EAST Hampshire Conservative Association has named Damian Hinds as its Parliamentary candidate for the General Election on June 8.

The adoption process took place at a special meeting of the Association on April 27, which was open to all local party members.

Speaking ahead of the vote, Mr Hinds said: “I have been very conscious of both the great honour and the heavy responsibility of representing the people of East Hampshire in Parliament. I have always tried to be a diligent and responsive MP, and do my best to help constituents with surgery cases.

“And it has been a huge privilege to be able to make hundreds of visits to our excellent schools, local businesses and the many voluntary organisations which help make East Hampshire such a special place.”

After the vote, Mr Hinds said he looked forward to the campaign and to engaging in constructive debate with all parties once again.

Parliament was formally dissolved yesterday when Mr Hinds ceased to be MP for East Hampshire.

He is now engaging in door-to-door campaigning, and has confirmed that he will once again be hosting a series of open public meetings around the district.

Mr Hinds was first elected MP for East Hampshire in 2010, and was re-elected in 2015 with 60.7 per cent of the votes.