THE new chair of Christchurch Labour Party is looking forward to leading a challenge against MP Sir Christopher Chope in the next general election after her predecessor stepped down from the role.

Andy Dunne announced he would not be continuing in the position last month.

In a statement on his Facebook page, he said he had been “dismayed to bear witness to the way some of our members across the area behave towards each other”.

He added that the “divisiveness” he had seen, led him to think people are “intent on causing trouble and preventing the evolution” of local politics.

At the the group’s AGM, Claire Wade was elected as the new chair.

She said: “It is a great honour and it does come with great responsibility. I will do my utmost to continue the forward-thinking and positive work of our last chair, Andy Dunne.

“We are currently working throughout the constituency to support more members to be politically active especially in Ferndown and West Moors alongside our base of wonderful activists.

“We are a vibrant and inclusive party with fantastic support, and we plan to continue our campaigning as we have done with dignity and honesty.”

Ms Wade stood as a Labour Party candidate in the inaugural Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council elections in May. She polled third in Burton and Grange ward, with 525 votes, only behind elected Christchurch Independents candidates David Flagg and Simon McCormack.

Ms Wade is a trustee and volunteer at Christchurch Soup Kitchen and previously took on the role of secretary of Christchurch Labour Party.

“Our party is attracting new members all the time as people are seeing the constant failures of our current government and that we are offering a strong and viable alternative that is of benefit to the many, not just the few,” she added.

“I am fully dedicated to serving the local party alongside a dedicated and reliable executive committee, leading us into a hopefully sooner rather than later General Election, and campaigning with a Labour Parliamentary Candidate that can challenge Sir Chris Chope and deliver a representative who will work for our communities whilst understanding the unique heritage and historical presence of Christchurch. “