Cllr David Greenhalgh RIP

I am shocked and horrified by the news that Councillor David Greenhalgh, leader of Bolton Council, died earlier today at the age of 53.

















I had met David several times over the last few years and both liked and respected him as one of the best leaders in local government I have ever met and one of the nicest people in politics.

In a joint statement, Bolton council's deputy leader, Coun Martyn Cox, and the council chief executive, Tony Oakman, said: "We have just learned the very sad news that Bolton Council Leader, Cllr David Greenhalgh, has passed away.

"David served as a local councillor in Bromley Cross for many years, becoming council leader in 2019.

"He was greatly respected and had many friends both in the town hall and the wider Bolton community.

"As an individual he will be greatly missed by many, and it will take some time to come to terms with our sudden loss.

"Our thoughts at this time are with those closest to him."

Councillor Nick Peel, the leader of Bolton's Labour group, paid his own tribute to Coun Greenhalgh.

He said: "Despite our political differences, David has been the leader during a very difficult period of time with the Covid pandemic, and I know that he worked long and hard hours during this time on behalf of us all, with little regard for his own need for time off.

"David was a good humoured and conscientious councillor, and I always enjoyed his good-natured company, on those occasions when we could be less formal.

"I am sure I speak for us all when I say that in the true spirit of the Labour Movement, we offer our deepest condolences and care to his family, friends and colleagues who will be feeling devastated at this time."

Coun Roger Hayes, the leader of the Liberal Democrats group on Bolton Council, said: “He was an extremely nice and kind person and irrespective of any political differences I have always found him to be straight, honest and very open.

“A very big loss to both Bolton and the Conservative group.

“It’s sad, devastating news.”

Similar tributes have been paid to David by both Conservative and Labour MPs, from neighborouing authorities and from organisations as disparate as Bolton Wanderers and Bolton Council of Mosques. You can read some of them on the Manchester Evening News site here.

Condolences thoughts and prayers to those closed to David. He was a good, kind, intelligent man who deserved the respect in which he was held on both sides of the political divide and will be greatly missed.

Rest in Peace.

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