Lib Dems name Cheadle candidate

The Liberal Democrats have named Stockport Council leader Mark Hunter as their candidate in the upcoming by-election in Cheadle.

The by-election was called after the death of sitting Lib Dem MP Patsy Calton of cancer last month.

Ms Calton died only weeks after holding her seat with an increased majority in May's general election.

Mr Hunter said it was a "great honour" to be chosen to succeed Ms Calton as the Lib Dems' candidate for the seat.

A date for the by-election has not yet been set.

Mr Hunter said: "It is a great honour to be chosen to succeed Patsy Calton as the new Liberal Democrat in Cheadle."

"Patsy was a wonderful Member of Parliament for Cheadle who was always ready to help and to stand up for local concerns."

Mrs Calton first won her seat in 2001 with a majority of just 33 votes from the Conservative Stephen Day.

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.

Prior to becoming an MP, she had served as a councillor for West Bramhall since 1994 and was chair of social services and deputy leader of the council.