A seven-times world karate champion has been selected to fight Stella Creasy MP next year as the Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Walthamstow.

The 1989 Sunday Times’ International Sports Woman of the Year, Molly Samuel-Leport, said she is honoured to have been selected by her party.

Ms Samuel-Leport, a mother-of-two, grew up in Newham.

As a young girl, she was challenged by her sister’s karate instructor to complete a six-week beginners course and went on to win seven world champion titles - the only British woman ever to have achieved this.

She said: “I am honoured to have been selected as the candidate for Walthamstow.

“For too long, Labour has taken Walthamstow for granted and banked on people’s vote and my focus is on speaking to residents and standing-up for their aspirations and concerns.

“I will work to champion the issues that matter to local people, including reducing crime, improving education, tackling unemployment, affordable housing and investment for recreational and leisure facilities.”

Ms Samuel-Leport left school at 14 with no qualifications, but sudied later in life for a BA Hons degree in Education and Training.

She works for homeless charity Crisis as a Skills Tutor and NVQ Assessor, helping homeless people acquire skills and qualifications.

Ms Samuel-Leport previously taught people with visual impairments, autism and Tourette’s syndrome.

Elliott Burton, chairman of Walthamstow Conservatives, said: “In an age of career politicians, Molly has the real world experience needed to stand-up for the people Walthamstow and I am delighted she has been selected as our candidate.

“As a working mother who has grown up and lived in East London her entire life, she understands the everyday concerns of people in Walthamstow and has a real passion for improving the lives of those around her. “

Molly Samuel-Leport outlined her priorities as:

• To continue working with the police to reduce crime and make the streets of Walthamstow safer for families

• Improving educational and vocational opportunities for our youngsters

• Promoting apprenticeships and work schemes that help get people off benefits and back into work • Building strong community relations and tackling radicalisation

• Securing investment for recreational and leisure facilities to return to Walthamstow

• Working with the Mayor to secure more affordable homes

• Holding the Labour run Council to account to the people of Walthamstow for their poor record on housing, education, regeneration and support for business and community ventures