Shadow minister in aid pledge for Bury traders

MP Jonathan Reynolds was given a tour of the world-famous markets by council leader Cllr Eamon O'Brien and former Bury North MP James Frith for Small Business Saturday.

The market is set to benefit from a new flexi-hall, under government 'levelling up' funding, under a wider £20m scheme for the town centre.

Mr Reynolds was on hand to outline Labour's proposals for small businesses, centring on a future rates freeze.

And the minister couldn't resist a quick dig at Chancellor Rishi Sunak, while buying a portion of Bury black pudding during his trip.

Mr Sunak famously mixed up Bury and Burnley in a TV interview, in the wake of his last budget announcement.

Mr Reynolds said: "We want to make sure our businesses go from strength to strength. That is why we in the Labour Party are talking about scrapping business rates, about rebalancing taxation between online businesses and bricks and mortar businesses, and freezing business rates next year, paid for by the increase in the Digital Services Tax."

Cllr O'Brien said on Twitter: "Great to welcome @jreynoldsMP to Bury Market for Small Business Saturday. I shared with him our ambitious plans for town centres and high streets across the borough.

"With Labour's plans to scrap business rates, we are showing that Labour locally and nationally mean business."

Later Mr Reynolds thanked his hosts, who also included colleagues in Bury Labour Party such as Cllr Gavin McGill (East Ward) and Moorside councillor Sandra Walmsley.

The MP added: "It was great to hear about the ways this Labour Council are supporting our vital small businesses and delivering local growth."

Deputy council leader Cllr Tamoor Tariq also said he was delighted to see the Shadow Cabinet member visiting the market and praising stallholders.

"(We were) able to show off the jewel in our crown," he added.

Cllr McGill, on the market's widespread reputation, said: "It's a fantastic asset for Bury and East ward."