Tories select building executive for Runcorn by-election

The Conservative Party has chosen Sean Houlston, a senior executive from the building industry, to run in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election. This seat became vacant after former MP Mike Amesbury resigned following a conviction for assault. Amesbury had been serving as an independent MP after being suspended by Labour. He won the seat in the last general election with a significant majority. Labour has selected Karen Shore as their candidate, while the Greens have nominated local councillor Chris Copeman. Candidates from Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats have not yet been announced.