THE Conservative candidate for Hyndburn in the upcoming general election has said the “community matters”.

Kevin Horkin, who was chosen to challenge Graham Jones’ Labour seat in May after a vote by Tory party members last weekend, said: “The main role of an MP must be to look after the interests of all their constituents and to have a forward-looking vision for the area they represent, especially when it comes to economic development.

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“I believe it is essential to always be approachable and to have an ability to understand other people’s fears and points of view.”

The former Mayor of Clitheroe, who was also Lancashire’s youngest borough councillor in 1985, describes himself a self-starter.

He started out on a market stall aged 16, and went on to establish a chain of small stores throughout the North-West.

Mr Horkin said: “I relish the opportunity of putting myself forward as the candidate who knows this area inside out.

“I am a firm believer that this constituency can, with hard work and determination from myself, become a Conservative gain in May.”