The leader of Northampton Borough Council has announced his intention to fight for the Northampton South Parliamentary seat.
At 10am this morning, the current MP, Brian Binley, announced he would not be standing for re-election in 2015.
Just six hours later, the 33-year-old leader of the borough council, Councillor David Mackintosh (Con, Rectory Farm) announced he hoped to be picked by the Conservatives to fight for the seat.
He said: “There is a process the local party must now go through to select a candidate for Brian’s seat.
“To avoid months of speculation, I’m today confirming that I intend to put my name forward for selection, and if I’m selected by my party and elected by the people, I hope to continue to serve Northampton on a national level as the Member of Parliament for Northampton South.
“Whatever happens, I pledge to continue as leader of the borough council for the next two years and to work tirelessly to fulfil our manifesto commitments to improve the town and make it a place we are all proud of.”
Paying tribute to Mr Binley and welcoming the news that he is in remission following his battle with cancer, the councillor added: “It’s great news and a huge relief that Brian has been given the all-clear by his doctors.
“Brian has tackled his illness head on in his own typical fashion.
“He has been a tireless servant to his constituents and a passionate advocate for Northampton as the Member of Parliament. I think he can be very proud of his achievements, and when he steps down at the next General Election he will be able to look back, knowing he has left a lasting mark on the life and politics of our town.”
Councillor Mackintosh has led Northampton Borough Council since 2011.
In that time, he has spearheaded a number of regeneration projects including the development of the town’s new bus and railway stations and has been instrumental in securing loans for the redevelopment of the Saints and Cobblers stadiums.
It is not believed he will be an automatic choice to stand for the Northampton South seat however as it is thought some local party members would rather select a candidate with a history of fighting previous General Election campaigns.
The chairman of the Northampton South Conservative Association, Michael Clarke, said: “We’re disappointed Brian has decided not to stand for election again.
“We’re now open for applications for people to succeed Brian and my aim is to have a successor in place by the end of December.”