OUSTED council leader Bob Howarth is considering a shock political comeback - at the age of 77.

The former Labour boss, who was leader of the council for 24 years, said he has not ruled out a bid to return to power at the next council election in 2006.

Mr Howarth, who lost his seat in June's election, said: "I am not ruling anything in or out.

"It is something I will have to talk about with my wife and Labour colleagues and I will have a long think about whether or not I want to be at the sharp end of things again."

If he does re-launch his political career, Mr Howarth could have his old deputy Guy Harkin as a running mate.

Mr Harkin, deputy leader of the council from 1980 until June this year, claims he will attempt to win back a place on the council at the first opportunity.

He is also still hopeful of becoming Bolton's first representative on an elected North West Assembly despite the Government postponing a referendum on a regional parliament .

Mr Harkin said: "I intend to stand for election in the future as I feel I still have a lot to offer Bolton."

His comments came as both men said they were unlikely to accept an offer from the council to become honorary aldermen. The title is offered to all former councillors who have served for more than 20 years - if they agree not to stand for office again.

Honorary aldermen are invited to all major civic events, including mayor making, and the title is bestowed at a special town hall ceremony. The last former councillors to be made aldermen were Jack Foster, Gerald Riley and John Monaghan in 2002.

The title is to be offered to another three councillors who also left the council after this year's election - Tom Anderton, Donald Eastwood and John Hanscomb.

Mr Hanscomb introduced the honorary alderman scheme when he was leader of the council following the local government reorganisation in 1973. Until then aldermen were long serving councillors nominated by their party to become permanent members of the council who did not have to seek re-election.