FORMER Bolton North East hopeful James Daly has been selected to represent the Conservatives at the forthcoming Oldham West and Royton by-election.

Mr Daly, who is also a Bury councillor and deputy leader of the council's Conservative group, came second to Labour's David Crausby at the General Election.

The Oldham West and Royton by-election has been triggered by the death of former MP Michael Meacher, who had represented the area since 1970.

The election will take place on December 3, and Mr Daly, a criminal solicitor and school governor, will face opposition from Labour candidate Jim McMahon, currently the leader of Oldham Council.

Mr Daly said: “I feel incredibly lucky to have been selected this evening. I intend to stand up for the hardworking people of Oldham West and Royton on the issues that matter to them, and I know how to fight to get their voices heard. I will campaign tirelessly as the Conservative candidate here.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Michael Meacher, a dedicated parliamentarian who worked hard for many years for his constituents. I hope to follow in the example he set.”

Other candidates confirmed to run include John Bickley for UKIP and Jane Brophy for the Liberal Democrats.