A PRESTON politician will not be standing in this year's local elections after three different ward parties refused to select him as their Labour representative.

Councillor Derek Barton, who has represented Central ward on and off since 1990, was deselected by his ward party members last year.

They have opted to stand another Labour activist - trade unionist Carl Crompton - in the ward for this year's local elections.

Coun Barton, who chairs Preston's transportation committee, also stood for selection in two other wards - but was defeated on both occasions by newcomers.

In Riversway, where one seat will be contested following the decision of current councillor Blodwen Ratcliffe to retire, Coun Barton was beaten by former Burnley councillor Marcus Johnson.

And the final available seat up for selection, the one Coun Graham Worrell is vacating, was handed to Glenys Di Coccio ahead of Coun Barton after a heated meeting.

Party secretary John Collins said: "We were surprised because we thought he stood a good chance."

Coun Barton said: "I will be making a full statement to the press next month regarding my plans for the future."

Labour Party and council leader Peter Rankin said: "Coun Barton is an extremely hard-working councillor who is very well thought of throughout the council. I fully expect to see Derek back in the council chamber next year." Coun Barton spends much of his time teaching youngsters to pass their cycling proficiency test.

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