A FORMER UKIP General Election candidate is now standing for the Conservatives at the next local elections.

Martin Tighe, who fought for UKIP in Bolton West last year, has been announced as the Tories’ candidate for Westhoughton South in May.

He said: “Westhoughton is my home town and everyone who knows me will realise that I will be active, fighting for them in the community, all year round and not just at election times. Voters want someone who they know will reach out to them.”

The 37-year-old financial analyst has previously stood to be a councillor in Westhoughton South and also in the recent Daisy Hill by-election.

Toby Hewitt, Chairman of Bolton West Conservatives, said: “I campaigned with Martin for Brexit during the EU referendum and I know he’s a hard working local lad who wants to do his best for the area.

“I’m delighted that he has decided to join the Conservatives and that he was selected as our candidate in Westhoughton South – I have no doubt that he will be an excellent councillor if elected.”