BATTLE lines have been drawn for the local elections.

While Wednesday’s announcement of can- didates was overshad- owed by an attempted election fraud against local Liberal Democrat leader Roger Hayes, yesterday saw the three main party lead- ers, along with The Green Party, set out their stalls for the fight on May 3..

Labour said they would campaign under a “fairness for all” banner, Lib Dems dis- tanced themselves of any talk of coalition, while the Conserva- tives said they were ready for a tough fight as they look to defend nine out of the 22 seats up for grabs. Labour leader Cllr Cliff Mor- ris, who is standing for re-election in Halli- well, said: “Times are tough and Labour will be fair. We will look at every part of the fami- ly.

“We have frozen school meal prices and we have taken the right decisions to pro- tect vulnerable chil- dren and adults.”

Cllr John Walsh, leader of Bolton Tories, who is not standing this time, added: “We have got a strong team and we have some important wards to defend and we will make sure those important wards are won.

“We are defending more ward seats than in other years, but we have a strong message and a strong campaign with strong candi- dates.”

Lib Dem leader Cllr Hayes said: “We are a prime example of a party which uses com- mon sense. We take each issue on its own merits. There is no coalition in Bolton.

“We have supported both other parties on separate issues. This is a local election based on who is best to repre- sent you on local issues.”

Green Party leader Alan Johnson said the party was anti-cuts and would also cam- paign for 20 miles per hour speed limits in built up areas.

He added: “Fair is worth fighting for, is our slogan.

“The last budget gave tax cuts to the rich while pensioners are suffering.”

There are 22 candi- dates for each of the three main parties, 11 Green Party candi- dates, two independent candidates, two from the English Democra- cy, and one BNP candi- date.

There is a so-called “triple header” in Bradshaw, after two Conservative council- lors stepped down last month, leaving the Tories defending three seats in one ward.

Police are still inves- tigating an election fraud, after a fictitious candidate was nomi- nated.

The nomination would have seen two different Roger Hayes on the ballot paper for Smithills — one stand- ing for the Liberal Democrats and one for the Liberal Party — leading to a split vote.