FORMER Labour councillor Kevin Bennett, who resigned from the party last week, has confirmed he will stand in Warrington at the General Election in May.

The Fairfield and Howley member will stand in Warrington South though rather than Warrington North, where his ward lies.

It is a blow to Nick Bent, the Labour candidate for the seat, who is expected to be in a tight tussle with David Mowat for the Conservatives and Bob Barr for the Liberal Democrats.

He will stand for the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition.

Cllr Bennett said: "Following my resignation from the Labour Party, brought about by almost five years of bullying, intimidation and the two years suspension, also not being allowed to speak up for the people I represent by the Warrington Labour Group,

"I have decided to stand as a Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition (TUSC) Parliamentary Candidate for Warrington South.

"I want to give the people of Warrington South a real choice, because one thing is clear about the outcome of the 2015 General Election, whichever one of the ‘establishment’ parties, or even a coalition, they will continue with policies favouring the rich, and austerity for the rest of us.

"The people of Warrington South deserve the chance to vote against austerity.

"I will be the only candidate who, along with my wife and two children, was born and raised in Warrington, went to school and college in Warrington and I have worked in and around Warrington all my life.

"I will be a strong voice for the people of Warrington South because what affects them, affects me and my family, therefore they can be assured that I am not a ‘career politician’ and I would spend as much time in Warrington as possible, listening to and understanding what the problems are in Warrington South."

A public meeting will be held on February 18 at 7pm, anyone interested in attending should call 07789 617386 or kevinbennett396@btinternet.com.