Former Ernst & Young partner John Howell has been selected as the Tory candidate for the Henley by-election, prompted by the election of Boris Johnson as London Mayor.

Howell was chosen from a shortlist of three and is likely to become the Henley MP at the next by-election, scheduled to take place late this month or early July, the Guardian reported. Henley is a safe Conservative seat, with Johnson's majority in 2005 standing at 12,793.

A party spokesman said: 'A successful businessman, he is leading the way in ensuring the county council is run more efficiently and in opposing the bulldozing of the green belt.'

Johnson is stepping down as MP to concentrate on his role as Mayor of London.

Howell said: 'I plan to spend the next few weeks talking to as many local people as possible about the issues that affect us all in South Oxfordshire'.

A cabinet member on Oxfordshire County Council, Howell was awarded an OBE in 2000.

Further reading:

Read the Guardian story: Tories select local councillor to fight Boris Johnson's Henley seat

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