LOCAL councillor Peter Britcliffe has issued a warning to Hyndburn MP Greg Pope: "You'll have to fight for your seat".

The borough's Tories have chosen the primary school teacher as their next prospective parliamentary candidate for one of the country's most marginal seats.

Former Tory MP Ken Hargreaves was ousted by Grep Pope in the 1992 election with a majority of just under 2,000.

Mr Britcliffe, who is Tory group leader on the council, takes over from the former PPC Hugh Neil who was forced to stand down after being declared a bankrupt.

The 46-year-old father of three who teaches at St Mary Magdalen's in Accrington, is confident that his new role signals a fresh start for the Tories.

He said: "I am delighted to have been chosen. The party here in Hyndburn has had difficulties but this is the first page of a new chapter in our story.

"It now begins with a party united, enthusiastic and ready to work. This will lead to success at the general election - which won't be long off."

He added: "I am looking forward to meeting as many people and organisations as possible during the coming months.

"I will be the listening candidate - and then put their views forward at Westminster."

But Mr Pope shrugged off Coun Britcliffe's comments. He said: "I have served on the council with Coun Britcliffe for years and I know it will be a good, clean fight. But I think people in the borough won't be able to forget that he was beaten to the position in the past by Hugh Neil."

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