Blackpool councillor Sarah Smith has been selected as the new Labour candidate in Hyndburn for July 4's General Election.

The Marton ward representative was chosen by the party's national executive committee to replace the former candidate Graham Jones.

He had been suspended by Labour during an investigation for alleged antisemitism.

Mr Jones, who was previously Hyndburn MP from 2010 to 201, saw his membership suspension was lifted on Monday giving him time to re-apply for the position in a new selection shortlisting process which finished on Monday.

Now the party has announced Cllr Smith will take on sitting Conservative MP Sara Britcliffe who had a majority of 2,951 in 2019.

The charity leader says in her LinkedIn profile she is 'fighting to level the playing field for children and young people facing disadvantages'.

It adds: "I am passionate about developing strategic partnerships between charities, the private and public sector to tackle some of society's most wicked problems."

The Blackpool Council website says Cllr Smith has recently been on maternity leave due to end in October.

Cllr Smith said on Twitter: "I’m delighted and honoured to be the Labour Party Parliamentary Candidate in Hyndburn.

"Hyndburn is a brilliant and amazing place but it has been let down by 14 years of Conservative failure. On the 4th July the people of Hyndburn have the chance to vote for change."

A Labour Party spokesperson said: “We have selected a fantastic group of candidates in place for the General Election on Thursday, July 4.

"They will be campaigning across the country to bring Labour's message of change to voters.”

Mr Jones was suspended by Labour in February after he allegedly used an expletive to refer to Israel and argued that British people who fight in the Israel Defense Forces "should be locked up".

Hyndburn is a target seat for Labour that they need to win on July 4 if they are to win a majority.

Miss Britcliffe said: "Hyndburn and Haslingden’s community spirit and connection is always something I have been proud of, and part of.  Being born and raised here, starting my working life in Accrington Market before opening my own business here, I know this first hand.

"That is why I am shocked that the Labour Party have parachuted a councillor from Blackpool in, who doesn’t live here, to stand for the Labour Party at the General Election.

"I've never taken my position for granted and I have always put our home first. I hope residents put their trust in me as the only local candidate who can win on 4th July. I know the issues our home faces first-hand and I’ve delivered on the promises I made in 2019, but there’s so much more to achieve together.

"I will continue to focus on speaking to as many local residents in this campaign and, if honoured to be re-elected, will continue to be their local voice in Westminster.“

The Conservative Party's determination to keep the seat was demonstrated on Tuesday when Foreign Secretary and former Prime Minister David Cameron came to Oswaldtwistle to help Miss Britcliffe launch her re-election campaign.