GREATER Manchester Conservatives have selected Michael Winstanley to be their candidate for the Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner.

Michael, who is currently employed as a senior data analyst at St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust, is an experienced campaigner for the Conservative Party, having contested the last four General Elections in the Makerfield, Bolton North East and Wigan Constituencies.

As well as serving as a councillor for 11 years, Michael also led the Conservative Group from 2000 until becoming Mayor of Wigan in 2010.

He has also served on a number of outside bodies to the Council including the Greater Manchester Fire Authority and Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority.

On his selection as candidate, Michael said: “The Government have selected an exciting opportunity to bring real democratic accountability to the area of Police and Crime. As someone who is born and bred in Greater Manchester I care passionately about the people and our community.

"Police and crime issues impact on everyone why the issue is so important. I want Greater Manchester to be a place that residents feel safe and criminals fear.

“I am delighted to have been selected by Greater Manchester Conservatives from a very strong and qualified field, to be their candidate in the November election for Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner.”

Conservative Party Chairman, Sayeeda Warsi, said: “Michael Winstanley is an excellent candidate for Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner, with a track record of public service. Michael’s top priority will be to cut crime and make Greater Manchester safer and over the next few months he will be out and about, listening to what local people have to say about crime and policing.”