A FORMER Tory councillor who lost his seat to UKIP in May could be set for a prompt return to the political arena next year.

Cllr Andy Morgan was the Conservative group’s deputy leader until he lost his seat to UKIP’s Diane Parkinson six months ago.

He is now hoping to return to the council and represent his local Heaton and Lostock ward, potentially replacing the long-serving Alan Rushton, who has announced he will step down next May.

Mr Morgan said: “I am seeking re-election to a seat in May and will be applying for the Heaton and Lostock seat which is where I live.

“I have been busy since coming off the council but now I am keen to get back involved again.

“I of course have to go through all the processes which means first being selected by the party and then if so, hopefully retaining the seat at the election.

He said following in Cllr Rushton’s footsteps would be a big challenge, adding: “I was lucky to serve as a councillor when Alan was the party leader, he is a great bloke and the town owes him a big debt for all the work he has done.”

Cllr Rushton was first elected as a councillor back in 1973 and after briefly losing his seat he has represented the Heaton and Lostock area since 1988.

A former Mayor of Bolton and Conservative party leader, Cllr Rushton, who has just turned 80, said the time is right to bring his glittering political career to a close.

He said: “I don’t know how I have lasted this long — there has been a lot of pleasure in the job along the way.

“I have enjoyed serving the party and the people of this ward, I have found the job can be made a lot easier if you are pleasant with people and I have made a lot of friends on the doorstep over the years.”

He said one of his favourite memories was heading to Wembley in 1995 as the Mayor to watch Wanderers beat Reading in the play-off final.

Speaking about the potential return of Mr Morgan, the 80-year-old said: “It would be nice to see Andy as a councillor again, he is someone who people listen to when he speaks.”