A man who thinks Bolton is the “best town in the country” has put his hat into the ring of one of the town’s constituencies for the General Election.

John Partington, who has a background working with children with special needs, will run as an independent candidate.

He will contest the constituency of Bolton North East, which the Conservatives won narrowly in the 2019 General Election and Labour are hopeful of gaining.

But Mr Partington will be hoping to cause a surprise.

The 51-year-old, who lives in Doffcocker and works in Trafford, previously ran as an independent candidate for Bolton Council.

He said: “One of my main issues is the town centre.

“I do not feel it should be that way.

“Other market towns like Bury do not have one like this.

“I see the town centre as more than a place to shop, it is a community hub and a chance for people to meet others.

“Young people spend too long on their mobile phones or on social media, this creates feelings of isolation.

“I want to bring life back into it.

“I do not have all the answers now, maybe it’s something like reducing business rates for local shops.”

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Speaking about his background, he added: “I was born in Farnworth and raised on the Johnson Fold estate.

“There were eight brothers and sisters in a three-bedroom council house.

“I have worked at the Bolton Lads and Girls Cub.

“I started as a volunteer for about a year as I was finishing my qualification as a personal trainer so I got into working with young people by accident.

“I lived in Halliwell until around seven years ago and now I am in Doffcocker.

“I believe Bolton is the best town in the country, whenever I got away I am always happy to come back and see the sign that says Bolton."

Other candidates contesting the seat are Adele Warren for the Conservatives, Kirith Entwistle for Labour, Rebecca Forrest for the Liberal Democrats, Trevor Jones for Reform UK and Hanif Alli for the Greens.