Ex-Big Brother star to stand for election in Wigan ward

Luke Marsden, who starred in reality TV show Big Brother in 2008, has been selected as the Conservative Party candidate for the Aspull, New Springs and Whelley Ward, ahead of the local elections on May 7.

He has also appeared on ITV programme Judge Rinder, met celebrities including David Gest, and has written a column for Wigan Today.

A prolific Twitter user, with more than 83,000 tweets and 55,000 followers, Mr Marsden, who lives in Whelley, will now enter a new world of politics.

Mr Marsden said he was a proud "Wiganer" who has lived in the town all his life, even hosting Christmas lights switch-on events and festivals and charity runs.

The 32-year-old said: "I've probably been interested in politics since I uttered my first words. I've lived in Wigan all my life and I've seen the landscape of the town change dramatically.

"I'm a proud Wiganer, I've had the pleasure of hosting the Christmas Lights Switch On in the past, hosted festivals and charity runs but I feel many have lost that sense of pride in the town and this has to change.

He added: "I am already out about taking to local residents about the changes they would like to see not only in the ward but in Wigan as a whole"

In a statement, Wigan Conservatives said: “We’re delighted that Luke has been selected as the Conservative Party candidate for the Aspull, New Springs and Whelley ward.

"Luke lives in Whelley, and is passionate about improving his local community."