Dan Watkins to fight Tooting byelection for Tories

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/may/18/dan-watkins-to-fight-tooting-byelection-for-tories

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Dan Watkins has been picked by the Conservatives to try to snatch Tooting from Labour in the byelection forced by Sadiq Khan quitting the Commons seat on being elected London mayor.

The local businessman lost out to Khan by 2,842 at the 2015 general election and faces Labour councillor and junior doctor Rosena Allin-Khan in the 16 June contest.

George Galloway has ruled out standing as a candidate for his Respect party – suggesting there was “too great” a chance of a Tory victory.

Bookies however make Allin-Khan the comfortable odds-on favourite to hold the seat for the opposition.

Watkins said: “I am hugely honoured to have been selected as the Conservative candidate in an area I have called home for 15 years and where I am proud to now be raising my family.

“I have worked hard as an active campaigner and volunteer to champion all of the things I know make Tooting great – its diversity, its community spirit, its small businesses, its outdoor spaces.

“Tooting residents need a strong local voice in parliament and I will work tirelessly to earn the right to represent them.”