Ex-Tory MP Esther McVey to contest George Osborne's seat

Former minister Esther McVey appears set for a return to Parliament after being selected as the candidate in George Osborne's old seat.

Ms McVey, who represented the Conservatives in Wirral West from 2010 until 2015, has been chosen to contest the Tatton seat following the ex-chancellor's decision to quit Parliament to focus on his other jobs - including editing the London Evening Standard.

Former broadcaster Ms McVey will defend a Tory majority of more than 18,000 in the Cheshire constituency at the General Election on June 8.

Mr Osborne said on Twitter: "Huge congratulations to @EstherMcVey1, new Tatton PPC. A real star. I couldn't have a better successor. A one-woman Northern Powerhouse."