Conservatives select candidate for Runcorn and Helsby by-election

The Conservatives have selected Sean Houlston as their candidate for the upcoming Runcorn and Helsby by-election. This follows Labour MP Mike Amesbury's resignation after receiving a suspended sentence for assaulting a constituent. Amesbury's resignation comes after he was suspended and later expelled from the Labour Party. Labour has chosen former teacher Karen Shore as their candidate for the by-election. The by-election will be a key test for Labour under Sir Keir Starmer and for Reform UK, which aims to gain an additional MP. The date for the by-election has not yet been announced.