Mark Francois has been re-selected as the candidate for the Conservative Party in Rayleigh and Wickford at the General Election.

Mr Francois has represented the Rayleigh constituency, which was renamed Rayleigh and Wickford in 2010 following boundary changes, since 2001, during which time he has held a variety of posts in both opposition and in Government, including as Minister of State for the Armed Forces from 2013 to 2015.

Mr Francois, who campaigned for Britain to Leave the EU during the 2016 Referendum, will now be campaigning to support Prime Minister Theresa May in her efforts to secure the best possible deal for Britain in the forthcoming negotiations with the European Union.

He said: “Having represented this constituency for 16 years in Parliament, I am proud to have been re-selected by my local party members to represent the Conservatives in this seat at the forthcoming General Election.

“During my time as MP, I have lived in the constituency and sought to represent my constituents as best I can, whatever their individual politics might be. I hope to carry on this work on behalf of the people I have been privileged to represent.”