Dave Rowntree, the drummer for the rock band Blur, has been selected as the Labour candidate for a Sussex constituency.

Mr Rowntree, best known for his hits with the Brit-award-winning band, will stand as Labour’s candidate in Mid Sussex at the next general election.

Forecasts for the seat, which includes Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill, predict a three-way race between the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

Current Conservative MP Mims Davies is running for re-election in the new constituency of East Grinstead and Uckfield following boundary changes.

Mr Rowntree has been a member of the Labour Party for many years, having previously served as a councillor in Norfolk.

This will be his second time standing as a Labour candidate at a general election, after running against then-Conservative MP Mark Field in the constituency of Cities of London and Westminster.

Mr Rowntree said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to become Labour's first Mid Sussex MP. 

“Residents have their best chance in a generation to make their vote count and return a Labour MP to Parliament. 

“The Tories has run out of ideas, and the Lib Dems have run out of steam. I’m running for Parliament to provide the energy and vision the area so desperately needs.”

Mr Rowntree will face Conservative candidate Kristy Adams and Liberal Democrat candidate Alison Bennett at the general election.