Labour has announced its candidate to contest the Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven constituency in the General Election on July 4.

Chris Ward was born and grew up in Brighton and was formerly an aide and speech writer to Keir Starmer for six years.

Speaking after his selection, Mr Ward said: “It’s an enormous honour to be selected as Labour’s candidate for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven - the city I grew up in, and the city I love.

“After 14 years of Conservative chaos, we have the chance on July 4 to vote for change and for a brighter future for Britain. I can’t wait to get started and I look forward to joining our members to take that message of change for our community.”

His appointment came a day after the constituency’s former MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle was suspended by the Labour Party over historic behaviour allegations.

In a statement released on social media, the MP said allegations had been made against him about alleged conduct eight years ago.

Mr Russell-Moyle disputed the claims, calling them "vexatious and politically motivated".

Taking to social media, he said: "I've been working day and night since the election was called for success not only in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven but across Sussex. Yesterday, out of the blue, I received an "administrative suspension letter."

"Someone (who remains anonymous to me) has made what I believe to be a vexatious and politically motivated complaint about my behaviour eight years ago. This is a false allegation that I dispute totally and I believe it was designed to disrupt this election.

"There isn't enough time to defend myself as these processes within the party take too long, so the party have told me that I will not be eligible to be a candidate at the next election.

"I'm gutted. I've spent the last decade of my life building one of the best campaigning CLPs in the country. I've been so inspired by everyone pulling together in the last week and excited for the campaign to come. We have an amazing local party, and I am sorry for all of you most of all.

"I aim to cooperate with the investigations process to clear my name, but will now take this opportunity to contribute to public life in different ways under what I hope is a Labour government.

"I wish Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner, and the Labour team the best of luck and hope to be celebrating Labour wins across Sussex and beyond on election night."

A spokesman for the Labour Party said: "The Labour Party takes all complaints extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken."

The Argus understands the party received a serious complaint last week and suspended Russell-Moyle pending investigation.

Other candidates standing in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven are Conservative Khobi Vallis, Liberal Democrat Stewart Stone and former councillor Elaine Hills is standing for the Green Party.

Activist Kelly-Jay Keen has also announced her plans to stand for the Party of Women.

The Social Democratic Party's Valerie Gray and Elaine Ghoneim, for the Workers Party of Britain, are also standing.