A HIGH-PROFILE Bolton councillor is hoping to become an MP for Leigh and take his seat in parliament for the second time in his political career.

Cllr Frank White has admitted that he has "expressed an interest" in the prominent Labour seat up for grabs after long-standing MP Lawrence Cunliffe announced he would retire at the next election due to ill-health.

And now, Labour Party officials are poised to announce their candidate for the seat in the next eight weeks -- in the light of speculation that the General Election may be held as soon as May. The 61-year-old, from Tonge in Bolton, MP for Bury and Radcliffe from 1974 to 1983, said that he was "very pleased" to have been asked to put his name forward as one of the nominees. He will be up against a dozen key figures from Leigh politics. Cllr White, first elected on Bolton Council in 1963 and who still serves as a leading cabinet member, said: "Due to the political uncertainty and certain past activities within the party, it was mentioned to me that there was an opportunity for someone of my background who could smooth the water and obviously be available for one or two terms. Usually, a Leigh MP stands for at least 20 to 30 years. But I am seen as being able to offer a steady hand with some experience who can attempt to heal the divisions in the local party and only serve for a short time.

"It is all speculation at the moment about the next general election. But a decision will have to be made by the end of March."

And the politician, who has lived in Bolton for all of his life, remains flattered at being asked to stand for such a prominent seat. He said: "It is nice to think that at a mature age, people still remember some of the achievements you have done in the past." Cllr White, also a member of the Greater Manchester Police Authority, added: "It is very early days yet. I have yet to be formally nominated and I have not gone done that path yet."

He is one of at least 50 candidates who were also due to put their name forward.

Leigh is considered a "safe" Labour seat which Mr Cunliffe has held for 20 years -- the last time with a 24,492 majority. The Labour selection process began last Friday. Following nominations from local branches, affiliated trade unions and the Co-op Party, a shortlist of around six candidates will then be drawn up by the end of this month. The 350 eligible members of the Leigh CLP will then be invited to vote for the official Labour candidate at a meeting at Leigh Labour Club on February 27.