THE outgoing Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Cliff Morris, is the new leader of the town's Labour council group.

His appointment has been announced after Bob Howarth, Bolton's Labour leader for the last 24 years, lost his seat last week - one of seven seats lost to the Liberal Democrats. The surviving members of Labour council group moved swiftly to fill the vacuum left when leader Bob Howarth and his deputy Guy Harkin were swept from power.

Cllr Cliff Morris, who has served as a councillor for 22 consecutive years, will hand over his mayoral duties to Cllr Prentice Howarth next week and is looking forward to his new challenge. His deputy will be Cllr Linda Thomas.

Cllr Morris, who represents the Halliwell ward, today said that Labour would regroup and work with the other parties to run the council.

Though Bob Howarth has lost his seat, he will be active behind the scenes and Cllr Morris said he would consult the former leader for advice and guidance during the next 12 months.

Cllr Morris said: "The result was a shock and a disappointment to all of us. We believed the Labour party had done a good job for the people of Bolton.

"I don't think the postal voting system played any part in it as a 42 per cent turn out was good for Bolton.

"I am more inclined to believe international matters such as the war in Iraq were to blame for people's decisions in this election."

Paying tribute to his predecessor, Cllr Morris said: "Bob Howarth did an excellent job and I am pleased to be inheriting a party that is not in disarray.

"Bob will be taking time to reflect on what has happened, but will still be working within the Labour party. I will be turning to him for advice and guidance over the coming year.

"I have enjoyed my year as Mayor and am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead."

Cllr Morris, aged 62, of Adlington, trained as a chef and is now a director of Smithills Coaching House.

The leaders of the other parties remain the same, with Cllr Barbara Ronson leading the Liberal Democrats and Cllr Alan Rushton heading the Conservatives.

No decisions have been made as to the running of the council, which is divided 21 Liberal Democrats, 20 Labour and 19 Conservative, as yet. Meetings are due to take place between the leaders this week.