LABOUR’S candidate for Bury North who narrowly lost in the 2015 general election has announced he wants to stand again in this year's election on June 8.

James Frith, who turned 40 last week, received 18,592 votes in the last election two years ago, finishing second to Conservative David Nuttall who received 18,970.

Mr Frith said he feels he has “unfinished business” after the result was decided on such fine margins in the swing seat, and is using the hashtag “#378” in his social media campaign this year – a reference to the amount of votes he lost by.

Mr Frith has made clear he does not want to make any assumptions about being selected as candidate, and as of yet has only registered his application with the Labour Party to ask to re-stand.

Earlier this week, reality TV celebrity Karen Danczuk also announced she has applied to the party to stand as Labour candidate for Bury North.

Labour will announce their candidate for Bury North on Tuesday.

Mr Frith said: “I’ve celebrated a big birthday this last week which coincided with news of the snap general election.

“I‘m still so proud of the campaign we ran in Bury in 2015 and the amazing support I received.

“We bucked the national trend and lost by just 378 votes – less than 1 per cent.

“I still feel we’ve huge unfinished business from that election, and I know many all over our town who feel the same.

“Bury, Tottington and Ramsbottom deserved better then and still do.

“I am therefore delighted to confirm that, after consulting with my family, friends and local Labour party, I have applied for re-selection in Bury North and will, if confirmed as candidate on May 2, be asking for your support against the odds again, to win and become the brilliant local MP that our town deserves.

“I will be asking; if you voted for me last time, do so again and find a friend to do the same.”