A parliamentary candidate has decided to step down as a London councillor in a bid to improve her chances at the next general election.

Tory Aisha Cuthbert is aiming to replace long-standing Gordon Henderson as MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey.

She was chosen by members of the constituency’s Conservative association on October 20.

Until last week, the mum-of-two was a member of Bromley Council, representing Shortlands and Park Langley ward. She was also the borough’s portfolio holder for the environment.

The former international swimmer wants to focus on her parliamentary campaign.

She explained: “It has been an honour to represent residents in Bromley over the last six years and I leave feeling proud of my record and achievements.

“As the portfolio holder for the environment, Bromley Council was one of the top recycling local authorities in the country.

“It had the greatest number of convictions for fly-tipping, and made historic investment in parks and green spaces.

“I was also a loneliness champion, delivering one of the first local authority strategies for tackling loneliness and social isolation in local government, which was internationally recognised by the Campaign to End Loneliness.

“With this in mind, I hope I can use my knowledge, experience and the financial acumen I learnt to help deliver better services and value for money in Sittingbourne and Sheppey as the parliamentary candidate.”

She also works in the social housing sector for provider Riverside.

The Canadian-born candidate’s selection makes the Tories one of six parties to put a candidate forward for the constituency.

The Swale Independents selected Mike Baldock earlier this month while last August, Frances Kneller, a 69-year-old managing director of a housing consultancy and property management company, was chosen to stand for the Liberal Democrats.

The Greens have revealed Rich Lehmann as their candidate; Reform have selected William Fotheringham-Bray, with Mad Mike Young standing again for the Official Monster Raving Loony Party.

Labour is expected to announce its candidate in the near future.

The UK’s next general election is scheduled to be held no later than January 24, 2025, with this autumn believed to be the most likely time.