THE corridors of power at Bury Town Hall will have a new second-in-command for the first time in nearly a decade.

Radcliffe councillor Wayne Campbell is the new deputy leader of the council, replacing Coun Derek Boden.

Coun Boden has stepped down from the all-powerful executive to concentrate on being leader of the North West Regional Assembly. He has been either leader or deputy leader of the council since 1993, alternating positions with Coun John Byrne, who remains as leader.

Coun Campbell has represented Radcliffe Central for 18 years. Last year he was executive member for economic and social regeneration.

Labour members occupy eight of the ten places on the executive, which makes virtually all of the major council decisions.

A reshuffle sees three new faces on the executive, councillors Gill Campbell, Ray Watts, and Stella Smith, replacing Coun Boden, Coun Sylvia Mason and Julie Higson.

The new Labour line-up is:

Coun John Byrne: council leader.

Coun Wayne Campbell: deputy leader and resource.

Coun Steve Perkins: lifelong learning, culture, recreation and sport.

Coun Mike Connolly: health, housing and social services.

Coun Stella Smith: environment and transport.

Coun Gill Campbell: communications and community development.

Coun Ray Watts: economic and social regeneration.

Coun Steve Treadgold: best value and competitiveness.

Coun Byrne said: "With a new and fresh executive in place, I feel we have the right blend of experience and enthusiasm which will drive things on.

"Consultation with local people will remain at the heart of all we do. However, we are prepared to make difficult decisions if necessary, especially when they are in the long-term interests of all local people."