Former Radcliffe First councillor, Gareth Staples-Jones, has announced that he has joined the Labour Party.
Coun Staples-Jones now plans to take his seat on the council as a member of the ruling Labour group.
It comes as Bury South MP, Christian Wakeford, also announced on Wednesday he was defecting from the Conservatives to Labour.
Coun Staples-Jones' move follows a brief period as an independent councillor after his decision to leave Radcliffe First late last year.
He said: “I got into local politics to serve the town I love and make a positive difference in it.
READ MORE: What former Tory Bury South MP Christian Wakeford told Boris Johnson as he defected to Labour
“I now believe I can best do that as a Labour councillor.
“This has not been an easy decision to make, but I feel it is the right thing for Radcliffe and the residents I represent.
“I grew up in a Labour supporting family but like a lot of people in Radcliffe, got turned off by the last few years of mainstream politics.
“I also felt that a lot more needed to be done in Radcliffe.
“However, having seen more closely what the current administration is doing to deliver on what it says and working with them closely on some big issues close to my heart, I can say with confidence that they have listened and changed for the better.
“I will still continue to make my case for Radcliffe and always put my residents first, but now feel this is best achieved as part of the Labour Party.
“And I would encourage those residents who voted for me and more widely across the town for Radcliffe First, to look again at what is being delivered under Labour and give them your support.
“We face tough times ahead under this shambolic and incompetent Tory Government, we can’t afford a Tory-ran council on top of that too.”
Welcoming the move, Bury Labour leader Eamonn O’Brien said: “I am really pleased that Gareth has decided to join the Labour Party and our group here in Bury.
“I know he is a passionate champion for his home town of Radcliffe and cares deeply about how we can support groups like our veterans and armed forces community.
“I also know that his political journey reflects that of many people in Radcliffe.
“Where once the Labour Party had very strong support from residents, in recent years we have lost that support.
“I’ve always been honest that I felt the council did not get things right in Radcliffe in the past, and that when I became leader, I wanted to listen and change that.
“Since then, we have genuinely started to deliver significant progress on our ambitions for the town.
“The council-backed plans for a new high school have been confirmed, tens of
millions of pounds have been allocated by the council for regeneration.
“Hopefully resident will see this change and agree with Gareth that it is in the best interest for Radcliffe.
“Following approval of his request to join the Labour group, Coun Staples-Jones plans to take his seat amongst Labour councillors at tonight’s meeting of the council.
