ABI Kay has been selected as the Conservative candidate for Bolton North East in the upcoming General Election, it has been announced.

Currently living in Bradshaw, the candidate was born and bred in Bolton and will be hoping to take the seat which has been held by Sir David Crausby for 20 years.

The newly-knighted Labour MP has held the constituency since 1997, having also come close to snatching it from the Tories in 1992, but has seen his majority reduce from more than 12,000 to 4,377.

Cllr Andy Morgan, who is on the Conservatives’ list of approved parliamentary candidates, says he believes the Bolton North East seat is there for the taking.

Cllr Morgan, said: “I think the Conservatives could certainly have a good crack at Bolton North East. The feedback I have had over the past few years makes me think it is there for the taking.”