THE leader of the Conservatives on Bolton Council in Bolton has been ousted from the top spot after a fellow councillor launched a bid to end his nine-year reign.

Cllr John Walsh takes over from Cllr Alan Rushton. Party members backed his leadership bid at the party's annual general meeting on Friday.

He won the support of fellow Conservatives after saying he wanted to see "fresh ideas" to move the group forward.

The AGM was held the day after this year's local elections, where Labour increased their grip on power at Bolton Town Hall by winning two extra seats taking their total to 26. The Conservative Party made one gain in total, winning a seat each off both Labour and the Lib Dems but losing one to Labour, taking their total to 22. The Lib Dems are on 12 seats.

Cllr Walsh, who represents the Astley Bridge ward, is also chairman of the North-west board of the Conservative Party. He said: "This is a democratic process and I was asked by several of my colleagues to stand, but there's no acrimony.

"I think Cllr Rushton served the party well and he has given his support to me and promised that he will help. There's always the opportunity for fresh ideas. I was elected 32 years ago so I've seen many styles of leadership and I felt I could bring a new dimension to the job of leader."

Cllr Rushton admitted he was "disappointed" with the result of the ballot, but vowed to do all he could to support the new leader.

He said: "Since 1998 we've taken the party upwards, but I appreciate people do feel a change is necessary and I accept their decision.

"I've been leader for nine years, but Cllr Walsh is a bright person and far younger that I am. I've been proud to lead the party and I think I've done a good job of it."

Councillors also replaced the former deputy leader, Cllr Norman Critchley, with Cllr Bob Allen.

Cllr Andrew Morgan was appointed as the whip, Cllr Phil Ashcroft as secretary and Cllr Diane Brierley as treasurer.

l Cllr Cliff Morris was re-elected as Labour leader with Linda Thomas as his deputy.

The group will decide the shape of its executive at a second meeting tomorrow, although no major changes are expected following its election success.