LABOUR’S parliamentary candidate for Halesowen and Rowley Regis has vowed to fight for the “constituency I was born in, live in and love” after being re-selected.

At a meeting of local party members on Saturday (May 19), Ian Cooper was chosen once again to lead the red party against the constituency’s Conservative MP James Morris after finishing as runner-up at the 2017 General Election.

Mr Cooper, who lost his Belle Vale seat on Dudley Council to Tory namesake Jake Cooper in a shock result at the recent local elections, said he was “delighted” to have again been selected as Labour’s parliamentary candidate.

“It was a tough field that reflected the breadth of talent we have in our party,” he said. “So I'm particularly proud to have the support of our hardworking members.

“It's probably fair to say that we start this battle as the underdog, but we'll be ready and up for the fight whether an election is called today, tomorrow or in four years’ time.”

Although admitting Mr Morris is “pretty good at photo ops”, Mr Cooper added: “But that can only take you so far.

“What he and his party don't have are ideas, passion or a vision for this country's future.

“Trapped and exhausted, led by a weak PM held hostage by extremists, they're watching helplessly as the country drifts towards the rocks.

“Our schools and hospitals are crumbling, our streets are getting less safe, and there's more chance of Elvis reappearing in a supergroup with the Loch Ness Monster on bass than there is of most young people being able to afford their own home.

“Our challenge is to show how things can be better.”

Dudley’s former cabinet member for children’s services said his party want to “invest in all the things we've built together as a nation”, including the NHS, social housing, and the welfare system, while cracking down “on those at the top who make obscene profits from failure, or who rip us all off by dodging tax”.

He added: “I want to see the country brought back together, too. I don't want us divided down the middle, constantly at each other's throats.

“I'll fight for a Britain at ease with itself, where people are secure in their rights and responsibilities and have the opportunity to show what they can do, whatever their background and wherever they're from.

“The battle for a better society for the many, not just the few, starts now.”