ONE of the rising stars of the Labour Party in Bolton has announced she will step down from the council in May — after just one term.

Breightmet councillor Kate Lewis has informed the council she will not be seeking re-election in the local elections on May 5. She says her 'priorities have changed' after giving birth to her son Elliot, now 11-months-old.

The news will come as a blow to the Labour Party which will be losing a popular councillor who had quickly risen through the ranks and onto the cabinet since being elected in 2012.

After holding a number of positions, including council lead for anti-poverty, she was last year promoted to become cabinet member for Housing and Social Inclusion.

She campaigned on issues including cracking down on payday loan firms and helping to set up the council’s town centre affordable goods shop, The Square.

Speaking about her decision, Cllr Lewis said: “Since having my little boy Elliot last year my priorities have changed.

“I have really enjoyed my time representing the people of Breightmet and being able to help residents with their issues and concerns.

“Being a councillor has also enabled me to campaign on issues that I feel strongly about and to bring about change within the council — for example the work I did on payday loan companies and the creation of The Square.”

Cllr Lewis said another factor in her decision to leave the authority is that she is also studying part-time for a language degree at the Open University.

She added: “It has been difficult to juggle this with being a mum and a councillor. It is in the best interests of my family that I take a step back now — but I may return to politics at some time in the future.”

Council leader Cliff Morris said Cllr Lewis will be a loss to the council but added that he understands the reasons behind her decision.

He said: “Kate’s life has changed and she has decided this is the best path to take for her and her family and we wish her well. She has contributed quite a lot in her time on the council and she will be missed — but we hope she will perhaps come back in the future.”