Deputy leader Cllr Jo Lancaster resigns from Bury Conservatives over ‘toxic’ treatment of colleague

Deputy leader of the Bury Conservatives, Cllr Jo Lancaster, has resigned from the party, citing concerns over the internal treatment of fellow councillor Russell Bernstein and a growing culture of dysfunction within the local association.

In a statement released via social media on Monday, Cllr Lancaster said:

🚨“I have resigned from Bury Conservatives 🚨

As some of you may have already heard, today, I’ve made the difficult decision — along with a few of my colleagues — to leave the local Bury Conservative Association.

This isn’t something I’ve done lightly. I’m still passionate about serving our ward of Radcliffe North and Ainsworth. I still believe in the traditional conservative values that brought me into public office – responsibility, respect, fairness, and putting local people first.

But I can’t ignore what’s been happening within the local party. I’ve been extremely upset by the way my colleague and friend, Cllr Russell Bernstein, has been treated. (Please see previous Bury Times articles.) It’s not just disappointing — it’s wrong. And I’m worried that this kind of behaviour is becoming the norm if it keeps being tolerated.

As the Deputy Leader of Bury Conservatives, I would like to be clear… Not once has the local association office spoken to me raising any concerns regarding Cllr Russell Bernstein and I am not aware of anything he has done to be deselected by the party. I sat on his approval panel and all of the officers, I’m led to believe, voted against his reapproval, despite him being the leader of the Conservative Group since 2022 and an extremely hardworking councillor and leader.

We weren’t elected to play internal party games. We were elected to do what’s right for our local area.

That’s why myself and some of my colleagues have decided to step away from Bury Conservatives and start something new. Something that puts our community before party politics. A group focused on real local issues, real values, and real service.

I’m still your councillor. I’m still here to work hard for you. Nothing about that changes.

Thank you for your continued support and if you need anything please contact me as usual on j.lancaster@bury.gov.uk or 07887 363954.”

Cllr Lancaster’s departure follows internal party tensions over the selection process for local candidates. Her statement suggests a breakdown in transparency and communication within the Bury Conservative Association.

One comment in support came from resident, who wrote: “I would describe myself as an environmentalist socialist but my respect for you Jo goes way beyond party politics. I know you stand for the truth, honesty and fairness. I am sure you continue with that whatever the future holds. Just don't join Reform!!!!”

In response, the Bury Conservative Association issued a statement saying:

“It is of no surprise to us that Councillor Bernstein has chosen to resign the day before a disciplinary panel convened by the National Conservative Party is held. This panel was investigating multiple complaints of bullying, harassment, and intimidation toward members, councillors, and others.

If Councillor Bernstein anticipated the panel finding against him, resignation may have seemed the easier path than facing the consequences of his conduct.

If it is true that other councillors have chosen to follow him, that is disappointing. The Conservative Party is – and must remain – a party that upholds mutual respect, personal responsibility, and integrity. Anyone unwilling to uphold those values is not fit to represent the Party.

We note that when a Member of Parliament defected, Councillor Bernstein and others called for an immediate by-election. We therefore look forward to the by-elections we expect to follow and will fight them with the full strength of our team and values. Residents deserve representation from people who reflect their values – not individuals running from accountability.

We remain focused on working hard for the people of Bury, delivering on their priorities and standing up for the standards our residents expect from elected representatives.”