Tottington ward councillor Luis McBriar has announced he will step down from Bury Council as he prepares to take up a new job that requires political neutrality.
Mr McBriar confirmed he will resign from his position after nearly four years representing Tottington ward, having first been elected in May 2021.
In a public statement, he said the career move meant he could no longer continue in party political office.
He said, “In May 2021 I was honoured to be elected as the Councillor for my hometown Tottington. Since 2021, I have proudly been re-elected on two further occasions, and I would like to thank again each and every person who has put their faith in me as their representative on the Council.
Unfortunately, today I have had to make the decision to resign as a Councillor due to my successful appointment in an occupation that requires political neutrality.
Last year, I made the decision to leave the Conservative Party following strong disagreements with the direction of the party locally. In doing so, I joined with three colleagues to form Together for Bury, Russell Bernstein, Jo Lancaster and Dene Vernon all of whom are the epitome of what public service should mean, and in wishing them the best of luck as they move forward, I know they will continue to have the best interests of their wards and the wider borough at heart. I also want to thank them for their friendship which I know will continue to blossom.
I want to place on record my thanks to my fellow councillors for the work they do for our Borough, to the council officers who do so much work often behind the scenes which goes unmentioned.
Tottington truly is a fantastic place to live and I am proud of the role I have played in shaping it, I will of course continue to live in the Ward and look forward to seeing many of you out and about in our village, but for now all that is left to say is thank you."
Mr McBriar thanked residents for their backing during his time in office and described serving the community as an honour.
He was elected as a Conservative councillor, but In July last year he left the Conservative Party and helped form a new independent political group, Together for Bury, joined by Councillor Russell Bernstein, who had been leader of the Bury Conservative group, deputy leader Jo Lancaster and Councillor Dene Vernon. The group resigned from the party following internal disputes.
Together for Bury, leader Cllr Russell Bernstein added: "I am both sad and delighted by this news in so much that I am really pleased Luis has successfully been appointed to follow a career I know he wants to pursue but tinged with sadness that the Council loses such a talented advocate for Tottington and the whole Borough. On a personal basis, Luis’s loyalty, support and friendship will be something I will always value and I wish him all the very best in his new career."
Bury Council has not yet confirmed the date of his formal resignation or when a by-election for the Tottington ward seat will be held.
We are expecting further comment from Together for Bury very shortly.
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