Former Canterbury city councillor James Flanagan will once again contest the Canterbury seat for the Liberal Democrats at a general election.

The 40-year-old was fourth behind Labour, Ukip and sitting Conservative MP Julian Brazier at the election last year - which saw the Lib Dems reduced nationally from 57 seats to just eight.

“Clearly 2015 was a very difficult time for the party, but I am determined to stand again as it would be a huge honour to represent my home town and I am very proud to have been re-selected," he said.

At the election last year, Mr Flanagan polled 6,227 votes. Mr Brazier, who has been the MP since 1987, won with 22,918.

Over the summer Mr Flanagan campaigned to prevent the UK quitting the European Union.

Locally he fought against the Westgate traffic trial, for the retention of open spaces such as Kingsmead Field and to keep the Crown Post Office in Whitstable open.

He said: "Canterbury needs fresh ideas and leadership. My priorities will be fighting for public services such as the NHS, calling for greater support for mental health, and campaigning for affordable housing in Canterbury.

"On top of this, the Liberal Democrats will go into the next election as the only party committed to protecting Britain’s role in the heart of Europe.”

Lib Dem County Councillor Martin Vye, who stood at the 1997 election, said: "We have many new committed supporters who will be joining us on the doorstep, making the case for a strong local campaigner like James who will fight for Canterbury."

The next general election is scheduled for May 7, 2020.