VOTERS will have the chance to choose their local representative at Bury Council next week.

The Radcliffe West by-election, which was triggered when former council leader Rishi Shori stood down last month, will take place on Thursday, August 29.

Labour narrowly retained a seat in the ward back in May when 18-year-old Beth Mortenson won with a slim majority of 80.

Jamie Walker, who lost his seat in Radcliffe North on the night, has been selected as the Labour candidate for this by-election.

He will be hoping to retain the Radcliffe West seat for his party, taking the ruling group’s total back up to 28 seats.

He said: “I was born, raised, and have lived in Radcliffe west almost all of my life. This election is our opportunity to reinvigorate Radcliffe, by bringing our community together.

“My three priorities are: a new high school for Radcliffe, more powers for Radcliffe via a town council and regenerating Radcliffe.”

Newly formed independent party Radcliffe First came second in the contest back in May when Carol Birchmore received 806 votes.

This time, the party has chosen Radcliffe resident of 49 years, Mike Smith as their candidate.

He said: “I want to inject some local representation into the local politics. In recent times we’ve lost our schools, civic centre and public pool. The bulk of the new building is taking place in our area, without the infrastructure improvements to facilitate this. I want a local voice for local issues.”

The Conservatives have chosen former Holy Cross student Jordan Lewis from Whitefield as their candidate.

He stood for the Tories in Besses in May but was defeated by incumbent deputy leader Andrea Simpson.

He said: “I’ve lived in Bury all my life and I feel now is the right time for me to give back. I want to do something about the issues that matter to Radcliffe residents: Labour’s plan to destroy the green belt, the much-needed new high school, fly-tipping and town centre regeneration.”

The Liberal Democrats have selected Outwood resident Kingsley Jones as their candidate.

He said: “Like so many local residents, I am fed up of the way that our area is treated by Bury Council. We continue to have no high school anywhere in Radcliffe. This area needs a different voice at the town hall, one who will put Radcliffe first on every occasion.”

UKIP, which selected Anthony Clough as its candidate, has been contacted for comment.

The Green Party has not fielded a candidate.