Hyper-local party becomes first in Greater Manchester to become official council opposition

Tuesday, 8 July 2025 15:56

By Chris Gee

Radcliffe First has been installed as the new official opposition group on Bury council.

The hyper-local party, which currently holds eight of the nine council seats in the three wards of the town, has become the second largest party
in borough after four Conservatives resigned from their party.

It is the first time a hyper-local party has become the opposition group at a Greater Manchester town hall.

Labour currently controls the council, with 32 members of the 51-strong chamber.

There are eight from Radcliffe First; six Conservatives; and five Independents.

Party leader Mike Smith, said: “Radcliffe First is proud to announce that we are now officially recognised as the main opposition party to Labour in Bury council.

“This is an historic moment for our party, our town and the borough.”

The sea change in the council’s make up happened without an election being held. The Conservative numbers on the council dwindled following a row which has left members bitterly divided.

Russell Bernstein – until last week leader of the Conservative group and leader of the opposition on Bury council – announced his resignation from the party, along with deputy Jo Lancaster and councillors Dene Vernon and Luis McBriar.

Coun Bernstein was in a dispute with the Bury Conservative Association, which made a decision to deselect him from standing for the Tories in his Pilkington Park ward in next May’s elections.

The four former Tories will sit in the council chamber as independents.

Radcliffe First was formed in April 2019. The party website, states: “A group of Radcliffe residents decided to start working together to correct the neglect and mismanagement of resources from local government services.”

Over the weekend the party held a meeting to select the members of his shadow cabinet. Coun Smith said: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to our councillors as they step into their shadow cabinet portfolios.

“As we embark on this new chapter, we are committed to representing the interests of our community and working diligently to bring about positive
change within Bury. “Together, we will strive for a brighter future for all residents.”

Elton councillor Jack Rydeheard will now step into the role of Conservative group leader following an internal election, it was confirmed last week.

Bury’s new shadow cabinet is:

Strategic Growth:
Coun Mike Smith, Radcliffe West

Adult Care, Health and Public Reform:
Coun Ken Simpson, Radcliffe East

Children & Young People:
Coun Mary Walsh, Radcliffe East

Environment, Climate Change & Operations:
Coun Des Duncalfe, Radcliffe West

Communities & Inclusion:
Coun Carol Birchmore, Radcliffe East

Culture, The Economy & Skills:
Coun Carol Birchmore, Radcliffe East

Finance & Transformation:
Coun Donald Berry, Radcliffe North & Ainsworth

Customer Service, Communications & Corporate Affairs:
Coun Glyn Marsden, Radcliffe West

Housing Services:
Coun Andrea Booth, Radcliffe North & Ainsworth