The Conservatives have named the candidate who will fight Lloyd Russell-Moyle at the next general election.

Businesswoman and public policy professional Khobi Vallis has been named as the Tory candidate for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven for the election, expected to take place later this year.

Ms Vallis will contest the seat against current Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle, who won it from the Conservatives in 2017.

At the last general election he secured a majority of more than 8,000 votes.

Ms Vallis said: “I am extremely honoured to be selected as the next Conservative parliamentary candidate for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven.

“Sussex is my home and I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet residents and hear about what they want for our local area.

“The next general election marks a crucial turning point for our country. The Conservative government steered us through the Covid crisis and thanks to strong leadership from Rishi Sunak, inflation is falling and the economy is growing.

“Now it is for the country to decide who is best placed to protect the economy, create jobs and deliver on public services.

“As we approach the next general election, I am looking forward to running a positive and respectful campaign that the people of this constituency expect and deserve.”

The Argus: Khobi Vallis with Conservative members in BrightonKhobi Vallis with Conservative members in Brighton (Image: Conservative Party)

Ms Vallis’s three priorities ahead of the election are to make streets in Brighton safer, champion “truly green policies" and support local businesses.

Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven Conservative Association chairman Paul Wood welcomed her selection and said: “We are delighted that Khobi has been adopted as our candidate for the next general election.

“Khobi’s experience and Conservative values will be a great asset to our association and we look forward to supporting her in the general election campaign to be our next MP.

“The association was very fortunate to have a selection of great candidates from which to choose, however Khobi’s outstanding CV and impressive speech and interview had our members enthusiastically opt for her.”

According to political forecaster Electoral Calculus, the Conservatives have only a one per cent chance of winning the Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven constituency at the next general election.