THE Liberal Democrats have chosen their candidate for the Stockton South constituency.
Mike Barker, former chairman of the Darlington Liberal Democrats, will fight Labour MP Dari Taylor.
The Conservatives have already chosen their candidate - former Coronation Street star James Gaddas, who is from the area.
Mike Barker will take over from Councillor Suzanne Fletcher, who fought the election in 2001 and who is leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Stockton Borough Council.
Mr Barker, who owns the Health Warehouse shop in Post House Wynd, Darlington, said: "Recent election results have shown that people no longer trust the Labour Government and that the Conservatives are a spent force in the North-East.
"I look forward to fighting Stockton South for the Liberal Democrats and offering a real alternative to the sitting Labour MP."
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