TWO newly-independent Radcliffe councillors are facing a backlash from political opponents over their refusal to resign from Bury Council and trigger a by-election.

Earlier this month, husband and wife Matt and Daisy Bailey announced they were quitting the Labour party after a row over their poor meeting attendance record.

Representatives from Labour, the Conservatives, Greens and Radcliffe Independence Party have all called for both councillors to resign, prompting a by-election in which they could stand as independent candidates.

But the couple, who represent Radcliffe East ward, have both refused on the grounds there is no public desire for it.

The duo cited the lack of support for their family situation for their decision to quit the Labour party.

Cllr Matt Bailey said: “We have been thrilled by the brilliant and wholly positive reaction to our decision to become independent councillors.

“Every ward member we have spoken to has been pleased they now have independent representation in Radcliffe and not one person has asked for a by-election.

“The view of the people who live and work in Radcliffe and who vote us in and vote us out is the one we are going to take notice of.”

Cllr Daisy Bailey’s seat will be up for re-election in May 2016, and Cllr Matt Bailey’s in May next year.

Last week, the Radcliffe Times reported that the couple, who have three young children, had announced their “heartbreaking” decision to sever ties with Bury’s Labour group.

In August, the party did not re-select Cllr Matt Bailey as a candidate for next year’s council elections after it found he had failed to meet the “high standards required”.

Both councillors had been criticised for failing to attend meetings when Cllr Daisy Bailey was ill after the birth of the couple’s third child last June and said they were disappointed at the lack of support.

Cllr David Jones, chairman of Bury South Labour Party said: "The behaviour of Cllr Matt Bailey and Cllr Daisy Bailey as elected representatives of Radcliffe has not been to the high standards expected by the Labour Party and set by other local councillors.

“They have no elected mandate to remain as independent councillors and should show the courage of their convictions by standing down, facing their electorate and earning the right to be councillors."

Cllr Iain Gartside, leader of Bury Council’s Conservative group, agreed the Baileys no longer have a mandate and should resign.

He said: “Both councillors were voted in as representatives of the Labour party and so there is now a strong case for a by-election for them to attempt to renew their democratic mandate as independents.”

Aaron Hepworth, founder of the Radcliffe Independence Party, also called for the Baileys’ resignation and said his party would put forward a by-election candidate.

Mr Hepworth said: “While I applaud anyone that wants to defend the interests of the Radcliffe people, the Baileys have lost their legitimacy in office and I hope they will give the electorate a choice as soon as possible.”

In a statement, Nicole Haydock and Glyn Heath from the Bury Green Party said: “Both councillors should resign, triggering a by-election and allowing the people of Radcliffe East to make an informed decision as to who they wish to vote for and the political party – if any – that they are aligned to.

“They can always exercise the option of being candidates for such an election and take their chances based on their new political direction.”