Bury Conservative leader steps down in wake of poor election results

Conservatives in Bury are set to appoint a new leader after Nick Jones stepped down after disappointing election results last week. The Tories saw their number of councillors on the authority fall from 15 to 12 as Labour retained control of Bury Council, increasing their number of members from 28 to 29.

The Conservatives lost two seats to Radcliffe First in the Radcliffe North and Ainsworth ward while Labour gained a seat from them in Whitefield in the Pilkington Park ward. Coun Jones, who retained his seat in Pilkington Park will remain as a councillor.

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The entire council was elected last week with 51 members now in place, three for each of the 17 wards in the borough.

An internal party group election will take place on Tuesday evening to decide the next leader of the Conservatives in Bury. The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that Coun Russell Bernstein is in pole position to take up the role after putting his name forward.

However, other nominations could be received before the decision is made. Coun Jones, said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the Conservative Group on Bury Council for the past two and a half years but with a heavy heart I have decided the time has come to step down.

“Thank you to the residents of Pilkington Park for once again putting their trust and faith in me to serve as their councillor. “Representing Pilkington Park is an honour and I look forward to continuing to serve our community.

“I was elected the group leader in 2020 with Paul Cropper serving as deputy and I thank him for all his support during this time. “I have loved the challenge, It has been a privilege