THE leader of Bolton Council Cllr Bob Howarth is facing a re-selection battle.

He could be challenged for the first time in more than 20 years as the candidate to fight the Central ward in May's local elections.

Former councillor Martin McLoughlin, who was himself de-selected in the ward last year, has applied to be on a panel of Labour Party candidates.

And if he is approved, he has confirmed that he will be trying for the Central ward nomination.

And the BEN understands there could be others who will throw their hats into the ring. Central is one of Bolton's safest Labour wards and anyone who is selected is virtually certain of a seat on the council.

Former MP Cllr Howarth, aged 72, has been leader of Bolton Council since 1980.

He was first elected to Bolton Council in 1958. He was a Bolton MP between 1964 and 1970 and he returned to the council in 1972.

He said today: "Any person who is on the panel is entitled to stand against a sitting member and it would be surprising if someone didn't have a go.

"It is not something that I am going to lose any sleep over. It is in the hands of others."

But he added: "I am optimistic that if there is a challenge, my record in serving Central ward will win the day."

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