THE Liberal Democrats have chosen a primary school teacher as their new leader at Bury Council.

Cllr Michael Powell, who was elected to represent St Mary’s ward in Prestwich one year ago, will be taking over from Cllr Tim Pickstone who will serve as mayor after leading the Lib Dems locally for the last 16 years.

The 26-year-old is now believed to be the youngest group leader of any party in the history of Bury Council – closely followed by the Conservatives’ current group leader, Cllr Nick Jones, who was 27 when he was appointed in January.

The new Lib Dem leader, who also works as a Year 2 primary school teacher, said he was delighted with the appointment.

He said: “Bury Council faces some very challenging times and difficult choices as we hopefully move forward from the coronavirus crisis.

“In recent months everyone has been working together but moving forwards it is important that Bury Council’s Labour administration are held to account for their choices and their actions.

“The Liberal Democrats might only be the third largest party in Bury at the moment but we certainly punch above our weight.

“My priority will be to push forwards on our ambitious plans for thriving, green and compassionate communities right across Bury”.

The news comes as the ruling Labour group also elected a new leader, Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, who is due to become leader of the council next week.

The appointment of the new leader and mayor will take place at the annual council meeting which will be held online at 2pm on Wednesday, May 20.

The new mayor, Cllr Pickstone, will be sworn in via video conference but a formal ceremonial event is expected to take place later in the year once lockdown restrictions have been lifted.

Cllr Powell paid tribute to the outgoing Lib Dem group leader.

He said: “Tim will be a tough act to follow. Over the last 16 years he has lead our group through some fantastic successes, but also some very difficult times.

“Liberal Democrats in Bury owe their success to Tim’s leadership and it is no surprise that his long service as group leader has earned him respect right across the political spectrum and well beyond the town hall.”

Holyrood Ward councillor Cristina Tegolo, who was also first elected to the council last year, will continue in her role as deputy group leader.