A WEEK is a long time in politics, but the last month has been hectic for Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle.

First he was elected to Parliament in Labour's landslide May 1 victory.

Then he became Mayor of Chorley, taking over the chains from Mel Coombes.

And this Tuesday he celebrated a personal milestone - his 40th birthday.

Lindsay was born and bred in Chorley, the son of Doug, now Lord Hoyle of Warrington, and Pauline, a former councillor.

Lindsay's wife Cath, speaking from their Anderton home, sent special congratulations: "I'm travelling down to London to join him and I want to wish a great husband happy birthday."

Council leader Jack Wilson gave his best wishes from a conference in Harrogate: "Happy birthday to a good colleague and a great friend who has been a joy to work with."

And research assistant Chris Mattheson, speaking from Westminster, added: "Lindsay is his own man and always speaks his mind. He's great fun to work with and has already become popular in Parliament. Happy birthday, boss!"

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