Liberal Democrats announce Leigh candidate

Bill Winlow, aged 69, will stand against Andy Burnham MP and Ukip candidate Les Leggett , along with candidates from the Conservatives and Greens who are yet to be confirmed.

Mr Winlow, who lives in Kirkham, Lancashire, has been a member of the Liberal Democrats since 1974 and was a local councillor in Leeds, where he was opposition leader, and Lancashire, where he is the Liberal Democrat leader.

He highlights a number of issues which he would like to see addressed including transport links, mental health services and housing.

He said: "There are all sorts of issues affecting Leigh and the North West , in particular transport links to Manchester and Lancashire are very poor.

"There has been a lot of disruption surrounding the guided busway. I was involved in a similar project in Leeds and that was very good once it got going.

"I do think the work could have been carried out better but I do support the scheme because I think it will get people moving once it is up and running."

Mr Winlow, who is a retired professor of neuroscience, has stood for Parliament three times, once in Leeds and twice in Lancashire.

He added: "I would like to see an increase in affordable housing and by that I mean really affordable housing in Leigh and see older houses upgraded to a modern standard. Another problem for the North West is new jobs and apprenticeships while one thing we would like to get rid of is the bedroom tax.

"It was a Labour party idea and it seems to me if someone is living in an area and there are no smaller properties available they shouldn't be taxed more. Policing is also an issue, we need to make sure there are enough on the streets and I have also found the more PCSOs there are the better."

The issue of mental health issues not being properly addressed within the health service was a concern.

"I think the last thing the NHS needs is another wholesale reorganisation which is what Andy Burnham seems to be suggesting," he said.