AFTER spending four years away from the political spotlight, the former mayor of St Helens has announced his return as a member of UKIP.

John Beirne, who was involved in local politics for more than 20 years, said he was disaffected with the coalition and had objected to his former party joining forces with the Tories.

Beirne, mayor between 2008 and 2009, said: β€œI was unhappy at the Lib Dems forming a coalition in government with the Tories and felt all three main political parties were out of touch with St Helens people.

β€œSt Helens needs a change, a fresh approach and new ideas and local people to serve the electorate, not a political party. UKIP has a strong stance in Europe and offer no nonsense policies.

"This year will see a strong challenge in St Helens.”