LEIGH parks and hospital champion Rick Whalley has emerged as a possible new Parliamentary candidate.

He would stand as an Independent at the next General Election.

"I think Leigh should be represented in the House of Commons by somebody who is a local with the town at heart," revealed the market trader in an exclusive interview with The Journal.

"I have looked at the list of potential Labour candidates being considered as a replacement for current MP Lawrence Cunliffe.

"A number of locals have asked where are the people who really know and understand Leigh? They suggested I put my name in to the hat as someone who has lived in the area all my life and has community interests at heart."

Mr Whalley, of Beech Grove, Pennington, led campaigns to save Leigh Infirmary and Lilford Park and says he is concerned Leigh is losing its identity.

"My main priority is accountability," he added. At the moment the tail seems to be wagging the dog. I am not interested in national politics - just ensuring this area gets a fair deal."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.