Radcliffe councillor to become deputy mayor

Radcliffe councillor Mike Smith is to become the next deputy mayor of Bury, and then mayor the following year in line with protocol.

His nomination was approved by members of the full council at this week’s meeting.

Cllr Smith has served the borough as a councillor for seven years after being elected in the Radcliffe West ward in 2019.

Born in 1965 in Swinton, Salford, he moved to Radcliffe in 1970 and has lived in the town ever since.

Cllr Smith attended St John’s Primary School and Radcliffe Secondary Modern, subsequently going to Bury College, Bolton College and Openshaw College in Manchester to gain a variety of business and vocational qualifications.

He worked at Radcliffe Paper Mill and a local textile mill for more than 20 years; and, as a qualified electrician, had his own business until February 2026.

A great football lover, he follows Manchester City and still plays on Tuesday evenings at a scheme run at Radcliffe FC at the town’s new 3G pitch.

Cllr Smith said: “I am absolutely delighted and deeply honoured to be chosen as the next Deputy Mayor of Bury.

“This borough is a place I care greatly for and it will mean so much to be able to serve the community in this capacity.

“I'm really looking forward to meeting more residents and working together with the Mayor to make a positive difference.

“I would like to thank everybody for the support and good wishes I have received.”

The current mayor of Bury is Whitefield councillor Noel Bayley, who will be succeeded in May by the deputy mayor, Tahir Rafiq.

ENDS

Press release issued: 20 March 2026.

Photo: Cllr Mike Smith.