Norwich North MP Chloe Smith has been confirmed by Norwich Conservatives as their candidate for the 2015 general election.

The executive committee of Norwich Conservatives formally re-adopted her unanimously as the candidate for the next election at a meeting on Friday.

Miss Smith recently stood down from her ministerial role in Westminster, saying she wanted to spend even more time on her constituency work.

She has been the Conservative candidate in Norwich North since January 2008 and first became an MP in 2009, in a by-election triggered by the resignation of Labour's Ian Gibson.

She said: 'I am proud to be the Conservative Member of Parliament for Norwich North and will always work hard for my constituents – as I have done for years, and as I will do in the future if elected again.

I'm also proud to have the backing of a great team of Conservative councillors, campaigners and volunteers across Norwich and the Broadland. Together, we work hard for our community and we want Britain and Norwich to thrive.

'I gave up my ministerial role in London to spend even more time on the work I love for Norwich North. I stood down from that and will always stand up for Norwich.'

Other prospective parliamentary candidates for the seat who have been confirmed so far are Jessica Asato (Labour) and James Wright (Liberal Democrat).

UKIP will make their selection in mid-December and the Green party, who have indicated they will fight the seat, will choose in due course.