WIRRAL West Conservatives have selected Tony Caldeira as their candidate for the snap general election on June 8.

The St Helen’s businessman - standing in the election for metro mayor today - will challenge Margaret Greenwood in five weeks’ time.

The Tory group met on Saturday April 29 after it was announced ex MP Esther McVey would take George Osborne’s seat in Tatton.

Mr Caldeira will be up against Ms Greenwood and Liberal Democrat candidate Peter Reisdorf.

Wirral West has been named as one of the top 10 seats in the North West to be targetted by the Tories.

In 2015 it was one of the few Conservative seats held outside London to be taken by Labour.

Following the announcement Conservative members congratulated Mr Caldeira on his appointment including Moreton West and Saughall Massie councillor Chris Blakeley.