THE Liberal Democrats will take single-handed control of Bolton Council next week after both Labour and the Conservatives rejected an offer to join them in power.
Horwich councillor Barbara Ronson will become the council's first woman leader under the move which brings to an end 24 years of unbroken Labour rule in the borough.
Her group became the largest on the council at this month's all-out local election taking 21 seats to Labour's 20 and the Conservative's 19.
The Lib Dems had hoped the other two parties would accept positions on the all-powerful executive cabinet in a power-sharing deal.
But the Bolton Evening News today broke the news to Cllr Ronson that Labour had followed the Conservatives by deciding to go into opposition instead.
Cllr Ronson said: "We are disappointed with the other groups but we have the ability and talent to serve the borough well." Her deputy will be Cllr Roger Hayes, of the Smithills ward. However, Cllr Ronson could face problems pushing through change with opposition councillors filling 39 of the council chamber's 60 seats
New Labour leader Cllr Cliff Morris said: "The people of Bolton did not give Labour a mandate and we would prefer not to share the executive."
Power snub
Post votes probe: P5
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