And we're off

5:03pm Tuesday 29th April 2008

THE Grand National may be run, but the race for political power in Bury has only just begun.

No fewer than 65 runners will contest the 17 seats in the May 1 local elections, as one-third of Bury Council comes up for grabs.

The three largest parties, Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats, are contesting every seat. But there are also eight BNP candidates (their highest total in recent years), four independents or non-aligned, one UKIP candidate, and one from the English Democrats - Putting England First.

The council is currently hung: however the Tories, as the largest party with 23 of the 51 seats, run the show. Labour have 20 seats, and the Lib Dems have eight.

Whoever is in charge after this poll will have a clear run until 2010, as there are no local elections next year. Of course, things could all change if Bury people vote later this year to have a US-style mayor!

Among the "big guns" defending their seats are Labour's Derek Boden, the "father of the council" with 36 years' service; former Tory leader Roy Walker (26 years); and former Labour leader John Byrne (24 years).

Also seeking re-election are deputy council leader Yvonne Creswell; longest serving Lib Dem Vic D'Albert; and executive members Dorothy Gunther and Michelle Wiseman.

Two Labour councillors are stepping down: former executive member Maggie Gibb, who has represented St Mary's in Prestwich for five years; and Lyndsey Baucutt, four years a Radcliffe East member.

One thing all the parties are agreed on is the need for local people to vote. The council has produced an election special booklet which is being delivered to every address in the borough.

Polling booths are open from 7am to 10pm on May 1.

The deadline for registering to vote, and to request a new postal vote, is Wednesday (April 16). Contact the electoral registration office on 0161 253 5224.

Shakers News