THE outgoing MP of Leigh has named his preferred person to succeed him.

Mayor of Greater Manchester candidate Andy Burnham has said Astley and Mosley Common councillor Joanne Platt would be the best contender to take his place once he steps down.

Children and young people's services portfolio holder at Wigan council, Joanne, announced her interest in the Leigh MP on social media on Friday.

Burnham, who is standing for the Greater Manchester mayoral election on May 4, said: "I am in no doubt that Leigh needs a Labour candidate with strong local credentials and that the best person to succeed me is Councillor Joanne Platt.

"Jo is well-known and well-liked across the Leigh area.

"She also has a track record of delivering improvements to services in our borough.

"If the Party opted for a candidate with no local ties this would not be supported by the vast majority of our members and would go down very badly with the Leigh public.

"She is an excellent campaigner and has been the driving force behind the reinvigoration of Leigh Labour Party in recent years."

The Leigh MP also mentioned Joanne played an important role as lead in the last General Election two years ago which resulted in an increase in the majority and share of the vote for Labour.

He also praised Joanne for her role in children's services which is one of only four councils in the North West to have received a rating of 'good' from Ofsted this year.

Burnham also added: "As we approach the milestone of 100 years of Labour in Leigh, it would be wonderful to see Leigh elect its first woman MP.

"As a local woman, Jo would be a great role model and inspiration to young women and girls in our area."

After confirming he would be stepping down after 16 years as MP for the town last week, Burnham believes he has left Leigh in a much stronger position than when he first joined.

In a letter posted on his Mayor campaign website, he said: "While I have not always got everything right, I can honestly say that I have given this job my all and done my best to put Leigh on the map.

"I hope you will allow me to take some quiet satisfaction from the fact that, while the Leigh I inherited was struggling in the Championship, the Leigh I leave is proudly Super League."

Leigh East councillor Keith Cunliffe, also a cabinet member of Wigan council with his role as portfolio holder for adult and social care, has also declared he would be applying for the Leigh MP after receiving the backing of residents and party members.

The National Executive Committee (NEC), the organisation which handles administrative matters for the Labour Party, is expected to make an announcement this week about naming their choice for the Leigh seat.