A SECOND cabinet member of Wigan council has put himself forward in the running to become an MP.

Cllr Keith Cunliffe, who represents Leigh East at the council, made an announcement on social media on Friday to say he will be challenging for the Leigh MP seat which is being vacated by Andy Burnham after his 16 years of service.

The Mayor for Greater Manchester candidate confirmed earlier this week he will be not be standing for the General Election which has been set for June 8 by prime minister Theresa May.

Cllr Cunliffe, who is the portfolio manager for adult social care and health at the council, made his interest clear on Twitter only hours after fellow cabinet member, Astley and Mosley Common councillor Joanne Platt, said she would be competing for the role.

He tweeted: "Having been approached by local people, and party members, I have decided to apply to be the Labour candidate for Leigh in the General Election in June."

Cllr Cunliffe has worked as a councillor for nine years.

The National Executive Committee (NEC), the body who governs administrative matters for the Labour Party, is expected to make a decision next week about their candidate for Leigh.