A businesswoman has announced she will stand as a parliamentary candidate at the next general election.

Emma Guy believes the residents of Weaver Vale, which includes east Runcorn, need a 'new champion' and she aims to stand as a Reform UK candidate.

The 53-year-old, who lives in Northwich, set up her marketing agency Aqueous Digital more than a decade ago with her husband Jonathan, and now acts as their operations director.

"It's time for a shake-up, and I'm ready to play my part," Emma said.

"I passionately believe that change happens when there is caring and credible representation at local level."

Weaver Vale is currently represented by Labour MP Mike Amesbury.

Emma is the owner of wellness practice Acupuncture That Works, calling on the experience of overcoming her own life challenges to help others.

That includes a role as ambassador for Prevent Breast Cancer and a trustee for Halton Haven Hospice.

She added: "Helping others has become a huge part of my working life and knowing that I can, in some small way, make them feel better is a huge source of motivation for me.

"Knowing how, and when, to listen is a skill I've honed as a result something I hope will serve me well when I start to knock on doors and ask those that answer what is at the forefront of their mind."

Emma, who is a spokesperson for Reform UK, is not a newcomer to politics and was an active campaigner against the building of waste incinerators in Cheshire.

She served as a parish councillor in Lostock Gralam for a decade, including a spell as chairman, and has been a candidate at previous borough council elections.

Emma also intends to run as a candidate for the Cheshire West and Chester Council elections scheduled for May this year.