One of the candidates who will run in Jeremy Corbyn’s seat at the next general election has been selected.

Former diplomat Vikas Aggarwal has been chosen to represent the Liberal Democrats in Islington North.

Aggarwal said that it was a “huge honour" to be selected and vowed to stand up for local people amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The Liberal Democrat candidate grew up in Medway, Kent, before moving to London after graduating from university in mechanical engineering and international business.

Aggarwal, the child of Indian migrant parents, has worked across four government departments over the course of his career.

Since leaving his last government post as a diplomat, he has continued to work in government affairs and international development.

Aggarwal also serves as a magistrate in south London and volunteers at a youth centre.

Following the selection, Liberal Democrat local party chair Dominic Martin claimed that Aggarwal is a “passionate campaigner who will stand up” for local people.

Islington North could be hotly-contested at the next general election, expected to take place in 2024, after Jeremy Corbyn was banned from running for the Labour party.

The incumbent MP would have to run as an Independent if he were to stand again, raising the prospect of an election battle with the party he used to lead.