EASTLEIGH MP Paul Holmes has been selected to stand in the new constituency of Hamble Valley in the next general election. 

The Conservative MP - who was first elected in 2019 - was selected as the Tory candidate for the new constituency on Thursday night.

It comes as proposed changes by the Boundary Commission would see Eastleigh split up, with Bishopstoke, Fair Oak, West End, Hiltingbury, Chandler's Ford and the town of Eastleigh making up the Eastleigh constituency at the next election. 

Mr Holmes will stand for election in the new ward of Hamble Valley, consisting of Hamble, Botley, Bursledon, Hedge End, Sarisbury, Warsash, Park Gate, Whiteley and Titchfield. 

READ MORE: MP Paul Holmes backs Eastleigh College over ‘incorrect’ Ofsted report

Speaking after his selection, Mr Holmes said: "This has not been an easy decision for me, I love my current Eastleigh constituency and have felt honoured to represent it in Parliament since December 2019.

"The community groups, businesses, and people who live here have made me feel enormously welcome and I care deeply for their good health and happiness.

"Since 2019, we have assisted over 18,000 people with casework and their issues and have made good progress on issues like the M27 resurfacing, the extension of Southampton Airport, and the new Freeport being announced which will bring thousands of new jobs to the area.

"I will, of course, continue to work tirelessly for the people of the current Eastleigh seat until the next election where I hope that they will elect a new Conservative MP."

The new Hamble Valley seat makes up 48 per cent of the current Eastleigh constituency. 

But some members have since raised concerns about the way the selection process was carried out. 

READ MORE: Eastleigh: MP calls for new police station to open for the public

The Fareham Conservative Association said it has "deep concern" about "several irregularities and a lack of transparency" during the selection.

Tom Davies, chairman of the association said: "Executive Council Members of the Fareham Conservative Association were unexpectedly turned away, depriving them of the opportunity to participate and represent the interests of our members. 

"Additionally, individuals without the entitlement to vote were allowed to cast their ballots, undermining the legitimacy of the selection.

"Paul Holmes is an excellent MP and would have been an excellent MP for Hamble Valley.  The deficiencies in this process in no way reflect on him."

The Echo understands that the process for selection was organised last summer and run by the Conservative Party centrally. 

The party has been approached for comment.