STOCKTON Heath parish councillor Nick Bent, who has lost out in two Warrington South general election battles, has ruled out standing in June.

He said: “It was a great honour to be Labour’s parliamentary candidate here in 2010 and 2015, and on both occasions party members selected me by an overwhelming majority.

“Campaigning for a Labour Government with a superb team of volunteers was hard work but huge fun and I would like to thank again all those who supported me and voted for me.

“This year, I have become the full-time CEO of the education charity I co-founded in Manchester, Tutor Trust.

“I promised my team and my trustees that I would not stand for Parliament during 2017.

“I am keeping that promise and I will support whoever wins the candidate selection in Warrington South.

“Our town needs and deserves two first rate Labour MPs who can work together with our Labour Council to secure a prosperous, thriving future for everybody in Warrington.

“I hope to stand for Parliament again in the future but in 2017 my professional commitments must take priority.”

Uncertainty surrounds who will now stand for Labour in the Warrington South seat but the party will not be short of candidates. 

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