THE country may be gripped with General Election fever but for 79 local people, May 6 could kick-start, prolong or end their political careers.

As well as voting for the next leader of the country, Boltonians will go to the polls to select one third of Bolton Council, potentially handing control of the town to someone new for the next 12 months at least.

As well as the three main parties — Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats— the Green Party is fielding 12 candidates across the borough, while the far-right British National Party has put forward candidates in Smithills, Horwich North East, Tonge with The Haulgh and Westhoughton South.

Three independent candidates, including former Labour councillors Sean Hornby and Laurie Williamson, will also stand, as will sitting Cllr Richard Silvester, who has nominated himself as a Labour Co-operative candidate.

The town’s political leaders have issued a rallying call to voters ahead of polling day.

Cllr Cliff Morris, the Labour council leader, said: “Over the last three years we have worked hard to put the interests of local people first. Even when we have had to take tough or unpopular decisions, we have striven to be fair and even-handed.

“We all know that the next couple of years are going to be difficult as the economy continues its growth and I believe only a Labour council is able to achieve the savings required while protecting front-line services and safeguarding progress that has been made.”

Cllr John Walsh, leader of the town’s Conservative group, said: “This gives people the real chance to change Bolton for the first time in 30 years.

“We have a good chance of forming the next administration and we have a team working very hard to achieve that.”

Cllr Roger Hayes, leader of the Lib Dem group, said: “I think people should vote Lib Dem for common sense. We have used our power in the chamber over the last few years for common sense and have tried to reduce the impact of the cuts.”

Overall, Labour holds 28 of Bolton Council’s 60 seats. The Conservatives have 23 and the Lib Dems have nine.

To gain an overall majority a party needs 31 seats, but traditionally the largest group has taken control of the council and forms the decision- making executive.

Bolton residents who have not yet registered to vote have until 5pm tomorrow to do so.

Applications must be with the Elections Office, Room 223, Town Hall, Bolton, or in the “Applications Box”, One Stop Shop Reception, Town Hall, Bolton, by this date.

Postal votes are available to anyone and the closing date for registering is also tomorrow evening.

For more information log on to bolton.gov.uk