Labour’s General Election candidate is the namesake of a former Prime Minister.

She is Stacey Blair and will try to unseat the Dover and Deal area’s incumbent, Conservative Charlie Elphicke.

Ms Blair, who lives in Deal, works in the elderly care social service and was born and educated in Dover, coming from a military family.

Her candidacy was announced today (Tuesday) and she said: “After years of government cuts we need to fight for our NHS and social services.

“We need to fight for an education service that is properly funded and gives everyone the right to a good standard of education, regardless of background.

“The people of Dover and Deal want a candidate that understands the local concerns caused by Brexit.”

Ms Blair is no relation to Tony Blair, Labour Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007.

Dover and Deal’s Labour MP from 1997 was Gwyn Prosser.

Mr Elphicke won the seat back for the Tories in the 2010 General Election.

Today Dover and Deal Green Party also announced its Parliamentary candidate, Beccy Sawbridge.

She is also the party’s candidate for the Dover Town division in Thursday's Kent County Council poll.

Ms Sawbridge is a former town seafarer and a campaigner on issues such as animal rights.

She said; “The Green Party believes that the protection of the environment, jobs and workers’ rights is more achievable inside the single market and the customs union.

"We oppose Theresa May’s extreme Brexit.

“We cannot let it break up families and communities.

“The rights of other EU citizens living here must be guaranteed.

“Employers who pay anyone below the minimum wage must be caught and prosecuted."

Mr Elphicke had been unanimously readopted as Dover and Deal Conservative candidate by his local party last Thursday.

He has already met voters on the streets to discuss his plans for stronger borders, more investment and better healthcare in Dover and Deal.

Local candidates for other parties such as Ukip and the Liberal Democrats are expected to be announced shortly.