Tributes paid to former Bury mayor who has died aged 70

Tuesday, 26 October 2021 11:34

By Adam Clark

Mike Connolly (pictured right) with his partner Ian Hargreaves

Former Mayor of Bury Mike Connolly has died, aged 70.

Connolly, passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning.

A born and bred Bury man, he represented East ward from 1994 up until he retired in 2017.

He served in nearly all senior positions on Bury Council including a spell as leader between 2011 & 2016, and then as Mayor a year later.

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “Mike was Bury through and through. A man dedicated to public service and supporting those who needed it most.

"As one of our borough’s longest serving leaders, he achieved a great deal for our towns and leaves a big legacy for the place he loved.

"My thoughts and prayers are with Mike’s partner Ian, his family and friends.”

The Mayor of Bury, Cllr Tim Pickstone, said: “Mike was everything a local councillor should be. An outstanding ward councillor, Cabinet Member, Opposition Leader, Council Leader and Mayor, he was an example to us all.

"Bury has lost a much-loved local leader and a great advocate.

Our love to Mike’s partner Ian, and to Mike’s family, friends and colleagues.”

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