LABOUR MP Brian Iddon last night made his final appearance as a Bolton councillor.

He has still been a council member even though he was elected MP for Bolton South-east in May.

With a huge Labour majority on the council, council colleagues decided not to go through the expense of a by election to replace him. He has had to make two appearances at council meetings in 12 months, but he will not stand for re-election in May's local government ballot.

Last night he attended his last meeting after 21 years as a councillor. He said: "I do feel as though I am back among friends.

"I have enjoyed serving the citizens of this town as a councillor - particularly in the last 10 years as chairman of the housing committee." His Labour colleague Cllr Frank White wished him well as an MP saying: "I am sure his Ministerial talents will soon be recognised - provided he remembers to walk though the door to the right lobby."

This was a reference to Cllr Iddon voting against the Government on cuts in benefits for single mums.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.