person posted: "You've always worked so hard for the Labour team and even more so for residents." Another added: "Excellent hustings today and really well-deserved selection."

As reported in the Daily Echo, Labour's candidate in Southampton Test will be the council leader, Cllr Satvir Kaur.

She is hoping to succeed Labour MP Alan Whitehead, who is standing down.

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