The Labour contender for Sir Graham Brady's seat in Altrincham and Sale West at the next General Election, Ben Hartley, has stepped down citing 'personal reasons'.
Coun Hartley, who is a Trafford councillor and former chair of the authority's planning committee, announced his decision today on X, formerly known as Twitter.
He wrote: "It is with sadness that I am announcing my resignation as the parliamentary candidate for Altrincham and Sale West due to personal circumstances. "I am extremely proud of the campaign that I have run so far and would like to thank everyone for their support. "I wish the campaign well and will continue to do all that I can, as both a local member [of the Labour Party] and councillor, to deliver the fresh start that residents of Altrincham and Sale deserve with a Labour MP." READ MORE: The 'immense bravery' of tragic man who helped bring down Manchester gang Coun Hartley would've been vying for the seat against Conservative Oliver Carroll, Green Geraldine Coggins, Liberal Democrat Jane Brophy and Paul Swansborough (Reform UK) for the seat being vacated by Sir Graham.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “Ben has led a strong campaign in Altrincham and Sale West. Over the past year, our local activists have spoken to thousands of residents.
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