THE Conservatives have announced an ex-Labour councillor as their candidate for Middlesbrough mayor.

Acklam resident Ken Hall will stand for the Tories in the May 2 election.

Mr Hall announced his candidacy on Tuesday and attacked his former party, describing the Labour-run council as “incapable of progressing”.

The 65-year-old said: “I love our town and I am saddened at the way it is being run by the current Labour council.

“As a Boro season ticket holder for 43 years, I have had my share of ups and downs but remain optimistic – I am equally optimistic about the future of our town.

“Sadly, the Labour-run council is incapable of progressing and a change of manager is needed.

“That change can only come about by rejecting another Labour mayor who will simply continue to run the town down."

Simon Clarke, Conservative MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said: “I’m delighted we have someone with Ken’s huge experience of local government as our candidate for Mayor of Middlesbrough and I really look forward to working with him.”

Businessman Andy Preston announced he would run as an independent on Monday, whilst Cllr Mick Thompson was selected in November as Labour’s candidate after current mayor Dave Budd said he would not be stand for a second term.