A CHURCH of England minister has been announced as the Conservatives’ candidate for the Bury South seat at next year’s General Election.

Daniel Critchlow, aged 27, will fight for the seat which has been held by Labour’s Ivan Lewis since 1997.

Mr Critchlow grew up in Gardner Road, Prestwich, and attended Park View Primary School and Bury Church High School.

He is married to Christiane, and the couple have a daughter named Rebekah.

Mr Critchlow previously stood for the Conservatives in the Wythenshawe and Sale East by-election, and is a Church of England minister at St Hilda's Church in Old Trafford.

He said: “I am passionate about listening to, understanding and representing the needs of the people in Bury South.

“I am particularly concerned about the impact that the three weekly general bin collection will have on residents, especially on families.

“Further, I am keen that the benefits of an improving national economy are experienced by the residents of Bury South and that local businesses are given the support necessary to flourish here.”