Labour's Parliamentary candidate Lloyd Hatton launched his campaign to become the next MP for South Dorset - at a Weymouth chippy.

He was joined by former Labour MP Lord Knight at the Marlboro near the Town Bridge where Mr Hatton used to work at weekends when he was younger.

Mr Hatton, 28, divides his time between Weymouth and London where he has lived for the past four years and works as a researcher. He is currently a councillor in Camden, north London, representing Kilburn.

He grew up in Wyke Regis and attended Holy Trinity and All Saints schools and played rugby at Weymouth RFC.

He is a former Member of the Youth Parliament which he said gave him a "taste for politics" at a young age.

He has campaigned to stop sewage spills on beaches and in rivers across Dorset.

With independent polling showing the Conservatives trailing behind Labour nationally, he claims the next election in South Dorset promises to be a "tight two-horse race between Labour and the Conservatives".

Launching his campaign, Mr Hatton, said: “I am over the moon to be Labour’s candidate for South Dorset. I want to champion my home town and give South Dorset a strong voice in Westminster.

"This has always been home for me, almost my entire family live in Weymouth or in Swanage, this area means everything to me and it would be a privilege to serve this area as MP.

“Whether tackling the cost of living crisis, restoring services at our community hospitals, stopping toxic sewage spills, fixing the asylum system or investing in key local services, I am determined to stand up for my community. It’s time for a fresh start.”