The Basingstoke Labour Party has elected a new chair as the party looks to make gains in next year’s general election. 

Rosalind Bach, who was previously vice-chair, was selected at a meeting of the Basingstoke Labour Party on Wednesday, May 31.

This comes as the previous chair, Jacky Tustain, resigned to take on new duties as leader of the Labour group on the borough council. 

READ MORE: Labour candidate David Lawrence begins Basingstoke listening campaign

Rosalind Bach said: “I am honoured to take on the role of chair, especially at such an exciting time for our local Labour Party. The number one priority for the next year will be to mobilise an effective parliamentary campaign to get David Lawrence as our first Labour MP in Basingstoke. 

“I also look forward to working with the local Labour team to build an inclusive and energetic local party, with new talent running for council seats in next year’s council elections. Labour can offer a hopeful alternative to the political chaos of the last decade, bringing tangible change to Basingstoke, and I can’t wait to get started.”

David Lawrence, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Basingstoke, said: “Ros will be a fantastic chair and I look forward to working closely with her as we gear up for next year’s general election. She brings enthusiasm and energy to the task of being chair, which will be essential as we mobilise our members across Basingstoke to offer a tangible alternative to the Conservatives, who have taken our town for granted for far too long.”