A FORMER Blackburn with Darwen councillor has been re-elected to the Labour Party's governing body in the North West.

Simon Danczuk, of Percival Street, Darwen, was returned to the position on the Labour Party's North West Regional Board at their conference in Southport last weekend. He has been a member of the body for seven years.

Also elected were Lancashire County Councillor Jean Yates and Burnley resident Maureen Martin.

Simon, who is chairman of social research company Vision 21, was delighted to have been chosen to represent Labour members in Lancashire and is looking forward to getting involved.

He said: "My main priority this year will be to focus on the forthcoming local elections and preparations for an elected North West Regional Assembly.

"I'll be doing all I can to make sure regional government becomes a reality for the North West."

Simon also sees a need for political change in Lancashire.

"I stood on a platform of moving from a district and county structure in Lancashire to a unitary authority structure," he said.

"Party members clearly support these moves."

Simon received the strongest support of any candidate, he was nominated for the position by eight of the 15 Lancashire Labour parties.