The Labour party have announced their candidate to contest the North West Hampshire seat at next year's general election.

Local activist Andrew Adams will compete against Conservative Kit Malthouse, Liberal Democrat hopeful Alex Payton and UKIP's Diane James, who spoke exclusively about her selection in last week's Advertiser.

The seat is being vacated by current incumbent Sir George Young, who will step aside after 18 years in the constituency.

And railway manager Mr Adams, 32, believes he is on the right track to succeed his Tory counterpart, having previously contested a number of wards on Winchester City Council while he currently holds a place in Micheldever Parish Council.

Mr Adams said: “It is an honour to have been selected as the Labour candidate.

“The people of North West Hampshire deserve better than the treatment they have received from the coalition government over the past five years and need a committed local MP to stand up for them in Westminster.

“A Labour government will restore fairness to the economy whilst prioritising our key public services in challenging times and I look forward to sharing our message with voters throughout the constituency.

“This will be an election like no other and Labour are the only viable choice for anyone opposed to the Tory vision of pre-NHS spending levels and attacks on the most vulnerable in society.

“I am confident that we will see Ed Miliband as our next Prime Minister which will have a very positive effect on people throughout this constituency.”