An independent councillor elected in a key by-election earlier this year has announced he is joining the Green Party.
Cllr Yusuf Davda was elected as an independent candidate for the Rumworth ward at Bolton Town Hall after a closely contested by-election win in July of this year.
He has now said that after “careful consideration” he has decided to join the Green Party, and their group of now five elected councillors at town hall.
Cllr Davda said: “Serving the people of Bolton has always been my first priority.
“Over recent months, it has become increasingly clear to me that real, positive change for our neighbourhoods requires a fresh approach and a political home that puts fairness, community action, and the local environment at the heart of everything.
“Joining the Green Party is not a decision taken lightly or out of frustration with others, but out of a genuine belief that it offers the most constructive and community-focused path forward.
“My focus on the ground will not change, I will continue to work tirelessly for our residents every single day, and I remain committed to working collaboratively with colleagues across all parties for the good of Bolton.”
Cllr Davda was elected in Rumworth with 1,458 votes, more than 400 ahead of his closest rival, Labour’s Sajid Pathan, who finished with 1,054.
The by-election had been triggered by Labour's Abdul Atcha's decision to step down the previous month.
Cllr Davda will now join a Green Party group made up of leader Cllr Hanif Alli, of Halliwell, and Cllr Ismail Ibrahim, also of Rumworth.
The group also includes Cllr Zan Arif, of Queens Park and Central, and Cllr Baggy Khan, of Halliwell.
Cllr Alli said: “We are delighted to welcome Yusuf to the Green Party.
"He has a proven track record as an energetic, dedicated community activist who listens to local people and fights for their interests.
“As the Green presence continues to grow across Greater Manchester and the wider region, Yusuf’s commitment to grassroots representation makes him a natural fit for our team.”
Cllr Davda’s decision to join them takes their total to five councillors, making the Green Party the joint third biggest group on the council.
They share this with the Liberal Democrats and with the Horwich and Blackrod First Independents, who also have five members each.
Labour is currently the largest party with 18 councillors, while the Conservatives and Reform UK are in joint second with ten councillors each.
Cllr Davda says he will continue to represent his ward and encourages any residents with concerns, queries, or ideas to reach out through his usual council contact channels.
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