LEIGH MP Lawrence Cunliffe has confirmed he is being treated for a lung illness.

But the Labour MP, who has been unwell for several months, says he hopes to be soon back at the House of Commons.

Mr Cunliffe, who has already announced his retirement at the next General Election, has been the town's MP for 21 years.

Confirming his illness at his Worsley home he said: "I have a lung problem and I am receiving treatment. I hope to be back at work soon." Meanwhile, Cllr Mark Hale, who wants to be Leigh Labour candidate at the General Election, is being urged by some local Labour Party activists to stand as an Independent.

The Hope Carr councillor, recently reinstated by the National Labour Party after a six-month suspension following a probe into the mis-use of a council-provided lap-top computer, refused to comment on what he described as "rumours".

Cllr Hale is to be re-interviewed by the Regional Party to check his continued suitability to be on the Parliamentary selection list.