Worthing Labour council leader selected as party’s general election candidate

Beccy Cooper, who became Labour’s first councillor in the town for more than 40 years, will now stand in Worthing West in a bid to become the town’s first Labour MP.

Cllr Cooper has stood for election in the constituency twice before, placing second at both elections to current Conservative MP Sir Peter Bottomley, who has represented the constituency since 1997.

In a statement on social media, Cllr Cooper said she was “incredibly pleased and proud to be given the chance to be the first Labour MP for Worthing West”.

She said: “I look forward to campaigning with our Labour team to show local residents that I will work hard in a Labour government to deliver real improvements in our communities.”

Incredibly pleased & proud to be given the chance to be the first #Labour MP for #Worthing West! 🌹🌹🌹
Look forward to campaigning with our Labour team to show local residents that I will work hard in a Labour Government to deliver real improvements in our Communities🤝🌹 pic.twitter.com/R5lDeOOtQP

— Cllr Beccy Cooper #VoteLabour (@BeccyCooper4Lab) November 20, 2023

It is understood that Cllr Cooper was selected unopposed as the party’s candidate for the general election, which is due to take place some time next year.

Sir Peter Bottomley has confirmed he will stand for re-election in the newly re-drawn constituency, which will include the villages of Angmering, Clapham and Findon.