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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