BURY’S council leader is stepping down after less than one year in charge.

Former police inspector David Jones, who was appointed as leader of the Labour-run council 10 months ago, will formally quit the role next week.

Cabinet member Eamonn O’Brien is set to take over as the new leader at the annual meeting of Bury Council, which will be held virtually via video conference on Wednesday, May 20.

Cllr Jones, 64, said he felt this is the right time for him to step down from the “demanding role” of council leader.

He said: “I took up the position quite quickly to fill a vacancy. I’ve enjoyed it –it’s been great. But I think the timing’s right now with the emegency situation moving on to the next phase.

“I had planned for some time to step down as leader, and the annual meeting is the appropriate time to do so.

“We have faced unprecedented challenges recently, and I have been proud to lead a borough of wonderful people and professionals from all walks of life in getting through the worst of this crisis.

“I wish the new leader of the council the very best in their plans to rebuild and renew our borough and our economy through the next phase of the recovery.”

Cllr O’Brien has represented St Mary’s ward in Prestwich since 2014 and has been cabinet member for finance and housing since 2017.

His uncontested nomination as leader was agreed at a Labour group meeting on Tuesday night.

He said: “It would be a great honour to become leader of the council in the borough where I was born, educated and have lived all my life.

“This is a time of great challenge. Coronavirus has changed all our lives – in our neighbourhoods, our public services, and in our business community.

“If elected, I will work with all our partners to take the borough through these uncertain times and ensure Bury is an even better place for all its residents and businesses in the months and years to come.”

Cabinet member for children and families Tamoor Tariq has been nominated deputy leader by the Labour group, taking over from Cllr Andrea Simpson.

Cllr Jones will stay on as an Unsworth councillor and continue serving on the cabinet.

New appointments to cabinet will be discussed at another meeting tonight.

Cllr O’Brien added: “I would like to thank Cllr David Jones for his service to our borough during his time as leader. His steady hand and level head have been invaluable during an enormously difficult time.

“I am pleased that he has agreed to stay on as a member of the cabinet. He will be bringing his considerable experience around emergency planning to help us continue our efforts to combat the impact of the coronavirus, ensuring we remain fully prepared as we go forward and building on the success of our community hubs model.”

Conservative group leader, Cllr Nick Jones, also commented on the news.

He said: “I wish Cllr. David Jones the very best in his future endeavours. During the COVID-19 crisis I have been fully briefed on the workings of the Council and expect these briefings will continue. Although we did not always agree on the the direction of the Council we had a good working relationship.

“This will be the third Labour Leader of the Council within 10 months and I look forward to understand what plans Cllr. Eamon O’Brien has for the economic recovery to benefit all townships.

“As the country is adjusting to life with the COVID-19 virus I hope the new Leader ensures committee meetings will resume to ensure democracy and scrutiny of the Council.

“I hope the new Leader will keep to his word and work with all partners, including Opposition Groups and both Members of Parliament, to take the borough through these uncertain times.”