Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Truro and Falmouth has this afternoon withdrawn from the General Election citing “personal reasons”.

Hanna Toms, who is already a Cornwall Councillor for Falmouth’s Penwerris ward, had been due to stand in the much-contested seat come May 7.

Just minutes ago, however, she released a statement saying: “It is with great regret that for personal reasons I have decided to withdraw as Labour's Parliamentary candidate in Truro and Falmouth with immediate effect.”

She added that she would also be stepping down as Leader of the Labour group on Cornwall Council, but would continue to represent the constituents of Falmouth Penwerris ward as their councillor.

No announcement has been made by the Labour group with regards to a replacement candidate.