COMPANY director Philip Allott has been selected to fight the Bolton West constituency for the Conservatives at the next election.

The former mayor of Knaresborough was selected to stand against Labour MP Ruth Kelly after two days of extensive interviewing by party officials.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted to have been selected and look forward to discussing Conservative policies with voters.

"This includes the appointment of many more officers for Greater Manchester Police as we are determined to make the streets of Bolton safer."

Mr Allott, a law graduate, is married to Sandra. They have two children, Matthew and Kirsty. He stood as the Tory candidate for Brent North at the 2001 general election.