Crewe and Nantwich - Labour call snap Parliamentary by-election for May 22nd

7.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 30th Apr 2008

Labour have today called the Crewe and Nantwich by-election for May 22nd, just three weeks time. Labour's chief whip, moved the writ in Parliament today. This is eight days ahead of the funeral of Gwyneth Dunwoody, the Labour MP whose death has prompted the by-election - a sign that Labour are desperate for a quick election to minimise the time opponents have to gain momentum in the seat.

Elizabeth Shenton will fight the by-election for the Liberal Democrats. Liberal Democrat Chief Executive Lord Chris Rennard said: "Elizabeth Shenton is a very strong candidate for us and we will fight this campaign very vigorously. We only have 3 weeks for this campaign - so help is needed now!"