A FORMER Labour councillor is hoping to make a return to frontline politics as a Conservative - after much 'soul searching' following his resignation from the Labour party at the start of the year.

Billy Miskelly has been selected as the Tory candidate for Stainburn, with a town council by-election announced for the seat on October, 17

The by-election will be held on November,21 following the seat previously represented by Conservative councillor Jaqueline Kirkbride becoming vacant.

Mr Miskelly, 67, said he is increasingly in agreement with the Conservatives on national policy matters – particularly around protecting the winter fuel allowance for vulnerable pensioners and the importance of tackling illegal migration.

The former Labour 'stalwart' previously represented St Michael’s ward as a borough councillor for eight years, and served on the town council for twelve.

He had, the Conservatives say, been active campaigner for Labour for many years, for David Allen, Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, and also for Josh MacAlister MP.

Mr Miskelly undertook canvassing and leafleting as he was battling cancer but said he no longer feels at home within the Labour Party.

He hit out at what he said was the imposition of a 'Labour whip' in Workington as well as efforts to 'exclude' non-Labour members from town council committees – moves which he described as 'dictatorial'.

Billy Miskelly said: “I firmly believe that councillors of all political stripes or of none should be working together for the good of the people they were elected to serve – particularly at a parish or town council level.”

Mr Miskelly resigned from the Labour Party earlier this year and joined the Conservatives. He has long-standing ties with Stainburn, having worked as a chef at the Briery Pub and Restaurant when he lived in a house over the road.

He worked for 26 years at the Trades Hall providing training and support for the unemployed; working to help those with drug and alcohol dependence; and supporting local food banks.

Mike Johnson, leader of the Conservatives on Cumberland, said: “I am pleased to welcome Billy aboard. He was a dedicated borough councillor.

“Recognising that the town has been deserted by Labour, he has continued to help its people on the local issues that matter.”

The Labour Party have been approached for comment.