DAVE Watts who stood down at the last election after 18 years at MP for St Helens North has been made a life peer.

Watts, who is also a former leader of St Helens Council, was first elected in 1997. He will take up his place in the House of Lords alongside fellow new peers including former Conservative Party leader William Hague and former Labour Home Secretary David Blunkett.

Watts is one of eight Labour nominations. There are 11 Lib Dems and 26 Tories.

He was succeeded in St Helens North my Conor McGinn who was elected with an increased majority.

McGinn paid tribute to Watts saying:"This is a hugely deserved appointment which is testament to Dave's hard work and commitment to St Helens and the Labour Party for over four decades.

"Dave has a huge amount of experience in local government and as an MP, and his appointment to the House of Lords will allow him to continue to make a valuable contribution to civic and political life. He was a fantastic MP for this area and will be a fine ambassador for St Helens in the House of Lords. I'm really looking forward to working with him again in Parliament.

"This recognition of Dave's public service is also a tribute to his late wife Avril, whose steadfast support and partnership helped him to serve our community and our party so well. I know that Dave's sons Paul and David are very proud of their dad. All of his friends in St Helens North Labour Party are proud of him too, and we wish him the very best in his new role."