THE Conservatives are in an “excellent position” to take the Labour-held Bolton West seat at the general election, according to a top Tory minister.

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said he believed the party’s candidate for the seat, Chris Green, has the ability to unseat Julie Hilling next May, despite recent polls suggesting Labour will hold the crucial swing seat.

Mr Javid, who was appointed to his role in April, was visiting Bolton West to view the sporting facilities available at Bolton Arena.

He is one of several high-ranking Tory ministers to visit the Bolton West constituency recently with Chancellor George Osborne, Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith and Justice Secretary Chris Grayling all travelling to the area.

Speaking at Bolton Arena, former banker Mr Javid said: “We think every seat is important around the country and that includes the Bolton West seat.

“I think that Chris Green is a fantastic local candidate and he has already started doing work for the community here in Bolton West — I have seen that today.

“I think Chris is in an excellent position to make the case for the Conservative Party and take this seat at the next election.”

There were just 92 votes between Labour and the Tories in 2010 — with both parties practically tied on 38 per cent. But recent polls, which saw 1,000 people interviewed, show Ms Hilling taking 40 per cent of the vote with Mr Green on 30 per cent.

Mr Green said he was pleased to receive the backing of another prominent Conservative figure.

He added: “It is always nice to have the support of the party and it was great to invite the culture secretary to Bolton West to see the fantastic facilities we have on offer.

“I think the interest the party is showing in Bolton West is proving that we are not just a southern party but have strong campaigns in the North.

“I have spent a lot of time understanding the issues in this constituency and I think we have a good chance.”

Speaking about next year’s vote, Ms Hilling said: “I would ask voters in Bolton to look at what I’m delivering as their MP on a daily basis in parliament and in the constituency, and to recognise that I am an MP very much on their side and keen to make sure that we make life better for people living in this community.”