Tories choose candidate for Lutterworth seat

London-based lawyer Alberto Costa (43) will replace current Lutterworth MP Andrew Robathan, following a vote by local party members in Lutterworth on Saturday.

Mr Costa has worked in Whitehall for Treasury solicitors representing the Home Secretary and Ministry for Justice.

He said: “I’m delighted to have been selected, and am now in the process of moving to the constituency.

“If I’m elected, I very much want to be a locally-based constituency MP.”

Mr Costa is married to Maria, a medical scientist, and the couple have two young children.

He said his priorities included health, especially dementia; apprenticeships for young people; working with councillors to ensure appropriate housing and business development; and supporting the teaching industry, especially the state sector.

At the 2010 general election, Mr Costa stood in Angus in Scotland, returning the highest vote for the Conservative Party in the constituency for 20 years.

“In many ways, South Leicestershire is similar to Angus – a semi-rural constituency, which borders and an urban area,” he explained.

Mr Costa was born in England but raised in Scotland, and has a Scottish accent.

He said: “I campaigned for the Better Together side – I’m a very strong patriot, and very fond of the UK.”

He added: “Andrew Robathan has been a fantastic MP, and my job over the next six months is to prove to the community that I am a worthy replacement.”