Tony Richmond, Darlington Borough Council opposition leader, is to stand against Health Secretary Alan Milburn at the next General Election.
Coun Richmond was chosen on the first ballot at a meeting of local Conservatives on Friday.
Darlington Conservative Association chairman Stan Johnson said: "The selection was highly-competitive, with three first class candidates, but Tony gave a barnstorming speech which set out his convictions and generated real enthusiasm amongst local members."
Coun Richmond was leader of Darlington Borough Council from 1988 to 1991, and the town's mayor in 1993/94.
A professional engineer by trade, he is a widower and has two grown-up sons.
"Conservative common sense values offer real solutions to the difficult problems faced by local people," he said.
Mr Milburn has held Darlington for Labour since 1992.
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