Tributes from across the political spectrum have been paid to the Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor David Greenhalgh, who has passed away at the age of 53.
Councillor Greenhalgh became the Leader of Bolton Council in 2019, becoming the first Conservative Leader of the authority in nearly 40 years and led the borough through the Covid-19 crisis.
He represented the Bromley Cross ward in the council and was first elected in May 2006.
As well as being the council Leader, Councillor Greenhalgh was Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) Lead on Culture.
He was the only Conservative Leader of Greater Manchester’s ten councils.
In a joint statement, Bolton Council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Martyn Cox and Chief Executive, Tony Oakman said:
“We have just learned the very sad news that Bolton Council Leader, Councillor David Greenhalgh, has passed away.
“He was greatly respected and had many friends both in the town hall and the wider Bolton community.
“As an individual, he will be greatly missed by many and it will take some time to come to terms with our sudden loss.
“Our thoughts at this time are with those closest to him.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham added:
“We are all deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend Councillor David Greenhalgh.
"David was Bolton through and through, a much-loved local son and fearless champion for his town.
"When fire devastated The Cube in Bolton town centre in 2019, David was immediately on site and led from the front.
“He has done the same throughout this most challenging of times, standing up for his beloved Bolton, but also for the rest of Greater Manchester.
"As Greater Manchester’s Culture Lead, David has been a passionate advocate for our arts organisations, steering them carefully through the challenges of the pandemic.
"We will be postponing tomorrow’s [30 July] meeting of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority as a mark of our respect for David, his family and friends.
“The whole of the Greater Manchester family sends our deepest sympathies to them at this difficult time.”
