A COUNCILLOR on the newly-formed unitary authority in Durham is to stand for parliament.

North-West Durham Liberal Democrats have selected their parliamentary candidate for the next General Election.

Owen Temple is represents the county council for the Consett North ward and was the party’s group leader on Derwentside District Council.

He said: "I feel very privileged to be chosen by local members, and excited by the opportunity.

"With Liberal Democrats gaining power in councils across the region, North-West Durham has a real opportunity to elect a Liberal Democrat MP."

Coun Temple is to campaign on local and national issues and believes the NHS is a crucial concern for the whole constituency and with job losses in the local economy.

He added: "Voters are looking for change.

"They have always known that they can trust the Liberal Democrats to deliver common sense and common justice. Now they recognise us as the party with the best economist too."