Batley and Spen tory selected

Dewsbury-based solicitor Imtiaz Ameen is to be the Conservative candidate for Batley and Spen, going head-to-head with Labour’s Jo Cox.

Mr Ameen was a Kirklees councillor for Dewsbury South between 2003 and 2007 and he stood as the Tory candidate in Blackburn in 2005.

Susie Bell Proctor, the chair of the association said: “We had a strong list of applicants and the association’s members unanimously adopted Imtiaz. I am delighted that he has joined the local Conservative team and look forward to seeing him elected our new MP next May.”

Mr Ameen said: “It is a privilege to have been selected as the Candidate for Batley and Spen. I look forward to meeting as many people as possible between now and May. After having a Labour MP for 17 years it is now time for a change in Batley and Spen. I am confident that with everyone’s support I will become the new member of parliament for Batley and Spen.

“I will challenge the threats to our local communities and make sure that we return to the days when Batley and Spen was constantly on the national agenda.”