LABOUR has selected a parliamentary candidate to contest the seat of maverick MP Bob Marshall Andrews at the next general election.

Cllr Teresa Murray has been chosen as the candidate to fight Labour’s corner in the Medway constituency when her party colleague Mr Marshall Andrews stands down at the next election.

Cllr Murray, a teacher and ward councillor for Rochester East, was selected following a ballot of local party members. Due to boundary changes the constituency will be renamed Rochester and Strood.

Cllr Murray said: “I am proud and delighted to be chosen by local Labour party members to stand for election in Rochester and Strood. I have lived in Kent for nearly 30 years and have been a councillor on Medway Council since 2000. Rochester and Strood is a very special place with an exciting future.

“I look forward to continuing to work with local people over the coming months and years to be part of that future for Rochester and Strood.”

Retiring MP Mr Marshall Andrews praised Cllr Murray’s selection. He said: “I am very pleased Teresa Murray has been selected as Labour’s candidate for Rochester and Strood.

"I know how hard she has worked for local people. She has been an outstanding councillor. I know she will make an excellent and hardworking MP.”

FACT FILE

* Teresa Murray trained as a teacher and is currently head of school and head of construction skills at Mid Kent College.

* Cllr Murray is the Medway Council Labour group spokesman for health and community services but also specialises in education and finance.

* She has two adult children and lives with her partner Derek

* She enjoys cooking and gardening.