A SOUTHAMPTON councillor is running for parliament in Winchester.

Mark Chaloner has been named the Labour candidate for Winchester and Chandler's Ford at next year’s general election.

Cllr Chaloner, a family law barrister and Southampton City Council's cabinet member for children's safeguarding, is hoping to be the city’s first Labour MP since 1950.

He said: “I believe strongly in social justice and seeking to support and protect the most weak and vulnerable in society or those who are in time of need, as well as seeking to work with anyone and everyone in making the local community a better place.

“A prime commitment is to seek to maximise the services that can be delivered in spite of the current economic climate in order that people truly feel their taxes are well spent. In Winchester and Chandler's Ford there are so many challenges which need to be met head-on and I firmly believe the Labour Party's policies will allow all in the area to thrive, rather than a select few.”

He will run against candidates including incumbent Tory MP Steve Brine and the Liberal Democrats Jackie Porter in May.