RISHI Sunak has been formally adopted as the Conservative candidate to fight the Richmond constituency and Kevin Hollinrake as the Thirsk and Malton Conservative candidate.

Mr Sunak, who has served as the area’s representative in Westminster since 2015, was unanimously adopted by the Richmond Conservative Association to be its candidate.

He said: “Serving as the MP for Richmond has been an great honour and privilege.

“I am delighted to be able to stand again.

“If re-elected, I will continue to work hard for this very special part of the country and be a strong voice for the rural community in Parliament.”

Mr Sunak said he would stand on his record fighting for fairer funding for North Yorkshire’s schools and maintaining hospital services.

He would also campaign to maintain support and cut bureaucracy for farmers and work with schools and employers to boost apprenticeships.

Mr Sunak hit the campaign trail early with his predecessor William Hague talking to voters in Stokesley High Street.

Meanwhile, the Thirsk and Malton Conservatives have unanimously re-adopted Kevin Hollinrake as their Parliamentary Candidate for the General Election on June 8. He has been the constituency MP since May 2015.