The Liberal Democrats have selected their candidate to fight for the Harwich and North Essex seat in June’s general election.

Dominic Graham, who stood in the seat in 2015, has been re-selected to contest the constituency.

The seat is currently held by Conservative Bernard Jenkin.

Mr Jenkin won the seat then with a majority of 15,174, beating Labour who polled 9,548. He has confirmed he will stand again, subject to approval by the local party association.

Ukip came third in the 2015 poll, with Mr Graham fourth and the Green party candidate taking fifth.

Mr Graham has also stepped down from his role in the cabinet of Colchester Borough Council.

He held the portfolio for waste and sustainability, which includes rubbish collections.

However Mr Graham has resigned immediately from the administration to focus on the general election campaign. The poll takes place on June 8.

He said it would not be fair on voters to hold onto the position.

Mr Graham said: “This election is a huge opportunity for voters in Harwich and north Essex to change the direction of our country and ensure Britain has a decent opposition.

“The majority of people in Harwich and north Essex may have voted to leave the EU, but many did not vote for the extreme form of Brexit that Theresa May has imposed on us, and backed by Labour.

“For all those who want to protect our local economy by staying in the single market and ensure the people have the final say over what comes next, this is your chance.

“The Liberal Democrats are the real opposition to the Conservative Brexit Government and the only party fighting for a Britain that is open, tolerant and united.”