LIBERAL Democrat Angela Smith will stand against Conservative Sir Graham Brady in Altrincham and Sale West.

The former Labour MP joined the Liberal Democrats in September and will contest the seat at the next general election.

She said: “I’m delighted to be standing as the Liberal Democrat candidate in Altrincham and Sale West at the next general election, whenever that comes.

“It has been an honour to serve as the Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge and before that Sheffield Hillsborough.

“Representing local people is a huge privilege and I want to thank everyone who has supported me over the years.”

The Liberal Democrat candidate for the past three elections, Jane Brophy, is now a Member of the European Parliament for the North West and remains a councillor for the constituency.

She said: “I am delighted that Angela Smith will be running for the Liberal Democrats in Altrincham and Sale West. Since defecting to the Lib Dems earlier this year, Angela has already taken a leading role in our fight to stop Brexit.

“She is resilient, dedicated, passionately pro-European and I can't wait to help get her elected as the newest Liberal Democrat MP in the North West.”

Mrs Smith will challenge Sir Graham Brady, the current MP for Altrincham and Sale West.

Sir Brady chairs the Conservative 1922 Committee and supported leaving the European Union during the 2016 EU Referendum.

His constituency voted 61.4% in favour of remaining in the EU in 2016.

Mrs Smith added: “We have a fantastic opportunity to beat a Brexiteer MP and the Conservatives in Greater Manchester.

“As well as leading the fight to stop Brexit, I will stand up for the people of Altrincham and Sale West in the face of brutal Conservative cuts to our NHS, police and schools.

“Labour and the Conservatives have consistently let us down on Brexit. Only the Liberal Democrats are committed to stopping Brexit.”

Ms Brophy agreed: “Altrincham and Sale West is a Remain constituency being represented by a Brexiteer and the Chair of the 1922 Committee. The people of Trafford deserve better and only the Liberal Democrats will Demand Better.”