THE newly-elected Labour leader at Bolton Council has promised to start a “new conversation” with the people of the borough and regain their trust.

Cllr Nick Peel, who has been elected by his fellow councillors as the Labour group’s new leader, takes over from ex-council leader Cllr Linda Thomas who stepped down from her position to become Mayor of Bolton last week.

The Tonge with The Haulgh councillor, who was first elected to Bolton Council in 2000, held senior roles in cabinet until Labour lost power in May 2019.

He said: “I want to thank my colleagues for putting their trust in me in what is a difficult time for us all. All of our minds are focussed on the current pandemic, but democracy continues and we need to look forward to life after lockdown.

“Labour needs to start a new conversation with the people of Bolton and not be afraid of taking some criticism for our past mistakes.

“Our party, both nationally and locally appears to have lost its way. That’s our fault alone, and no one else’s.

“Keir Starmer’s election as the Leader is the first of many steps into regaining that lost trust.

“I want the Bolton Labour Group and the local party to make as its priority the task of regaining the trust of local people.”

A remote vote for the position of leader, deputy leader, chairman and chief whip of the group took place via email this week with polls open for two days.

Cllr Akhtar Zaman retained his role as deputy leader beating Cllr Martin McMulkin who also stood against him when he was first elected in November.

The party’s new chairman is Cllr Ismail Ibrahim who beat Cllr Madeline Murray.

He takes over from Cllr David Evans who stood down from the position.

Former chief whip, Cllr Kevin McKeon, put himself forward for the role of group leader.

He said: “I would like to congratulate Cllr Peel on his election as leader of the Labour Group.

“I know he wants to make the Labour Party the trusted vehicle for the achievement of social and economic well being in Bolton. He will have my full support.”

Cllr Hamid Khurram was re-elected to his position of chief whip for which he was unopposed.