The move came after incumbent MP Joan Humble decided to step down as representative for Blackpool North and Fleetwood after 13 years to spend more time with her family.

The political boundary has now been moved and Penny Martin has been chosen to fight for the seat of Blackpool North and Cleveleys.

She told The Gazette: "I'm very excited to have been chosen to represent the Labour Party at the next election. It's a great privilege to have been selected as the candidate for my home town and I look forward to campaigning over the coming weeks.

"Blackpool North and Cleveleys has been proudly served by Joan Humble for many years and she was loved by many in the area and we will miss her."

The selection process for the role was steeped in controversy after the Labour Party decided the shortlist for candidates would be restricted to women only - a move described as a "breach of democracy" by opponents.

But the party defended the decision saying it was an attempt to ensure there were more women in Parliament to deal with issues affecting women and children.

For full story see Saturday's Gazette