Candidates to fight for key resort seats

In Blackpool South, sitting MP Gordon Marsden is standing again for Labour, while Peter Anthony, who contested the seat last time round in 2015, is representing the Conservatives once more.

The Liberal Democrats are fielding Bill Greene as their candidate. The former Fylde councillor also stood two years ago.

In 2015, Mr Marsden held the seat for Labour by a margin of 2,585 votes ahead of Mr Anthony.

The 48-year-old Tory candidate, who lives on the Fylde coast with partner Paul, works as a catering and hospitality manager at Lytham Hall.

He is also an entertainer on the cabaret circuit and used to own a hotel on the promenade.

Conservative Paul Maynard will be defending his seat in Blackpool North and Cleveleys, while Labour has selected Blackpool-born Chris Webb as its candidate.

Mr Webb, 31, grew up in Layton where his parents still live, and attended Layton Primary School and St Mary’s High School in the town.

He formerly worked for the DWP at Warbreck.

The Liberal Democrat candidate is Sue Close who also contested the seat in 2015.

Two years ago Mr Maynard retained the seat with a majority of 3,340, ahead of Labour’s Sam Rushworth.

The deadline for nominations is Thursday May 11 when a full list of all candidates will be revealed.