REDDITCH Borough Council Leader Bill Hartnett has thrown his weight behind Labour General Election candidate Rebecca Blake.

Councillor Hartnett (Labour) expressed "delight" after Ms Blake was confirmed as the Labour party’s Parliamentary candidate.

Cllr Hartnett said: "We need a strong local voice in Parliament that will stand up and fight for Redditch, Rebecca is ideally suited to do that having served as a local councillor.

"Rebecca knows what Redditch needs, the major issue I am sure will be fighting for the Alex. I have been knocking doors for the last month and time and time again The Alex has been the top priority of residents.

He added: "I am delighted that Rebecca has been selected to fight the Redditch county seat in the general election again, Rebecca was born and has always lived in Redditch."

The former Redditch Councillor stood for MP against Karen Lumley in the 2015 General Election receiving more than 13,700 votes, coming second.

Mrs Lumley won with more than 20,700.

However, since the shock announcement that Mrs Lumley would not stand for re-election due to severe health problems, Labour's Ms Blake has been selected to compete.