FORMER Mayor of Warrington Geoff Settle has lost out in his battle to become a candidate in the European Parliament elections.

The ex-Poulton North borough councillor – who resigned from the Labour Party earlier this year – was challenging to become an MEP candidate for The Independent Group’s newly formed Change UK.

The European Parliament elections are scheduled to take place on May 23.

Despite the blow, Mr Settle has vowed to campaign on behalf of the party’s successful candidates.

He added: “In addition, it means that I will remain focused on my charities and leisure activities.

“It would have been an exciting opportunity and one that I would have relished.

“I wish everyone who has been selected the best wishes and every success on May 23.”

Mr Settle had pledged to promote issues including north west business, culture, mental health and the environment, if he was elected.

There are 751 Members of the European Parliament – of those, 73 represent the UK.

Change UK said it had more than 3,500 applications, with the quality of all applications labelled as ‘extremely high’.