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Former daily sub-editor launches bid to become Tory MP

Louise ThistlethwaiteA former regional daily sub-editor is bidding to become a Tory MP at the next election.

Louise Thistlethwaite, who used to work at Barrow-in-Furness daily The Mail, has been selected by the Conservative Party as its parliamentary candidate for Lancaster and Fleetwood.

She will face the task of overturning the 7,000 majority Labour’s Cat Smith had in 2017 over previous Tory candidate Eric Ollerenshaw, who himself held the seat between 2010 and 2015.

Louise, pictured, who voted to leave the European Union in 2016, has two degrees in law and has been a magistrate for 10 years.

She told her old newspaper: “I am thoroughly thrilled and honoured to have been selected.

“I was inspired by the Women in Public Life campaign.

“Whenever the election is it’s highly likely Brexit will be an issue and it’s a leave constituency. That will be high on the agenda.

“Fleetwood is a coastal town and has a lot in common with Barrow.”

Hazel Edwards, leader of the Conservative group on Barrow Borough Council, said: “Louise is a great all-round candidate and I’m sure people will respond to her.

“I think she will win at the next election. She voted to leave and I’m sure that will be a big issue for people in the constituency.”

Former Bolton News journalist Ruth Jolley announced in August she would be standing for the Brexit Party in South West Norfolk at the next election.