THE former deputy leader of Bolton’s Conservative group has been selected to run for election in May— a year after losing his place on the council to UKIP.

Andy Morgan lost his Hulton seat to UKIP newcomer Diane Parkinson last May but has been chosen to fight for a place in the Heaton and Lostock ward following the retirement of long-serving councillor Alan Rushton, who will step down before the election.

After putting himself forward for selection, it was agreed by the membership and executive of the party that he is the man for the job.

Mr Morgan believes that his time out of the political arena will be beneficial if he makes it back onto the council in May.

He said: “I think it is a good thing to be out of it for a while. It gives you a different perspective on things, and I actually think it is something that all politicians should go through.

“You can get sucked into that political machine and, being on the outside looking in, means you see things quite differently and feel the same frustrations that members of the public do.”

Mr Morgan said the fact that he has lived in the Heaton and Lostock ward for 15 years and employs 40 local reisdents at his care home, The Bakewells, makes the seat the perfect fit.

He sid: “This is my home and I am passionate about the area and the people that live here. I would feel very privileged to represent the ward if I am elected and I will adopt a policy of residents first and politics second.”

He also paid tribute to Cllr Rushton, who was first elected onto the council in 1973 and, after briefly losing his seat, represented Heaton and Lostock since 1988.

Mr Morgan added: “Alan has given tremendous service to Bolton and has been both a Mayor of the town as well as a leader of the Conservatives.

“He acted as a mentor to me when I first came onto the council, and if I am elected and can do half of the job that he did, then I will have done very well.”