Labour have picked their candidate to take on Gavin Barwell for Croydon Central at the next general election.

Sarah Jones, 40, beat Croydon Council’s shadow cabinet member for housing, Councillor Alison Butler, in a tightly fought contest.

Ms Jones, who lives in Shirley, has been involved with the Labour party for a number of years and has helped a variety of charities with their campaigns.

Four women were vying for the role, including former Lambeth activist Catriona Ogilvy and Thornton Heath Councillor Louisa Woodley.

Steve Reed, MP for Croydon North, tweeted: “Congratulations to Sarah Jones Labour's excellent new candidate for Croydon Central. Now let's get the Tory MP out.”

Councillor Tony Newman, leader of Croydon Council Labour group, said: “Congratulations to Sarah and commiserations to Alison, Catriona and Louisa. Now bring on Gavin Barwell and let’s turn Croydon red.”