Lib Dems reveal by-election date

Patsy Calton had fought a long battle with cancer

The Liberal Democrats have set 14 July as the date for the by-election in Cheadle following the death of sitting MP Patsy Calton.

The MP, who had cancer, died weeks after winning with an increased majority in May's general election.

The Lib Dem Chief Whip, Andrew Stunell, moved the by-election writ on Thursday, which will allow the victor to take the seat before the summer recess.

Mrs Calton, 56, first won her seat in 2001 with a 33 vote majority.

In May, she was returned with a majority of 4,020.

However, she could not attend the count on election night because she was undergoing treatment.