A FORMER MP who lost his Cheshire seat by just 48 votes in 2017 is hoping to become Eddisbury's new Conservative MP.

Ed Timpson, who represented Crewe and Nantwich from 2008 to 2017, was selected last night by the Eddisbury Conservative Association at a meeting in Willington Hall, Tarporley.

He will take on Antoinette Sandbach, Eddisbury's former Conservative MP who had the whip removed for voting against the Government in September and defected to the Liberal Democrats last week.

His campaign will focus on delivering a successful Brexit for Eddisbury, ensuring that the benefits of leaving the European Union are maximised both economically and socially.

He said he will stand up for local residents in Westminster, ensuring their voices are heard, including continuing to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families in Cheshire and across the UK.

After the selection Edward, who is patron of Home-Start Cheshire and an adviser to the Children’s Commissioner for England, said: “I am delighted to be selected as the Conservative candidate for Eddisbury.

“I have lived with my family here for over 30 years, in fact first joining the Eddisbury Conservative Association in 2005, so have strong ties with the area.

“In my previous role as MP for Crewe and Nantwich and a Government Minister I had many years of rewarding experience representing Cheshire and am best placed to stand up for the residents here, fighting for them at the heart of Westminster.

“I believe that it’s only the Conservatives who can realise the benefits of Brexit and get our country back on the road to a brighter future. All the other parties can offer—including the Liberal Democrats—is more delay and confusion.

READ > Terry Savage is named Labour's candidate for Eddisbury

READ > Antoinette Sandbach joins the Lib Dems

READ > Nicholas Goulding to run in Eddisbury for the Brexit Party

“Trying to ignore the referendum and cancel Brexit will just mean we keep on arguing whilst other important issues at home–like the NHS, agriculture, schools and police–don’t get the attention they deserve.”

Mr Timpson was picked for the position ahead of Graham Evans, former Weaver Vale MP, and Cheshire West and Chester councillor Simon Eardley.