Could this man topple Dennis Skinner to be Bolsover’s next MP?

Peter (right) and Barry Lewis, leader of the Conservative group on Derbyshire County Council.

A 28-year-old will go head-to-head with veteran MP Dennis Skinner to contest his Bolsover constituency in next year’s General Election.

Peter Bedford was picked by Conservative party members in Bolsover last week as their new parliamentary candidate.

The football fan is currently employed as a senior auditor for Britvic soft drinks having previously worked as an associate for PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Mr Bedford said: “I pledge to be a hardworking champion for Bolsover, Clowne and Shirebrook.

“I am interested in local people, not soundbites on the national stage.

“One of my key priorities is to campaign hard on giving local youngsters more and better career prospects and with two million apprenticeships created under this Government we are moving in the right direction,” he added.

Firebrand Labour politician Mr Skinner, 82, has been Bolsover MP since 1970.

Mr Skinner, dubbed the Beast of Bolsover, is famed for his acerbic wit and sharp tongue in the House of Commons. He was unavailable to comment on his competitor’s selection.