Bury Tories announce candidates for seven more Bury wards ahead of 2026 local elections

Friday, 15 August 2025 08:25

By David Murphy

The Conservative Party has unveiled seven new candidates for council wards in Bury, as it pushes forward with its campaign for the 2026 local elections.

Seven additional candidates will stand for the Conservatives in May 2026, joining three existing councillors who have already been reselected. The announcements strengthen the party’s early positioning ahead of the local elections and come as part of a phased candidate rollout by Bury Conservatives.

Councillor Jackie Harris will again stand in Bury West, where she currently serves as a sitting councillor. Councillor Roger Brown will defend his seat in North Manor, while council group leader Jack Rydeheard will recontest the Elton ward, which includes Brandlesholme, Woodhill, Elton and Woolfold.

Joining them are seven new faces: Radcliffe resident Paul Davies (Radcliffe North and Ainsworth), Tottington resident Andrew Luxton (Tottington), Phil Smith (Unsworth), Emma Lee (Ramsbottom), and Hasan Rahman (Bury East). Ji Hyun Park has also been confirmed for Moorside ward, returning as a candidate. In Sedgley, Rabbi Avi Schwarz will stand as a resident candidate.

Cllr Jack Rydeheard said he was “really pleased” to confirm the latest names, saying they reflect a strong mix of local connections and shared values. “We now have ten candidates confirmed who are passionate about the borough and dedicated to public service,” he said. “Our team is focused on being a resident-first opposition to the current Labour administration.”

The Conservatives say the selection process is ongoing, with more announcements expected in the coming months.

Deputy Chair for Bury North and South Conservative Association, Cllr Shahbaz Arif, said: “Many of our candidates live and work in the wards they’re standing for. They’re deeply rooted in their communities and will make fantastic councillors if elected.”