LEADING Tories are hoping to pull off an upset at next month's by-election -- knowing victory for the Conservatives would destroy Labour's control of the council.

Yakub Jiva has been put forward as the Conservative candidate for Daubhill ward following the death of Labour councillor Dennis Barlow.

The 53-year-old Asian man will be up against Paul Fitzpatrick, who is standing for Labour, and Lib Dem candidate Linden Greensitt.

Labour currently has a majority of two seats, allowing the party to hold power, but if the Tories win the by-election on November 21, Labour will lose the upper hand.

However, Paul Fitzpatrick, a former Bradshaw councillor until 1999, will fight a strong campaign.

The 55-year-old businessman has lived in Daubhill for 40 years and, as the proprietor of Eye to Eye Video on St Helens Road, he is well known in the area.

The former soldier is married to Lynne and has three children, Ryan, aged 25, 22-year-old Kerry, and Liam, aged 14. He has been an active member of Daubhill Labour Party for 15 years.

Bolton's Labour chairman, John Hartshorne, said: "Many Daubhill residents will know Paul through his business, sporting and social connections and will know that as a businessman, centre-forward or friend he never gives less than 100 per cent."

Mr Jiva is 53, owns Swan Lane Mill and runs a carton-making business called Drapemaker on Bolton's KGN industrial estate.

He is married to Farida, aged 50, and has three sons, Latif, aged 29, Mohmedpaiyeb, aged 28, and Zulfikarlai, aged 23. He has lived in Daubhill and Deane all his life.

Mr Jiva said: "For years I have seen councillors elected into Daubhill ward and not doing much to help the community. I want to dig deep and make a difference to people's lives."

Mr Greensitt, aged 33 amd single, works for an accountant on Chorley New Road, Bolton, and also lives in Daubhill. He has stood as councillor for the Liberal Democrats on previous occasions.

The late Dennis Barlow won the seat for Labour in 1997 with 1,402 votes. The Conservatives polled, 332; the Liberal Democrats 182 and the Socialist Labour Party 120 votes.