Bolton Tory Leader John Walsh said: "I am absolutely delighted. It wasn't just a no vote, but it was a decisive no vote.

"Four to one across Greater Manchester is a fantastic result.

"The people have made it very clear that they don't want any more stealth taxes.

"Funding from public transport should come from the government.

"It is now up to them to deliver the £1.5 billion that they said they would.

"The Conservatives will make sure we put pressure on the government to make sure that they stick to that commitment.

"I was always optimistic about the result, but perhaps I was under-optimistic in this case.

"The result from Bolton almost bears out your poll in The Bolton News last week."

Bolton Council Leader Cliff Morris said: "My reaction is the same one I have had all along.

"Whatever the people of Bolton decided, we were more than willing to go along with.

"Obviously I said which way I was voting, which was yes, but they must have had their reasons for voting no.

"They obviously thought it wasn't the best deal for us."