A city councillor has been chosen to stand as an MP at the next general election.

Former police chief and current Brighton and Hove city councillor Graham Cox was selected by the Conservatives as their candidate for the Hove constituency on Wednesday night. The current Westbourne councillor will attempt to retain the seat won by Mike Weatherley in 2010.

In the battle next May, he faces competition from Christopher Hawtree, who fights for the Greens to win their second Parliamentary seat, and Peter Kyle, representing Labour.

Mr Kyle is attempting to win the Hove seat back after the Conservatives took it from Labour last time.

Mr Weatherley announced earlier this month he would not be standing for re-election.

Cllr Cox joined Brighton and Hove City Council in December 2011 after winning a by-election. He previously had a long, illustrious career with Sussex Police, where he rose to head of the county's CID division.

Cllr Cox said: “I am delighted to have been selected by Hove and Portslade Conservatives. To be chosen to stand for Parliament for my home town is a great honour.

“I aim to build on all the hard work done by Mike Weatherley, and ensure Hove continues to be represented by a Conservative in the next Parliament.”