The Conservative candidate for the Bradford West by-election is Jackie Whiteley

By Matthew Barrett
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Conservative HQ has just released the news that Jackie Whiteley will be the candidate for the Bradford West by-election - which will be held on the 29th March.

This time last year, after Labour MP Denis MacShane was suspended from the party, Whiteley was confirmed as the "Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman" for his seat, Rotherham - which she contested in 2010, increasing the Conservative vote to 16.7% and leap-frogging the Lib Dems to take second place.

Party Co-Chairman Sayeeda Warsi, said:

"Jackie is an outstanding local candidate who has a reputation for working hard for the people of Yorkshire and I know she will fight for their best interests. Our campaign in Bradford is underway, we are out listening to voters in the constituency, and I will be campaigning alongside Jackie for every vote."

Whiteley commented on her selection:

"It is a great honour and extremely exciting to be the Conservative candidate for Bradford West.  As the owner of a small business and local employer, I have got a real understanding of the issues and concerns of Bradford’s residents and local businesses.  I will continue to campaign passionately for jobs, investment and a brighter future for the local community."