Being frank and go-getting won over the voters in a new Essex constituency.

That is the belief of Priti Patel, the newly-selected Conservative candidate for the Witham constituency, which includes Stanway, Copford, Marks Tey, Tollesbury and Kelvedon.

William Hague's former deputy press secretary said: "I think it was because I'm quite frank and I tell it how it is and I'm not afraid to speak my mind.

"I want to be a strong voice for Witham and get under the skin of the community."

Miss Patel said the social diversity of the Witham constituency was one of the things which appealed to her.

"We need more community-based services. A minor injuries clinic would be fantastic," she said.

Miss Patel, 34, will now combine fulfilling her political duties with continuing her job at multinational firm Diageo, where she works on public policy.