Bury council names new deputy leader and health chief after Tamoor Tariq steps down

Bury council has appointed a new deputy leader after councillor Tamoor Tariq stepped down from the role. Coun Lucy Smith becomes the new deputy leader of the Labour-controlled authority after an item of ‘urgent business’ was added to a recent cabinet meeting to announce senior appointments.

Earlier this month, Coun Tariq stepped back from his leadership and cabinet position ‘for personal reasons’. He has since had the Labour whip suspended and is currently listed as an ‘independent’ councillor for the Redvales ward, where his elected term ends in May this year.

At the meeting, leader of the council Eamonn O’Brien, confirmed the appointment of the new deputy leader, Coun Lucy Smith. Coun Smith, who represent Besses ward, was first elected in 2018.

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As well as her leadership role, she will continue as cabinet member for children and young people. Coun O’Brien, said: “We do have some urgent business. “You will be aware of the context of making these appointments and it is not appropriate for me in this forum to really make much of a comment.

“It is important that we be clear about the importance of the work of this council continuing. We have lots of challenges and opportunities coming up this year and it’s important we maintain that focus.

“Coun Lucy Smith is confirmed as the statutory deputy.” Coun O’Brien also said that Coun Nathan Boroda had agreed to step up into the role of cabinet member for health and adult care vacated by Coun Tariq leaving the cabinet.

Coun O’Brien, said: “As one of the previous deputies in that role Nathan brings a good deal of experience on the challenges facing that service. “He will be well placed to cover this portfolio.”

Coun Tariq became