THE Conservative group on Bolton Council has ousted leader Cllr Norman Critchley.

He has been replaced by long-serving Deane-cum-Heaton councillor and former Mayor Alan Rushton.

He was deputy leader last year and he has been replaced in that position by Astley Bridge Cllr John Walsh. Cllr Walsh was re-elected in Thursday's local elections after a gap of three years.

Tory insiders were keeping tight-lipped on how the leadership changed hands. But it is understood Cllr Rushton defeated Cllr Critchley in a ballot of councillors last night.

Cllr Rushton said today: "After 21 years as a councillor, I feel I have the confidence of members and I am looking forward to being leader."

Cllr Critchley, who was in the headlines earlier this year when his marriage broke up, said: "I am quite happy with Alan as leader. I have been leader for four years at a very difficult time for the Conservative Party. To be honest, I am looking forward to a rest and an easy life."

Another Deane-cum-Heaton councillor Colin Shaw is the group's chief whip and Bromley Cross Cllr Alan Wilkinson is junior whip and secretary.

The Liberal Democrats re-elected Horwich Cllr Barbara Ronson as leader and Smithills Cllr Joe Higson as deputy leader.

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