Tributes paid after death of Bolton Council leader David Greenhalgh

The leader of Bolton Council David Greenhalgh has died.

Cllr Greenhalgh had been in hospital for the last few days.

A statement has been released from Bolton Council Deputy Leader, Cllr Martyn Cox, and Bolton Council Chief Executive, Tony Oakman.

It read: “We have just learned the very sad news that Bolton Council Leader, Cllr David Greenhalgh, has passed away.

“David served as a local councillor in Bromley Cross for many years, becoming council leader in 2019.

“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.

Cllr Greenhalgh became leader of a minority led Conservative Bolton Council in 2019 and has been a key figure in leading the borough through the pandemic.

With Bolton at the centre of many pandemic issues he became well known for speaking out for the borough in front of a national audience.

The flag at Bolton Town Hall is to be lowered to half mast as a sign of respect.

It is understood Cllr Greenhalgh had been unwell and was admitted to hospital last week.

Bolton Labour Group Leader, Cllr Nick Peel paid tribute to Cllr Greenhalgh.

He said: “It is with the greatest shock and sadness to learn the news of the passing of the Leader of the Council, Cllr David Greenhalgh.

“Despite our political differences, I always found David to be a good humoured and conscientious person. I will miss his mischievous and playful sense of humour, which was often a welcome break from the seriousness of politics.

“David has been leader during the Covid pandemic; one of the most challenging times for this borough, and I know that he worked long and hard hours on behalf of us all, with little regard to his own need for time off.

“For his service, we offer our thanks.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

Liberal Democrat leader on Bolton Council, Cllr Roger Hayes, said: “He was an extremely nice and kind person and irrespective of any political differences I have always found him to be straight, honest and very open.

“A very big loss to both Bolton and the Conservative group.

“It’s sad, devastating news.”