Tributes have been paid to a “dedicated and tenacious” councillor, who has decided to step down due to early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Cllr Craig Rotheram, of the Horwich and Blackrod First Independents, will resign with immediate effect after the condition began to impact his memory more quickly than expected.

His Horwich North seat will now be filled at the next set of local elections later this year.

Party leader Cllr David Grant said: “Without Craig's tenacity and dedication, many of our collective achievements would not have been possible.”

He added: "He was instrumental in securing the link road on the Loco Works, introducing new festive lights for Horwich, and spearheading beloved community events like the Duck Race, Christmas Treasure Hunt, and the Festival of Horwich."

The Bolton News: Cllr Craig Rotheram (second from left) has stepped downCllr Craig Rotheram (second from left) has stepped down (Image: HBFI)

Cllr Grant said that Cllr Rotheram’s decision to step down was a personal one after he found that his condition had been affecting his recall ability and giving him memory lapses.

He added that the 57-year-old had timed his resignation to coincide with the next elections to ensure that the cost to public finances would be minimal.

The Bolton News: Bolton Council elections will be held later this yearBolton Council elections will be held later this year (Image: Newsquest)

Turning to his contributions over the years, Cllr Grant said Cllr Rotheram’s most lasting legacy may prove to be his role in founding the Horwich and Blackrod First Independents party itself.

Having started as a community group, the organisation has since evolved into a full political party and at the most recent local election last year took all six Horwich and Blackrod council seats.

The party also now holds the most seats on Horwich Town Council.

ALSO READ: Countdown to elections begins with urgent message as polls open in 2 months

ALSO READ: Bolton Council local elections – the list of results

ALSO READ: Night of high drama at Bolton Council's local elections 2023

Cllr Grant said that all members of the party were extending their support to Cllr Rotheram for the work he has done and their support to him in the days ahead.

He said that Cllr Rotheram would continue to support his party and the wider Horwich community from behind the scenes for as long as he was able to.

Cllr Grant said he was sure that the impact of his colleague’s work would continue to be felt for generations to come.

Cllr Rotheram’s Horwich North seat will be filled at the next council elections on Thursday, May 2.