THE structure of Bolton Council’s official opposition party has been revealed.

Following the local elections last week, leader of the Conservative Party, Bromley Cross councillor David Greenhalgh, has organised a re-shuffle of the shadow cabinet.

Taking over as deputy leader of the party, following the shock defeat of Andy Morgan in Hulton ward to UKIP, is Astley Bridge councillor Hilary Fairclough.

Cllr Martyn Cox, who kept his seat in Westhoughton last Thursday, has been named as the Tory’s new spokesman for housing, sports, development and regeneration.

Meanwhile the shadow executive member for the environment next year will be Cllr Bob Allen, who represents Heaton and Lostock.

Cllr Mudasir Dean, for Bradshaw, is now the group’s chief whip.

Cllr Greenhalgh said the restructure meant the party has four members to shadow and challenge the executive cabinet members of the ruling Labour party.

He added: “I believe we have a strong team that will hold the ruling Labour group to account, challenge forcefully when necessary and put our point of view across, but not be afraid to agree with the ruling group when we feel it is in the interests of Bolton.”

Labour is in overall control of Bolton Council with 40 councillors.

The Conservatives are the official opposition with 15 members, while the Liberal Democrats have three councillors and UKIP two.