A former British and international swimmer has been selected as a Tory parliamentary candidate for the UK’s next general election.

Aisha Cuthbert is to stand for the party in a bid to become the MP of the Sittingbourne and Sheppey constituency.

Currently a member of Bromley Council for the Shortlands & Park Langley ward, she is also the borough's portfolio holder for environment.

Mrs Cuthbert was chosen by members of the Sittingbourne and Sheppey Conservative Association following a vote, by secret ballot, at a special general meeting on Friday (October 20).

The mum-of-two will be hoping to succeed Gordon Henderson as the new MP for the constituency.

Mr Henderson announced back in March he will be standing down as the area's MP at the next general election, after serving what is currently 13 years in the role.

Speaking after her selection was confirmed, Mrs Cuthbert says she is "honoured" to have been chosen as the candidate for the seat.

She explained: "I am immensely honoured to be selected as the next Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Sittingbourne and Sheppey.

"I am keen to start running a positive and respectful campaign, and look forward to meeting with local residents, businesses, schools, organisations, and more.

"If elected, I will try my best to represent the views of the residents of Sittingbourne and Sheppey in the Houses of Parliament."

A former national synchronised swimmer, Mrs Cuthbert represented Team GB at the FINA (International Swimming Federation) World Masters Championships in Budapest, Hungary back in 2017.

She also works in the social housing sector for provider Riverside.

Chairman of the Sittingbourne and Sheppey Conservative Association, Jess McMahon, added: "We are delighted Aisha has been adopted as our candidate for the next general election.

"We are excited to support her with her campaign, and hope the residents of Sittingbourne and Sheppey will give her the chance to prove herself as the best candidate to be the next Member of Parliament."

Meanwhile Mr Henderson also welcomed the selection of Mrs Cuthbert.

"I look forward to working with Aisha over the next year and passing over to them some of my experience," the 75-year-old said.

"I am confident that, if successful at the next general election, she will make an excellent Member of Parliament and be a real champion for local people."

The other party in Swale to announce their candidate for the next general election is the Liberal Democrats.

They chose Frances Kneller back in August in their bid to wrestle the seat away from the Tories.

The UK’s next general election is scheduled to be held at the latest date of January 24, 2025.

Although it could be held earlier, it is expected the current Tory administration will delay until as late as possible while it remains behind in current polls.

Sittingbourne and Sheppey is one of 650 constituencies in the UK.