A former MP for Selby in North Yorkshire has been chosen to stand as Labour candidate for Keighley at the next general election.

John Grogan, 52, grew up and still lives in Burley in Wharfedale.

Speaking after being selected by local party members at a hustings in Keighley, Mr Grogan said: “During the next 18 months, I have two key tasks.

“First, to go out and listen and learn from as many as possible of the rich variety of civic, voluntary, business and trade union organisations in the constituency.

“Second, to convince people from all backgrounds Labour is on their side, and we can offer a better future for our area and our nation.”

Mr Grogan’s first political experience was delivering leaflets after school for Labour MP Bob Cryer in Keighley during the 1979 General Election.

From 1997 to 2010, he won the highly marginal seat of Selby three times, retaining it until the seat was abolished in boundary changes.

Mr Grogan added: “It’s a great honour to have been selected, and I’m excited at the challenge ahead. I’d like to make Keighley the economic powerhouse of Airedale once again, and preserve the heritage of the surrounding villages while also looking to their future.

“Keighley has always looked for an MP who will speak their mind on local and national issues and be independent-minded. That’s what I did in Selby, and I’d like to bring that same style to Keighley.

“I respect the current MP Kris Hopkins for his many years of public service. I hope our political debates will be robust but also fair and civilised – about who can best stand up for local people and which of us has the answers to the big problems facing families here every day, not least the ‘cost of living’ crisis.”

Mr Hopkins responded: “I said in my maiden speech to Parliament that Keighley and Ilkley is the finest seat in the country to represent.

“I am therefore not surprised John wants to have a go, and I congratulate him on his selection. I look forward to having a mature debate with him about the record levels of national debt racked up by the previous Labour government, which he supported as a Labour MP for 13 years, and its impact on the local communities I am privileged to serve.”