Chris Kennedy, a registered nurse and child safeguarding specialist, was selected as the party's candidate on Thursday morning but withdrew from the contest by early evening.

Chris Kennedy was announced this morning, posed for pictures early this afternoon, but had dropped out by early evening for what the party said were 'personal and family reasons'.

Chris Kennedy, a children's safeguarding specialist, said he was 'proud' to have been elected to stand on June 18 in a vote by members.