A YOUNG academic from Halliwell is hoping to cause a major upset in the General Election — by toppling 'big beast' Andy Burnham from his safe Labour seat in neighbouring Leigh.

Louisa Townson has put hot topics rail services and parking charges at the top of her agenda.

The 25-year-old, who is currently studying for her PHD in Neuropharmacology at University College London, said: "I like to think I am making sure that Andy Burnham's seat is not safe and it's my job to come in and worry him and keep him on his toes.

"No matter how safe a seat is perceived it's always good for someone to come in and give people a choice and a voice."

The former St Thomas CE School pupil also applied to be candidate for Bolton South East, just missing out to Bradshaw councillor Mudasir Dean.

Miss Townson, who joined the Conservative Party in 2011, said: "It would have been an honour to represent Bolton, however I hadn't even passed through the Conservative Party's approval process before two of the seats were selected.

"Mudasir is already a Bolton councillor and a strong voice for Bolton South East so he has my full support."

Speaking about her policy aims she says the UK's relationship in the EU is "unhealthy".

She said: "In regards to the EU, I think there is a lot that we can do before that referendum to make the relationship better-like claiming benefits.

"If you are an EU immigrant you shouldn’t be able to come over here unemployed and then claim benefits while looking for work.

"Come here support yourself while you look and then once you have worked here we will support you like we would any other British citizen.

"Immigration should be a positive system of integrating and contributing.

"If there was a vote today I would leave the EU but give me two years to build up a relationship and I might stay but at the moment it is unhealthy."

Miss Townson also hopes Leigh will follow Bolton's example and introduce free parking trials.

She added: "Why are we charging premium rates for parking in Leigh centre?

"I want to trial free days to see what effect that would have on footfall and would want to have a local consultation about what we can do in the town based on traders, shop owners and the consumers and ask them what they want in their town centre."

Miss Townson is up against UKIP candidate Les Legget, Liberal Democrat Bill Winlow and Left Unity candidate Stephen Hall.