REFORM UK has selected its General Election candidate for the Rossendale and Darwen constituency.

Daniel Matchett will contest the seat currently held by former Northern Powerhouse minister and ex-Conservative Party chairman Sir Jake Berry with a majority of 9,522.

The Darwen resident said he is standing for Reform UK - the successor to UKIP and the Brexit Party- as an 'alternative' to the two-party system.

Sir Jake has held the seat since taking it from Labour's Janet Anderson in 2010.

Mental health nurse Mr Matchett said:“Born in Chorley and raised in Leyland, I now reside in Darwen with my wife, where we've been since 2016.

"With a daughter now 18, my commitment to positive change fuels my career in public service.

"Over two decades, I've worked in mental health services, as a Mental Health Nurse in various NHS and local authority roles and lecturing at the university.

"This experience awarded me a nuanced understanding of today's societal needs and challenges, particularly within healthcare and politics.

"While always staying informed on current affairs, traditional politics wasn't my initial intention. However, my decision to stand for Reform UK in the upcoming election stems from a simple desire: I wanted to vote for them.

"My candidacy transcends party lines, aiming to provide Rossendale and Darwen residents with an alternative choice, challenging the entrenched two-party system.

"Our region's complexity demands simplification. It's nonsensical for Blackburn to be merged with Darwen under one local authority.

"Similarly, our political landscape lacks coherence. Darwen and Rossendale each deserve representation in their own right. I will endeavour to advocate for your needs and concerns and be guided by you.

"My own guiding light is a democratic society free from coercion and cancel cultures.

"I advocate for common sense governance, emphasising economic growth, minimal state intervention, and robust freedom of speech.  "I'm convinced there are better ways to navigate crises without forcing agendas or compromising individual liberties. I vehemently oppose measures like lockdowns on children, valuing freedom above all else.”

Sir Jake and Labour's candidate Cllr Andy McNae - who represents Irwell ward on Rossendale and Darwen Council - both declined to comment on Mr Matchett's selection.

The Green Party has selected 61-year-old businessman Bob Bauld as its candidate in the forthcoming national poll.