Lib Dem councillor becomes new Lord Mayor of Manchester

By Carrie Smith

Manchester’s Liberal Democrats can celebrate some good news at last for them, as one of their own became Lord Mayor this morning.

Liberal Democrat councillor Elaine Boyes, 60, will don the chains of office for a year following the Annual Meeting at Manchester Town Hall.

The Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Elaine Boyes said, ""It has been a privilege to serve the residents of the city centre for over six years and it is a real honour to have the opportunity to now represent all of Manchester as Lord Mayor.

"As Lord Mayor I'm looking forward to meeting and speaking to people not only from all the different backgrounds and traditions of our cosmopolitan city but from right across the world."

The move comes after the Lib Dems suffered massive losses at this month’s local election, failing for a second year running to win a single contest.

The beleaguered party lost all of its contested Manchester city centre seats to Labour including, in the biggest shock of the night, those of leader Marc Ramsbottom and ex-parliamentary candidate Jack Pearcey.

Speaking on the night to MM reporters, council leader Sir Richard Leese said: “I think the world would be a better place if there were no Liberal Democrat councillors.

“I have no time for them whatsoever, they have no principles, no morals, no politics, nothing – and they lie.”

Councillor Boyes was first elected to the council in 2006 to represent the city centre ward having worked in the NHS for 18 years.

Her chosen theme for her year in office is disability issues, principally adults with disabilities.

Her sister-in-law Linda Geoghegan, 62, will serve as Lady Mayoress.

Councillor Boyes replaces councillor Harry Lyons to the ceremonial position after Manchester narrowly voted no to having an elected mayor in this month’s referendum.

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