Eddie Hughes gets Tory ticket to take on David Winnick in Walsall North

Councillor Hughes, aged 48, was voted in by members of Walsall North Conservatives to take on Labour veteran David Winnick in the General Election on June 8.

Following the vote on Tuesday night, the Walsall councillor said: “It is an honour to be selected to stand as the Conservative Party candidate for Walsall North.

“The referendum result has completely changed British politics and it’s time for a change in Walsall North. A vote for me is a vote for a strong voice to make Brexit work for the people of Bloxwich and Willenhall.

“I will fight for every vote and do my best to meet as many people as I can during the campaign.”

Louise Harrison, Tory councillor for Bloxwich West, said: “I am delighted we have picked Eddie to fight the general election for the Conservative Party. He has a strong history of public service in Walsall and is a strong community campaigner.

“Eddie campaigned alongside me and many others to leave the European Union. A vote for Eddie Hughes is a vote to get on with the Brexit 68 per cent of us in Walsall voted for.”

Walsall North is a key Tory target with Labour's majority under 2,000 votes.

A row between party members has played out in recent weeks over candidate selection and it is understood previous Tory candidate Douglas Hansen-Luke was left off the shortlist put to members.