MAYOR of Greater Manchester has paid tribute to Bolton Council leader David Greenhalgh describing him as a "much-loved local son and a fearless champion for his town".

Cllr Greenhalgh died at the age of just 53 yesterday.

The flag at Bolton Town Hall was lowered to half mast as a sign of respect, as his death was announced.

Bolton Council leader David Greenhalgh dies at 53

People of Bolton pay tribute to Cllr David Greenhalgh

David Greenhalgh tributes: How Bolton Council leader nearly made it on the West End

Metro Mayor Andy Burnham said: "We are all deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend Councillor David Greenhalgh.

"David was Bolton through and through - a much-loved local son and fearless champion for his town. "When fire devastated The Cube in Bolton Town Centre in 2019, David was immediately on site and led from the front. He has done the same throughout this most challenging of times, standing up for his beloved Bolton but also for the rest of Greater Manchester.

"As Greater Manchester’s Culture Lead, David has been a passionate advocate for our arts organisations, steering them carefully through the challenges of the pandemic."

Today's meeting of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority is being postponed as a mark of respect.

"The whole of the Greater Manchester family sends our deepest sympathies to them at this difficult time," said Mr Burnham.

Cllr Greenhalgh's death has shocked and saddened Bolton, with tributes continuing to pour in for "extraordinary man" today.

Farnworth and Kearsley First leader, Cllr Paul Sanders, said: "David Greenhalgh was a genuinely lovely man - a friend to countless people.

"He was a conscientious and caring leader who tried to bring people together to solve problems. David's passing is a massive loss for the borough, regardless of political persuasion.

"Wewill miss him dearly. We send our love and condolences to his friends and loved ones."

Cllr Marie Brady, leader of Horwich and Blackrod First, said:"David was an extraordinary man.

"As the Leader of Bolton Council, David was a joy to work with, always courteous, kind and helpful. He was passionate about the Borough of Bolton and used that passion to great effect. Listening to David speaking in the council chamber was never dull, he was a skilful and charismatic speaker.

Outside the chamber, David had a wonderful sense of humour and an incredible talent for impersonations.

"The borough of Bolton and Bolton Council has lost one of the best political leaders of all time and many of us have lost a good friend.

"Rest in Peace David."

Andrea Egan, UNISON’s Senior Vice President and the Bolton UNISON Branch Secretary said: “I was deeply shocked to hear the sad news of the death of Bolton’s Council Leader, David Greenhalgh.

"Throughout the pandemic UNISON has worked closely with David and the Bolton Council leadership, particularly at key times.

"David certainly shared our union commitment to ensure that workplaces were properly risk assessed in order to keep people safe.

"He also argued that Bolton needed to receive increased resources in order to maintain local services. He was very much at odds with his own government’s position at times.

"The fact that he was able to use his own judgment on behalf of the people of Bolton is something that should be acknowledged and respected. Our thoughts are very much with David’s family at this difficult time."

Bernadette Greenhalgh former Bolton UNISON Branch Secretary said :“I recall our first meeting when David became leader, he certainly turned on the charm offensive.

"He was exceptionally polite, providing tea and biscuits, honest in the difficulties ahead but  above all an attentive listener with a willingness to build good industrial relations.

"A position he maintained.  He genuinely had the interests of Bolton and its residents  as his priority and this is a sad loss to the town."