CONSERVATIVE councillors have appointed its new leadership at Bury Council.

Whitefield councillor Nick Jones, aged 27, will take the position of Tory leader at the town hall, making him leader of the opposition.

His previous role as deputy leader will be filled by Radcliffe councillor Paul Cropper who, like Cllr Jones, was elected in 2018.

This comes after the group’s last leader, Cllr James Daly, was elected as the MP for Bury North in December.

He said: “I wish to congratulate Nick and Paul on their new roles. Having known them for many years I know they will be strong advocates for everyone within the borough and their joint determination to improve the lives of all local residents offers a positive future for everyone in the run up to May’s local elections.”

Cllr Jones, who stood unopposed for the position of leader, thanked his colleagues for their support.

He said: “We will continue to hold the current Labour administration to account who have badly let down our Borough.

“We will work with our new MPs James Daly (Bury North) and Christian Wakeford (Bury South) for the benefit of all residents in our town.

“The Conservative Group will continue to protect our green belt and oppose the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework which will affect so many of our communities.

“I have big shoes to fill following the brilliant leadership of James Daly MP. I wish to pay tribute to his leadership of the Group and all the years he has served our borough.”

Cllr David Silbiger has been appointed to the shadow cabinet with the portfolio of finance and housing which was previously held by Cllr Jones.

Cllr Jones, an account director for a management consultancy, will be responsible for the leader’s portfolio of economic growth and transport.