LABOUR'S Nick Bent has announced his intention to stand in the Appleton ward at May's all-out council election.

The Warrington South Labour spokesman has also reaffirmed his plan to stand again in Warrington South at the 2020 General Election having narrowly lost to Conservative David Mowat in 2010 and earlier this year.

Mr Bent hopes to get the backing of Labour members to ensure he can set out on his bid to win the Appleton seat.

"It's up to Labour Party members in Appleton to choose who they want as their candidate for May," said the 44-year-old.

"The same goes for the next General Election - I intend to stand again and I hope to take the seat off the Tories in 2020 but the choice of Labour candidate is up to the 600 local members.

"Appleton is the area where the Tories had the biggest majority at the General Election and I feel it is really important for Labour to take our message to voters.

"If Labour is serious about the 2020 General Election we need to win seats like Warrington South from the Conservatives."

The party failed to put up a candidate in Appleton at this year's council election in May after failing to submit nomination papers in time.

Mr Bent, who is co-founder and director of charity The Tutor Trust, has been met with support from many since suffering the General Election loss in May.

He has also criticised Mr Mowat for continuing to vote with the Government as the 'Tory whips tell him to' and called for him to be 'independent minded'.

"A lot of members and residents have been coming up to me and want me to stand again," he said.

"They are unhappy with what the Government is doing.

"I knew they would make some damaging decisions but I did not expect them to break their explicit promises like they have done."

Mr Bent is continuing to work closely with Labour members at the Town Hall and highlighted the importance of the party staying united.

"I think the Labour council is doing a great job under the circumstances – I think it has softened the impact of the horrific cuts," he added.

"The council has found ways to protect the most vulnerable.

"It is important to work together and for us to have an active plan in place for the local economy, public services and environment."