GUY Harkin, former Labour deputy council leader, claimed not to be disappointed after he failed to win the Kearsley seat.
He lost his previous seat on the council three years ago when boundary changes altered his old Daubhill ward.
When asked if he was upset about coming second to sitting councillor, Liberal Democrat Margaret Rothwell, by just 27 votes, he replied: "Not at all. It is democracy."
But he added that he believed the voters in Kearsley would regret their decision.
"A grandmother in her late 70s won't serve them very well over the next four years," he said.
"I think the people of Kearsley made a mistake, but they made their decision and I accept it."
Bolton elections are not likely to have seen the last of the former university lecturer, aged 60.
Mr Harkin said that he hoped to be selected by Labour to fight again.
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