Among the most notable shifts throughout Greater Manchester in last week’s local elections was the almost total rejection of mainstream parties in the town of Radcliffe. In all-out elections for the three wards in the town, hyperlocal party Radcliffe First won eight of the nine seats they fought for.
That increased their presence in Bury town hall from three councillors to eight, just four behind the official Conservative opposition who have 12 seats. Labour, who have a strong overall majority on the council with 29 of the 51 members, lost all representation in Radcliffe, losing three seats to Radcliffe First, despite making gains elsewhere in the borough.
The Conservatives also suffered losses to Radcliffe First, with two Tory councillors defeated in Radcliffe North and Ainsworth including the group’s deputy leader, Paul Cropper.
