The Labour party flipped Bolton from blue to red in the 2023 council elections – although the party did not secure an overall majority.
Labour secured minority control with a seat majority of nine early this morning.
The party gained seven new seats compared to last year, while the Conservatives lost nine, turning Greater Manchester’s lone Conservative borough red.
Now, following a landmark full 60-seat election, which was counted from Thursday night through to Friday morning, the elected councillors must meet to choose a leader.
Labour’s Sean Eric Fielding, elected in Breightmet, said: “This year we will change Breightmet – next year the Labour party will change the country.”
Heading into the night the Conservatives held a 26-seat minority administration, and needed just five more seats to earn a majority – while Labour trailed with just 19.
Ballots began rolling in just after 10 o’clock, and were then verified before being counted, with the final wards declaring at around 5am.
Both major parties went back and forth throughout the night, whilst smaller areas trickled votes towards local parties.
But Labour won key swings in Astley Bridge and Breightmet, seats that the Tories could not afford to lose.
Rabiya Jiva, who was elected for Labour in Halliwell, said in her victory speech: “I would like to thank each and every one of you.
“All our people, family and friends who have rejected the rhetoric that’s gone on around us, elected three capable individuals – we are a community that is not divided”
This victory marked a small yet impactful win in Labour’s hope to take next year’s election, after thirteen years in opposition.
The final counts were:
- Labour 26
- Conservative 17
- Liberal Democrats 6
- Farnworth & Kearsley First Party 2
- One Kearsley 3
- Horwich & Blackrod First Independent 6.
