7/7 hero Paul Dadge selected as Labour candidate in Cannock Chase for the General Election

The 40-year-old – who hit the headlines when he was pictured with his arms around ‘the woman in the mask’ after the 7/7 terror attacks – will take on Conservative incumbent Amanda Milling.

The seat is a key battleground for both Labour and the Conservatives and turned blue in 2010.

Mr Dadge said: "I am humbled and extremely privileged to be the prospective parliamentary candidate for Cannock Chase for the Labour party.

"I was born, raised, and work in the constituency and have an intimate understanding of the the issues it faces.

"My challenge is now to work with the people of Cannock Chase with just over a month to go until election day."

Mr Dadge was born in Norton Canes and runs an IT business in the village.

He was selected by party officials this week.

Cannock Chase Labour leader George Adamson said: "This is brilliant news. Paul Dadge is a local man and a national hero. I know he will be a wonderful candidate and an excellent MP for Cannock Chase. I have had many local people speak to me about how pleased they are that Paul is going to be our candidate."

Mr Dadge was on his way to a new job in at AOL on the morning of July 7, 2005, but was ejected from a tube train at Baker Street due to a ‘power fault’.

He was making his way towards Edgware Road when he was photographed helping badly injured Davinia Turrell, clutching a burns mask to her face.