Lib Dem leader Roger Hayes looks forward to 'a good rest' from politics as Bolton's next mayor

Cllr Roger Hayes has been nominated by Bolton Council colleagues to take up the prestigious role from May, succeeding Cllr Lynda Byrne.

He was first elected to the council in 1984 and, after taking a two-year break, returned to his Smithills seat in 1998.

His position as party leader has seen him decline the chance to become mayor before, but Cllr Hayes is now looking forward to the non-political role.

The 73-year-old said: “In the past I think the political situation for the Liberal Democrats in Bolton was a bit more precarious, but now I feel like I am in a better position to take myself out of politics for a year.

“I have been leader of the Lib Dems in Bolton for 10 years, and also for 10 years during my first spell on the council.

“I am looking forward to a good rest from politics for a year and to getting even more involved in all of the activities that go on in Bolton.”

Cllr Hayes’ wife, Jaleh, will be serving her second term as mayoress, having also fulfilled the role for her friend Cllr Carole Swarbrick two years ago.

He added: “My wife was the mayoress a couple of years ago and I learned a lot then about all of the marvellous people of Bolton, particularly the splendid volunteer groups that we are very lucky to have here.

“Getting involved with as many of those things as I can is going to be really interesting and a real privilege.

“You never know what exciting things might happen in the town during the year.”

Cllr Hayes, who has two step-children and four step-grandchildren, is originally from Cheltenham and moved to Bolton in 1973.

He said: “I had been working in London but couldn’t afford to buy a house down there. My first wife was from Bolton and when I came here with her I couldn’t believe the house prices. It is a very welcoming town, the area around Bolton is beautiful, and the people are wonderful here.”

The Liberal Democrats will elect a new leader in May.