The Conservatives have held their first ever "primary" to select a candidate for the next general election.

Fiona Bruce, a solicitor and mother of two, won the right to fight for the Labour-held seat of Warrington South in a popular vote at a public meeting last night.

More than 350 people arriving at the event had to show that they had each pre-registered for a vote on the night. They were handed two ballot papers and heard the shortlisted candidates deliver a speech and answer questions.