Labour replaces election candidate for Dartford

A Labour prospective parliamentary candidate (PPC) has stood down less than a week after her candidacy was publicly announced.

Personal reasons have been cited for Daisy Page stepping down as the Labour PPC in Dartford, Kent, which is held by the Conservatives with more than a 12,000 majority.

Her selection was announced on May 2. She was unavailable for immediate comment.

Ms Page, deputy leader of Dartford Borough Council's Labour group, has been replaced by Dr Bachchu Kaini.

Dr Kaini, 48, an NHS doctor from Nepal who works at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich, south-east London, said: "Dartford deserves better from the government and from our member of Parliament.

"Issues such as congestion, air quality, better transport links, the town centre, local health and social care have gone unaddressed by the Conservatives for too long.

"Dartford deserves an alternative to the funding cuts we've seen in our NHS and education system. I want to work for a better Dartford and ensure we all reach our full potential.

"As MP, I will always stand up for Dartford and make sure it's the voice of local people that is heard in Westminster. Over the last two years as a councillor, I've been proud to represent local people."