Former council leader is the new Mayor of Bury

East ward councillor Mike Connolly has been installed as the new Mayor of Bury for the 2016/17 municipal year.

He took over the chains of office from Cllr Stella Smith at Bury Council’s annual meeting on Wednesday 18 May, after serving as leader of the council for the previous five years.

A born and bred Bury man, Cllr Connolly (aged 64) has represented East ward since 1994.

He has served in nearly all senior positions on Bury Council, and had several important regional roles including being the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s lead on police and crime matters and civil contingencies. He also served on the Local Government Association’s safer and secure communities board.

“It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be chosen to become mayor of my home town,” he said.

“Bury is a fantastic borough and I’m looking forward immensely to being its ‘ambassador’. I will do everything in my power to live up to the responsibility that has been placed in me.”

Cllr Connolly’s partner, Ian Hargreaves, will serve as the mayor’s consort for the coming year.

“Bury people are second to none and Ian and I look forward with excitement and anticipation to serving you all during the year ahead,” he added.

“We hope that we may have the opportunity to meet many people forom all walks of life and all sections of Bury’s diverse communities. It is our sincere hope that we can play a part in celebrating Bury’s success as a warm, welcoming and tolerant society."

The mayor has chosen two local organisations to benefit from the Mayoral Charity Appeal – the Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity (SuperJosh), and Annabelle’s Challenge. He will also be supporting the Alzheimer’s society.

A mayoral service will be held at Bury Parish Church on Sunday 29 May.

In accordance with tradition, Cllr Smith and her husband Mr John Smith were installed as deputy mayor and mayoress for the coming year.

ENDS

Press release issued: 19 May 2016.

Picture: The new Mayor of Bury, Cllr Mike Connolly, with his partner Ian Hargreaves who will be the mayor’s consort.