AN ALL-FEMALE shortlist has been selected to fight for the Conservative seat in Eddisbury following Stephen O’Brien’s announcement that he is stepping down after the general election.

Mr O’Brien will leave his seat after 15 years as MP for Eddisbury to become the next under-secretary general for humanitarian affairs, OCHA, and emergency relief coordinator.

The shortlist for his replacement has been narrowed down to three candidates: Janet Clowes, Antoinette Sandbach and Kemi Badenoch.

Cllr Sandbach, Assembly Member for North Wales, said: “Stephen O’Brien has done a fantastic job and has worked particularly hard in Winsford.

“I hope to wear different shoes to him, but I want to carry on with the work he did and keep up his work in the community.

“If I am selected I intend to spend a lot of time in Winsford. I look forward to working with Cheshire West and Chester Council to bring forward their plans for more jobs and employment in Winsford.”

Cllr Sandbach, whose family originate from Sandbach, previously stood as a Parliamentary candidate in Delyn in the 2010 general election.

In 2011 she was elected as a regional Assembly Member for North Wales and was appointed shadow rural affairs minister. She was appointed shadow minister for the environment in 2014.

Another strong candidate for the seat is London-born, Mrs Badenoch, who is a technology project manager for the RBS Group.

Mrs Badenoch has spent more than 12 years in the public and private sector and currently sits on the board of one of London’s largest housing associations.

In 2010 she stood in Dulwich and West Norwood and in 2012 she was a list candidate for the London Assembly.

She said: “My varied background has given me a unique perspective, from working in minimum wage jobs to improving failing schools.

“I'm able to understand the concerns of people in this constituency. I'm very excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to benefit residents in Eddisbury.

“I've been fortunate in life and this is an opportunity for me to give back through public service.”

The two candidates face stiff competition from Cheshire East councillor, Janet Clowes.

Cllr Clowes, a former nurse and lecturer, is the current cabinet member for health and care on Cheshire East Council, and fought Wythenshawe and Sale East in 2010.

Cllr Clowes declined to comment when approached by the Guardian.

The final decision is set to be made on Wednesday evening.