MAYOR Cllr Faisal Rashid has been chosen to fight the Warrington South seat for Labour in next month's general election.

He will battle against Conservative David Mowat who has won the past two general elections in Warrington South.

Cllr Rashid said: "I'm absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been selected as Warrington South's Labour candidate for the forthcoming general election.

"I fell in love with Warrington – the town, its green open spaces, and its people - on my first visit in 1998 and came to live here with my family.

"With my passion for economic development, support for small businesses and community cohesion, I continuously strive to make a difference.

"I've been a Labour Borough and Parish Councillor for a number of years now, and most recently have been privileged to become Mayor of Warrington, the first Asian in 170 years of Mayoral history.

"Standing as the Labour candidate is the ultimate opportunity to make a difference for Warrington South in Parliament.

"I have a wonderful team of supporters and volunteers around me from all parts of the constituency and the team is buzzing about the next few weeks.

"With the great turnout for Jeremy Corbyn's visit, door knocking sessions and town centre launch, our campaign is already out of the blocks and off to a flying start.

"We are confident and absolutely ready to take the fight to the Tories. Now it is time for a positive change and a fresh start here.

"This is a Labour town through and through and I'm proud to have been part of its forward thinking council.

"It hasn't been easy battling massive central government funding cuts to maintain services here and keep a strong local economy, but I firmly believe Warrington deserves a lot more than it is currently getting. This general election will be a choice between a Labour Party that will stand up for the people of Warrington or a Conservative party that only looks after the privileged few."

Nick Bent lost the last two general elections for Labour and Mr Mowat enjoys an almost 3,000 majority.

Steve Wright, chairman of Warrington South Constituency Labour Party said: "I would like to congratulate Cllr Faisal Rashid on being selected as our candidate in the forthcoming general election.

"Faisal had had a fantastic year as Mayor of Warrington and has made contact with people in every part of the town and from all walks of life. He has also raised an amazing amount of money for local charities.

"He really understands our town and is an experienced councillor.

"It is great to know that we have a local candidate who really gets what makes Warrington tick and also knows the pressures we face.

"Voters in Warrington South can be confident that in Faisal they will be represented by an excellent and professional MP who has their very best interests at heart.

"I am very proud that as a constituency we have a great team of volunteers - people are excited about the coming weeks.

"I am confident that we will all back Faisal to the hilt and support him in running an excellent and positive campaign."