A BUSINESSWOMAN has been selected by Ramsbottom’s Labour group to run for ward councillor in next month’s by-election.

Sarah Southworth, a chartered accountant who runs a wedding dress business with branches in both Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall, will replace former councillor Joanne Columbine as Labour’s candidate.

The mother-of-one, who has lived in the Bury area all her life, has stepped in after Coun Columbine resigned last month from the seat which she won for Labour three years ago.

Robert Hodkinson, 55, of Whittingham Drive, Ramsbottom, has been selected by the Conservatives in the seat, which he lost out on to Coun Columbine after drawing lots following a tie in the 2011 election.

The Bury Council by-election will be held on March 6.