A CAMPAIGNER who launched a petition against a UKIP party conference being held in Bolton has rejected an offer to attend the event and meet the party’s new leader.

Heaton resident Ryan Quick launched the petition after he heard that UKIP’s national spring party conference will be held at Wanderers’ Macron Stadium on February 17 and 18.

After starting the petition, which has amassed 731 signatures, Bolton’s UKIP leader Cllr Sean Hornby invited him, to attend the event next month and meet with new leader, North West Euro MP Paul Nuttall.

Mr Quick, aged 26, who is the chairman of young Labour said he would not be taking up the invite.

He said: “No I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to turn up at the very conference that I am petitioning against.

“Also I haven’t heard anything directly from Cllr Hornby so I’m not sure he really wants me to attend.”

The story of Mr Quick’s petition has made news across the country and the Sainsbury’s staff member said he has been surprised by the reaction — both good and bad.

He said: “I never thought it would get to this level.

“I have had a lot of people have supported me and I have had a lot of people giving me stick as well.”