The council has appointed a new deputy leader after her predecessor was reportedly arrested last week.

Cllr Tamoor Tariq, who served as the local authority's deputy leader and cabinet member for health and adult care, "stepped back" from his senior duties "with immediate effect for personal reasons" last week.

The announcement came after it was reported the Labour Redvales councillor was arrested in Bury on suspicion of stalking and harassment on Wednesday, January 3.

He was released on police bail pending further investigation.

Labour has also now confirmed he has been suspended from the party and it has launched its own investigation. Cllr Tariq is currently listed as an "independent" councillor on the councillor's website.

Bury Times: Cllr Tamoor TariqCllr Tamoor Tariq (Image: Public)

On Wednesday night, council leader Cllr Eamonn O'Brien, chaired a cabinet meeting in which he confirmed the appointment of the new deputy leader, Cllr Lucy Smith, and cabinet member for health and adult care, Cllr Nathan Boroda.

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Cllr O’Brien said: “It is important in light of the circumstances that we are clear about the continuity of the work of this council.

“We have lots of challenges and opportunities coming up this year and its important we retain that focus.

“I’m very pleased to say that Cllr Nathan Boroda has agreed to step up into the role of cabinet member for health and adult care.

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“As one of the previous deputies in that role, Nathan does bring a good deal of experience and understanding of the challenges facing that service but also the existing work around budget setting, preparation for CQC (Care Quality Commission, the healthcare watchdog) and other regulatory challenges.

“Cllr Boroda will be well placed to step up and cover that.

“Cllr Lucy Smith has been confirmed as the statutory deputy taking on the responsibilities that come with that.”

Cllr Smith also serves as the cabinet member for children and young people.