In an X-Factor style contest, the Tories selected Alan Cullens as their future candidate to represent the borough in Westminster.

Former BBC political editor Jim Hancock grilled the contenders at an open primary at St Joseph's Parish Centre on Harpers Lane on Tuesday evening.

The number of Conservative candidates was whittled down from a shortlist of 18 to a final three and Coun Cullens beat competition from South Ribble's Mary Robinson and Janet Clowes, for Crewe and Nantwich.

Coun Cullens is Chorley Council's executive member for resources and and councillor for Clayton North.

Lindsay Hoyle has been the MP for Choley since 1997, but Chorley's Conservatives believe they can take his place in the Houses of Commons.

Coun Cullens, who is Chorley Council's executive member for resources and councillor for Clayton North, said he was looking forward to the new role.

He said: "The Conservatives have a very rigorous selection process for Parliamentary candidates and I am delighted to have been selected.

"I've known Lindsay for a long time and I know he is a strong opponent, but he represents Labour and stands for Labour policies.

"The fact is he's not the only local man in politics - I've lived here for the past 23 years and know people across the borough.

"Locally there are concerns about an increase in knife crime and violent crime and families are struggling as a result of the downturn in the economy.

He added: "We have got the policies to bring this country back on track.

"I very much doubt that we would have brought in the Labour government's policies on high tax and high spending - it would have made a big difference in the current economic climate.

"Putting party politics aside, this is not just about working with the Conservatives but with other organisations as well, so we can ensure good results on a local level, for example in terms of revitalising Chorley town centre."

Peter Malpas, leader of Chorley Conservatives, said: "I am sure Alan will be making a big impact - it's time for change and he's our best man to make that happen.

"The party is 100% behind him and we believe he is the right candidate to challenge Lindsay Hoyle.

"Alan has lived in Chorley for a long time and has a lot of local knowledge and I think that he would be a benefit to Chorley as an MP.

"Someone made a joke that the open primary at the parish centre was like the political version of the X-Factor.

"Each candidate was being interviewed by our members and then there were 10 to 15 minutes of questioning by Jim Hancock."