CONTROVERSIAL MP Ann Winterton has confirmed that she plans to stand as a Tory candidate at the next General Election.

Sandbach's MP Lady Winterton (pictured) revealed her intentions in a letter to the Congleton Conservative Association. It asks members of the association to consider her for re-election.

It marks a defiant stand by the veteran politician who was suspended by the party after making unsavoury remarks about the deaths of the Chinese cockle pickers at Morecambe Bay earlier this year.

David Sutton, deputy chairman of the association, said: 'I am delighted. We can move forward.'

Meanwhile, Labour has unveiled its candidate in Congleton as Nick Milton who lives in London.

Mr Milton said: 'The challenge is to defeat Ann Winterton. She has become an embarrassment to the Tory Party.'

No final decision will be taken on the Tory candidate until after the local elections on June 10.