SHADOW health secretary Andy Burnham believes Nick Bent is the man for the job when voters head to the polls in May.

The Leigh MP attended a tea party launching the Warrington South Labour candidate's town centre campaign office on Sankey Street and said he believes the NHS will be a 'big issue' during this election after hitting the headlines several times.

He added: "I'm confident that Nick will be walking through the House of Commons with me in May to repeal the health and social care act and putting the NHS back on the right path.

"I know there's real pressure on the hospital here and the NHS is on the brink across the country operating to dangerous levels.

"An increasing financial crisis alongside the A&E crisis means they are struggling to make it work.

"My mum, dad and brother live over this side and I know how hard they find it to get a GP appointment.

"The NHS has gone right to the top of people's concerns and not a single person in Warrington gave this Prime Minister permission to put the NHS up for sale."

He blamed a reorganisation of services nationally and 'brutal cuts' to social care for elderly patients being 'stuck' in hospital.

But the MP batted away questions regarding who the biggest competition was for the Warrington South seat instead adding they knew what voters wanted 'rather than attacking others'.

Mr Burnham added: "An £8 an hour minimum wage and action on zero hours contracts will make a difference for people in Warrington and reducing tuition fees as £30,000 worth of debt is too much.

"On the day Mr Cameron is running away from a debate, Nick is opening his doors to the people of Warrington and we feel confident the election is definitely moving our way now."