Tory members have chosen a political newcomer to succeed party veteran Sir Graham Brady at the next election.
Oliver Carroll, a 29-year-old lawyer, will contest the Altrincham and Sale West seat for the Conservatives when the nation next goes to the polls, it was confirmed today.
Sir Graham has announced he is stepping down at the next election having served as the constituency’s MP since its creation in 1997.
In his influential role as chair of the Conservative party’s 1922 committee he is the custodian of any letters of no confidence submitted against the prime minister.
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He also had the responsibility of ushering three prime ministers out of Downing Street in four years.
Although Sir Graham has never held ministerial office he is widely regarded as one of the party’s most powerful backbenchers.
The new candidate at the next election will be Mr Carroll, who is a senior associate at law firm Clifford Chance.
He was born and raised in Hale Barns and went to Altrincham Grammar School for Boys – also Sir Graham’s former school.
Speaking after the selection on Sunday, Mr Carroll said: “I am delighted to be selected as the Conservative candidate in my hometown.
“Sir Graham has done, and continues, to do an excellent job as our area’s MP and I will do everything I can to make sure I can step into his shoes at the next general election.
“I know people living and working here want an MP to get on with the job and deliver for them on the government’s plans.
“The people’s priorities in Altrincham and Sale West are the government’s priorities, and Rishi Sunak has my support as he strives to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats.”
He said he had a ‘positive vision’ for the area, including protecting the grammar school system and green spaces.
Mr Carroll currently divides his time between his work in London and Hale Barns, where his family still live.
Outside of work he volunteers as a Citizens Advice Bureau advisor, assisting members of the public with consumer disputes.
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