The Labour Party's search for a candidate to challenge for Bolton West is at an end after the selection of Phil Brickell.

Cllr Brickell, 'a Bolton lad born and bred' who represents Baguley Ward on Manchester Council, was selected from a shortlist of three councillors when members of the local party met over the weekend.

This shortlist of three councillors, which also included Croydon's Dr Manju Shahul-Hameed and Lancashire's Sobia Malik, caused controversy when one applicant who missed out on it, Ryan Quick, suggested it was manipulated by Labour HQ to promote those favoured by the central party rather than by the local party. 

Cllr Brickell is set to take on Chris Green and his majority of 8,855 at the next election which must be no later than January 2025.

READ MORE: Bolton: Constituencies to see changes after end of review.

He said: "It is an honour to have been selected as the candidate for Bolton West. I am extremely proud to have been backed by so many councillors, members and trade unionists in the constituency. It shows we have the movement to win here in Bolton West.

"Bolton West deserves better than this government. The Tories have broken Britain and they are too distracted by the chaos of their own making to fix it. We are five Tory Prime Ministers on and what has our country got to show for it – food costs, energy costs and mortgages spiralling out of control, NHS waiting lists and crime through the roof?

"Labour will restore Britain’s hope and optimism and deliver on the change our country has demanded after years of Tory failure.

"Labour has a plan to help people through the cost of living crisis, tackle NHS waiting lists and ensure people feel safe on our streets."

READ MORE: Bolton: Tributes to former councillor Jim Sherrington.

Previously a Labour Party spokesperson said the shortlist was administered "in accordance with procedures set by the National Executive Committee".

They said Cllr Brickell was 'an outstanding choice'.

They said: "Phil Brickell is an outstanding choice for Bolton West. He knows the issues local residents face. 

"Phil is best placed to make the case for the investment Bolton West needs in vital public services – like transport, the NHS and education – after years of Tory mismanagement."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.