A NORTH-East Conservative group has named a successful businesswoman as its parliamentary candidate for the coming General Election.

Harriett Baldwin was unanimously selected to stand for the Stockton North seat during a meeting of local party members.

She is head of currency management at JP Morgan Fleming Asset Management.

She said: "I am delighted to have been selected to fight Stockton North for the Conservative Party.

"I look forward to challenging Labour on their track record."

Mrs Baldwin's husband, Jim, is a television producer.