Mark Bigley has today resigned his fast-tracked candidacy for Southport:
"It is clear that my main considerations must be to my family, and the people of Ainsdale who have given me their support. It is with great sadness that I therefore have taken the very hard decision to stand down as the Parliamentary Candidate at the next General Election. This decision will enable the Party sufficient time to find a new candidate with the time available to dedicate to this extremely important role. This decision will also enable me to continue to represent the people of Ainsdale to the best of my ability on Sefton Council."
Southport is one of the only seats in Merseyside that could feasibly turn blue at the next election although LibDem MP John Pugh held it against Bigley with an extra 1000 votes last time around,
Deputy Editor
