Cabinet reshuffle sees Sean Thorpe take over Deputy Leader role from Tamoor Tariq

Wednesday, 21 May 2025 17:24

By David Murphy

Bury Council has confirmed its political leadership for the year ahead, with key changes including Sean Thorpe taking over from Tamoor Tariq as deputy leader as part of a new-look cabinet for 2025/26.

Councillor Tamoor Tariq has been replaced from his role as Deputy Leader of Bury Council, as part of a cabinet reshuffle confirmed at the council’s annual meeting today, 21 May.

He is replaced by Councillor Sean Thorpe, who steps up to the deputy leadership while retaining his finance and transformation portfolio.

Tariq, who previously held the health and wellbeing brief alongside his deputy leadership, remains in cabinet but now takes on the renamed adult care, health and public service reform role.

Councillor Lucy Smith continues as deputy leader with responsibility for children and young people.

The shake up also sees the return of Councillor Richard Gold to the cabinet. He takes on the role of cabinet member for customer service, communications and corporate affairs.

Other cabinet positions remain unchanged, including Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, who stays on as leader of the council and cabinet member for strategic growth.

The new cabinet was formally approved at the annual meeting, which also confirmed committee roles and council representatives for external bodies for the year ahead.

The full cabinet for 2025/26:

Leader and cabinet member for strategic growth: Cllr Eamonn O’Brien
Deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and transformation: Cllr Sean Thorpe
Deputy leader and cabinet member for children and young people: Cllr Lucy Smith
Cabinet member for adult care, health and public service reform: Cllr Tamoor Tariq
Cabinet member for communities and inclusion: Cllr Sandra Walmsley
Cabinet member for environment, climate change and operations: Cllr Alan Quinn
Cabinet member for customer service, communications and corporate affairs: Cllr Richard Gold
Cabinet member for culture, economy and skills: Cllr Charlotte Morris
Cabinet member for housing services: Cllr Clare Cummins

The changes are expected to shape the council’s approach to key local issues including health and care integration, regeneration, housing, climate action and frontline services.

The Bury Labour group was approached multiple times for comment regarding the cabinet reshuffle but did not respond at point of publication.