A FORMER Pendle Council leader is hoping his experiences can shape Government policy following his election to a national political group.

Azhar Ali was elected to the Labour Party's National Policy Forum at its conference in Bournemouth last week.

He has served on the body, which will form policies for the next general election manifesto, for the last four years.

Azhar said: "It is a privilege to be able to serve the Labour Party nationally and take forward ideas from local folk to the heart of Government.

"The North West had good representation and I will continue to work with ministers to develop new policies as well as relaying people's concerns."