UKIP have today revealed their parliamentary candidate for North West Hampshire in next year’s general election – and she will be a familiar face to people across the county.

Diane James, who came within just over 1,000 votes of beating Mike Thornton and stealing a Liberal Democrat stronghold seat at the Eastleigh by-election in 2013, has formally entered the race to succeed reigning MP Sir George Young.

Some 28,000 votes separated Conservative Sir George from his UKIP rival in May 2010, but speaking exclusively to the Andover Advertiser today, Mrs James is adamant that the constituency is a winnable one.

“I do like a challenge,” she said. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t like a challenge. But it is winnable and I believe that in my heart.

“This is a seat that the Conservatives have taken for granted and they were thinking they wouldn’t have to defend it.

“But we are going to put up a very, very good campaign with a great team.”

This morning’s announcement came after the Liberal Democrats revealed their candidate earlier this week.

Barrister turned politician Alex Payton has joined Mrs James and Tory candidate Kit Malthouse in throwing his name into the hat – the 40-year-old believes he can be the “fresh face” of Andover.

The Oxford University graduate, who is a councillor in Newbury, finished second to David Willetts in Havant during the 2010 elections and is now determined to go one better following his selection at a Lib Dem meeting in Andover Guildhall.

He said: “I think North West Hampshire needs a change, some new ideas and some fresh thinking. I think I’m the person to achieve that. With Sir George stepping down there is going to be a different MP, so we have an opportunity to have a fresh face here.

“I, together with a tremendous team, am proud to have the opportunity to make things much better for the residents of North West Hampshire.”

To read more of our exclusive interview with Diane James, pick up a copy of today’s Andover Advertiser.