A BUSINESSWOMAN has been selected as Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Wirral West.

Laura Evans, who lives in West Kirby, has been a councillor in Trafford for eight years and will be standing down from the role in May.

The 52-year-old, married to Nathan and with two grown up sons, saw Trafford become the first council in the country to abolish fines on library books and helped establish the annual Manchester Marathon, which attracts around 9,000 runners.

She was also presented with a National Hero's Award at the House of Lords for community work as a councillor.

The Wirral West seat is currently held by Labour MP and shadow secretary of state for work and pensions, Margaret Greenwood.

On being selected as candidate, Mrs Evans said: "I have been made to feel very welcome and have been out every day talking with local businesses and residents

"The natural beauty here, together with the vibrant community spirit is inspiring, illustrated when the community came together for the Christmas posts deliveries.

"It's clear that many feel that Wirral West is last on the list when it comes to the town hall's plans and I will be looking to work with the local councillors to see that stops being the case.

"One of my priorities is to ensure small businesses get the best support, making sure they have their voices heard.

"It is quite clear that businesses are a vital part of the economy in Wirral, we have seen an additional 6,900 people in work in our area over the past 12 months, thanks to the hard work of small business owners. 

"We also need to look at the Green belt and housing making brownfield sites the priority and regeneration of empty shops our first consideration.

"I will also be working closely with local schools here, meeting with head teachers to make sure funding is right and champion the educational choices that Wirral West is a great example of."

Talking about the meaningful vote in Parliament last night, in which MPs rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal by 432 votes to 202, Laura said: "It was never going to be easy and last night indicated people's feelings towards the EU as much as anything else.

"But it's also clear that Labour have no way forward."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told the Commons the “catastrophic” defeat was an “absolutely decisive” verdict on her Brexit negotiations.

He tabled a motion of no confidence in the Government which could force an early general election if it wins the support of more than 50% of MPs.

Laura Evans said: "At a time like this, constantly calling for a General Election makes it clear they have only one goal in mind and Brexit for them is a vehicle to manipulate this."