By Hayley Robinson

The three women candidates who have put themselves forward for the Sittingbourne and Sheppey seat at the next general election have been named.

Swale Borough councillor Angela Harrison, who represents Sheerness West, Gill Sones, a teacher from Heathfield in Sussex, and Susan Wise, a Lewisham Borough Councillor from London, are all in the running to be the Sittingbourne and Sheppey Labour Party’s candidate when the current MP Derek Wyatt steps down next year.

Party chairman Roger Truelove said: "The selection process has been very thorough and the members fully engaged. We have seen a number of very good candidates. The decision to go with an All Women Shortlist in this constituency has created a lot of interest amongst our members and gatherings to meet candidates and to determine shortlists have been well attended.

"There are about six months left to the General Election and we all want to get out their campaigning for whoever is selected."

The final shortlist of candidates will make speeches and answer questions from members at two successive meetings - the first will be held in Sheerness on November 12 and the second in Sittingbourne on November 13th.

Members of the party will decide on Friday, November 13, who they want as their next candidate and a public announcement will be made on Monday, November 16.