Radcliffe First have been installed as the new official opposition group on Bury Council.

The hyperlocal party, who currently hold eight of the nine council seats in the three wards of the town, have become the second largest party in the borough after four Conservatives resigned from that group.

It is the first time a hyperlocal party has become the opposition group on a Greater Manchester council.

Labour currently run the authority with 32 members of the 51-strong council.

There are eight from Radcliffe First, six Conservatives and five Independents.

Party leader Mike Smith, said: "Radcliffe First is proud to announce that we are now officially recognised as the main opposition party to Labour in Bury Council.

"This is an historic moment for our party, our town, and the borough."

Strangely, the sea change in the council's make up happened without an election being held.

The Conservative numbers on the council dwindled following a row which has left members bitterly divided in the borough.

Russell Bernstein – until last week leader of the Conservative group and leader of the opposition on Bury council, announced his resignation from the party, along with his deputy Jo Lancaster and councillors Dene Vernon and Luis McBriar.

Coun Bernstein had been involved in a dispute with the Bury Conservative Association, which made a decision to deselect him from standing for the Tories in his Pilkington Park ward in next May’s elections.

The four will now sit in the council chamber as independents.

Radcliffe First was formed in April 2019.

The party website, states: "A group of Radcliffe residents decided to start working together to correct the neglect and mismanagement of resources from local government services."

Over the weekend the party held a meeting to select the members of his shadow cabinet.

Coun Smith said: "We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to our councillors as they step into their shadow cabinet portfolios.

"As we embark on this new chapter, we are committed to representing the interests of our community and working diligently to bring about positive change within Bury.

"Together, we will strive for a brighter future for all residents."

Elton councillor Jack Rydeheard will now step into the role of Conservative group leader, it was confirmed last week.

Bury's new shadow cabinet is:

Coun Mike Smith, Radcliffe West

Coun Ken Simpson, Radcliffe East

Coun Mary Walsh, Radcliffe East

Coun Des Duncalfe, Radcliffe West

Coun Carol Birchmore, Radcliffe East

Coun Carol Birchmore, Radcliffe East

Coun Donald Berry, Radcliffe North & Ainsworth

Coun Glyn Marsden, Radcliffe West

Housing Services:

Coun Andrea Booth, Radcliffe North & Ainsworth