HYNDBURN MP Greg Pope has been selected by the Labour Party to fight for a hat-trick of wins in the seat at the next General Election.

Mr Pope was backed by every branch in the constituency - which takes in Haslingden as well as Hyndburn - that took part in the selection process and faced no competition.

He has represented the constituency since defeating former Conservative MP Ken Hargreaves in 1992 with a 1,960 majority.

During Labour's sweeping success in 1997, Mr Pope extended his slender majority to 11,448, beating current Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe into second place.

He has since served as a junior minister in the Government at the Whips' Office.

Mr Pope, who comes from Great Harwood, said: "I'm delighted and honoured to have been chosen by my party to stand for Parliament again.

"There is no greater privilege than to represent one's home town in the House of Commons and I've been very fortunate to have done so for almost eight years.

"I'm proud of my record and that of the Labour Government and I'm looking forward to fighting the next election."

Hyndburn's Labour Party secretary, the current mayor, Coun Bernard Dawson, added: "Greg has been an outstanding MP for everyone in Hyndburn whether or not they voted for him."

A spokesman for Hyndburn Conservatives said the party was yet to select a candidate for the election, which must take place by early May 2002.

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