MP James Frith has taken on a government role which will be of "vital importance" to the borough in a number of areas - including the rollout of a football regulator after the past problems at Bury FC.

The Labour MP for Bury North will sit on the Culture, Media, and Sport Select Committee.

The cross-party committee is tasked with scrutinising the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, as well as associated public bodies.

Their role also examines government policy, spending, and administration in areas linked to the arts, culture, media, and sport.

The committee consists of MPs who are elected by colleagues from their parties, reflecting the political balance in Parliament.

One of the major issues the committee will examine is the arrival of a football regulator to help stop clubs being hit hard by financial problems, like what happened with Bury FC five years ago.

The Shakers, established in 1885, were expelled from the English Football League in 2019 following long-running financial difficulties.

After a merger deal between fan groups was struck last year, the club returned back to Gigg Lane last season - but way down in the football pyramid, the ninth tier in the North West Counties Premier Division.

Mr Frith, who returned to Parliament in July after previously serving Bury North from 2017 to 2019, said: "I’m delighted to have been elected by my peers to serve as a member of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee.

"This committee will do important work in a number of areas that are of vital importance to Bury North.

"Not least of all the new football regulator, which is much-needed and of great significance to Bury.

"The ejection of Bury FC from the football league was a no-fan-fault eviction and this must not be allowed to happen anywhere again."

Last month, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer expressed confidence that plans for an independent football regulator do not breach rules on government interference, despite a warning from European body UEFA that the move could see England banned from the 2028 Euros.

Mr Frith is also eager to promote arts, culture, and heritage in town centres.

He added: "The work of this committee, from small venues in town centres to high streets, events, and arts, heritage and history, will help us improve the social, economic and cultural capital of our towns, boosting prosperity and enriching life and living here."