Local elections will be taking place across Greater Manchester on 4 May, including in Bolton.
Here’s your guide to what you need to know.
What election is taking place in Bolton?
All 60 seats across all 20 of the borough’s wards will be up for grabs, making it an ‘all-out’ election.
A total of 246 candidates are standing to be councillors. Voters will be able to cast a vote for three candidates.
Who can vote in the elections?
To be eligible to vote in this election, you must be –
18 or over
A British, Commonwealth, Irish, or EU Citizen
Registered to vote in Bolton
Able to present a form of photographic ID or a Voter Authority Certificate.
Who is standing for election in Bolton?
Councillors standing for re-election include Nadim Muslim for Bromley Cross, Shafi Patel for Hulton, and Martin Donaghy for Tonge with The Haulgh.
Also standing for re-election is John Walsh for Astley Bridge, who was recognised by King Charles in his first Royal Maundy service earlier this month,
Cllr Wash was thanked by the King for his services to the community.
The Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Reform/Bolton For Change will be contest every ward. The Green Party will be putting up candidates in 12 wards.
What does the outgoing council look like in Bolton?
Currently, there is no overall majority for any party within Bolton council, although the Conservatives hold the highest number of seats.
Labour are hoping to win back the highest number of seats in this election after losing control of the council in 2019.
Before this, Labour had been the largest party in Bolton council for 40 years.
What are the issues being debated in Bolton?
Protesters took to the streets this month to express their anger about the appearance of telecom poles across the borough, which many felt they had not been consulted on.
Speaking on the issue, Labour MP candidate Kirith Entwistle said: “We have every right to be absolutely angry about this and taking a stand.
“I hope more people follow suit and share how angry they are, and I just want to encourage people to keep showing up and making sure the people who are supposed to represent us are doing their jobs and so that we’re not taken advantage of.”
The Conservatives have pledged to stop Labour taking the town ‘back to 40 years of decline’, by promising to keep Council Tax low and regenerate the town centre.
When and where can I vote?
Polling stations will open on 4 May at 7am, and close at 10pm the same day.
Find your polling station here.
When will the results be announced?
The count will take place overnight at Bolton Arena and it is estimated that results will be announced at 4am on 5 May.
Mancunian Matters will be covering all of the local elections.
We will be speaking to voters, campaigners and councillors throughout the elections, reporting on key issues.
You can follow across social media for our coverage and check our website for articles, interviews and more right up until polling day and beyond.
Featured image: Bolton Town Hall by Gene Hunt
