Bury council local election 2024 results in full

Labour's John Southworth celebrates his shock victory in North Manor ward -Credit:Manchester Evening News
Labour's John Southworth celebrates his shock victory in North Manor ward -Credit:Manchester Evening News


There were scenes of jubilation as Labour sprung a major upset in Bury. Mirroring the success the party enjoyed nationally, the shock win in North Manor saw the party make further inroads into the Conservatives' traditional heartlands.

A huge roar from those in red rosettes greeted the announcement that John Southworth had toppled Conservative Liam Dean following a dramatic recount. The result is believed to be the first time a Labour councillor has ever been elected in what is historically a Tory stronghold previously held by Bury North MP James Daly.

READ MORE: Local election 2024 results LIVE - All Greater Manchester counts finish as Manchester deputy leader loses seat to George Galloway's party

The victory saw Labour increase its majority to 22 seats over their Conservative rivals, helping to maintain the party's firm grip on the town hall.

A third of the 51 seats on the council were up for grabs at this year's elections. By the end of the day, Labour's total number of seats had increased to 32, while the Conservatives have 10 but remain the second largest party. The turnout was 36.3pc, up from last year's 34.3pc.

There were also scenes of relief as Labour's Tamoor Tariq held on to his seat in Redvales despite fierce competition from Shabaz Imtiaz Shamim.

There had been fears that the council's deputy leader could be at risk of losing his seat to 28-year-old Mr Shamim, who was standing for George Galloway's Workers Party of Britain. However, those concerns ultimately proved unfounded as a relieved Coun Tariq retained his seat with a majority of 193 votes.

Celebrations at the Bury count -Credit:Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News
Celebrations at the Bury count -Credit:Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News

Labour also faced competition from the Workers Party in Bury East, but Gavin McGill held on comfortably to be re-elected for a second term.

In Ramsbottom, Labour's Tom Pilkington was also re-elected with a convincing majority of more than 1,000.

There was further celebration for the party as Martin Hayes held on to his seat in the key swing seat of Elton, beating Conservative Andrew Luxton by 150 votes. There had been concern that Labour could be punished for its support of the controversial Places for Everyone plan - formerly the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework - which was reportedly a key issue among voters.

Despite the disappointment of losing North Manor, there was success for the Tories elsewhere as they held on to key seats in Bury West and Tottington.

Tamoor Tariq, Bury Council's deputy leader, was re-elected despite fears that he could lose his seat
Tamoor Tariq, Bury Council's deputy leader, was re-elected despite fears that he could lose his seat -Credit:Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News

It was a more satisfactory evening for grassroots party Radcliffe First, which held on to all three seats it was defending in the town. Ken Simpson triumphed in Radcliffe East while Andrea Booth and Des Duncalfe retained their seats in Radcliffe North and Ainsworth and Radcliffe West respectively.

Another hyperlocal party, Bury Independents fielded eight candidates as it competed at its first election. Despite the party only being founded back in December, its leader Steve Middleton was hoping to spring a surprise in Unsworth ward. It was not to be, however, as he finished second, losing out by 964 votes to Labour's Jodie Hook.

Speaking following his victory, Mr Southworth said he was 'delighted' to have been elected.

He added: "It just shows the changing state of politics, not in this town but in the country as well.

Radcliffe First successfully defended all three of its seats
Radcliffe First successfully defended all three of its seats -Credit:Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News

"North Manor has always been Conservative. I think I've won because I'm an active person in the ward and people know me and know I get things done."

The retired teacher was competing in the seat for the third time and finished a close second last time around.

"You've got to lose to understand how good it feels to win," he added.

Council leader Eamonn O'Brien described Labour's shock win in North Manor as 'historic' and said it showed that voters were 'fed up' with the Conservative government.

"More than any other result tonight, it does go to show the dire state the Conservatives are in, not just Bury but across the country," he said.

The Local Election count gets underway in Bury.
The count in Bury -Credit:Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News

"This is the first time the residents have put their trust in us and we're going to show them that that trust will not be wasted or abused. We will absolutely deliver for them on the issues that matter."

Bury's Tory leader Russell Bernstein said he was 'disappointed' in his party's performance, which he put down to the 'national situation'.

"I know there have been one or two pockets of success but overall, it's been a disappointing performance for the Conservatives," he said. "We're no different. People are disappointed that the Conservative government are not delivering true Conservatism.

"One of our main issues that I come across is a lack of understanding in terms of taxation, immigration is an issue. When you put the two together, people are just not happy at the moment with what the government message is."

Greater Manchester local election results 2024

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