HALTON'S Labour parliamentary candidate Derek Twigg has thanked the public for their 'kind messages of support' after his wife passed away.

In a message on Facebook, Mr Twigg - standing for re-election on December 12 - wrote: "With great sadness, I announce that my wife Mary passed away peacefully at home last night.

"I now need to take some time to be with my family at this very difficult time.

"On behalf of my family, thank you for the many kind messages of support that we have received over the past few months during Mary's illness, they have been very much appreciated."

Mr Twigg, who has lived in Halton all his life and represented the area since 1997, added that his election campaign will continue.

His Facebook post continued: "Halton Labour will continue to run my General Election campaign and should you wish to raise any issues or have questions please don't hesitate to contact my agent, Andrea Wall, by calling 07544688530 or emailing contact@derektwigg.org"