COUNCILLOR Joanne Platt has been selected as the Labour candidate for Leigh at the forthcoming general election as she bids to become the town's first female MP.

The mum-of-two from Tyldesley was interviewed for the role by the National Executive Committee (NEC) today.

The committee has subsequently chosen her to succeed Andy Burnham, who is stepping down after representing Leigh in Parliament for 16 years to concentrate on his bid to become Greater Manchester's first elected mayor.

Cllr Platt tweeted: "Absolutely thrilled to represent Labour in Leigh in the general election.

"The fight back starts now."

Announcing her interest in the role last week, the portfolio holder for children and young people services at the council who represents Astley and Mosley Common said: "I am passionate about Leigh and I want to carry that on in Parliament and have a strong voice in Westminster."

The NEC, the body which governs administrative matters for the Labour Party, is believed to have interviewed other candidates for the role today.

Cllr Platt has served as a councillor since 2012.

The general election will take place on June 8.