THE Conservative group and UKIP have released the names of their candidates for the Wythenshawe and Sale East by-election.


The Labour group is due to release the name of its candidate tonight, January 24.
The Liberal Democrats are also yet to confirm the name of their candidate.


Reverend Daniel Critchlow, 26, is to stand for the Conservatives and John Bickley, 60, is standing for UKIP.


Mr Critchlow is a vicar at St Hilda's Church in Firswood and lives in Old Trafford with wife Christiane and two-month-old daughter Rebekah.


He said: “The hardworking people of Wythenshawe and Sale East deserve a local MP who understands their concerns and will stand up for them each and every day.


“I do want to pay tribute to Paul Goggins. He was a great local champion for Wythenshawe and Sale East and I hope to follow in his example.


“I want to be the people’s MP, working on everyday issues that affect our area like reducing crime, tackling litter on our streets and supporting local businesses so they create good jobs for our young people.”


Mr Bickley, who is married with two children, grew up in Wythensahwe and worked for EMI records in the 1980s, but now runs his own software company.


He said: "As I grew up in the area I can empathise with most of its constituents.
“Despite a challenging start in life and failing at school I know that you can still make it in life with hard work and determination.


“I have no doubt that UKIP is the party of common sense and is the only truly patriotic party that speaks to and for people from all walks of life.


“People are fed up with the old political parties who can no longer be trusted, with policies that are no longer credible. UKIP offers real change for the better.”