LEIGH's new MP has started his career on the front foot as he confronts major issues affecting the town.

James Grundy won his seat in a shock general election victory in December, becoming the first ever Conservative to represent Leigh.

He received 21,266 votes, 1,965 more than Labour candidate Jo Platt who had been Leigh's MP since being elected in 2017.

In the following week he spoke to Government ministers about topics such as town centre regeneration and the opening of a railway station in the constituency.

The Greater Manchester Spatial Framework plans to build homes and employment space and the possible extension of the Atherleigh Way bypass to stretch south to junction 22 of the M6 was raised by him too.

Mr Grundy, 41, said: "It's still not sunk in that I have been elected.

"It is a great honour. My achievements will be judged on what I achieve in office.

"I am very optimistic on making progress on plans to benefit the people of Leigh."

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Kenyon Junction and Golborne are the two railway station locations Mr Grundy feels would best connect his constituency to the network. And he supports his predecessor's campaign to reopen Golborne's station and plans to meet with residents.

Although Atherton's stations are not on his patch, he will also be talking to fellow Tory MP Chris Green on how to improve their capacity such as boosting parking which could help Leigh residents.

Mr Grundy will be looking at the viability of Leigh reverting back to having its own council as well.

He has been greeted warmly by his party colleagues, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

"So far all the members of Parliament and staff have been wonderful," Mr Grundy said.