Conservative chairman Greg Hands in Bury ahead of local elections 2023

Borough Conservative party campaigners joined MP Greg Hands at Walmersley Conservative Club on Mather Road to speak to residents ahead of the local elections on Thursday, May 4. 

The Chelsea and Fulham MP understands the elections will be tough for the Tories but is confident the party can experience success in Bury. 

Mr Hands said: “Obviously it was a difficult year last year for the Conservatives, a difficult year for the country, particularly after Putin's invasion of Ukraine so it is bringing people back onside.

"But I think here people are willing to listen and willing to back the Conservatives again.

"We're hoping to do well in Bury and across the area it's not going to be easy for us overall, but we've got a good message.” 

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Bury Conservative party campaigners joined Greg Hands at Walmersley Conservative Club (Image: Public)

When asked about the main concerns of residents, Mr Hands said he has was told the Labour-run council in the town "isn't doing a good job".

He added: “People are warm to the Conservatives on a local level and certainly for James Daly.  

“So far people are agreeing to Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister and think he's doing a good, strong, competent job delivering on the five priorities that he laid out.”  

Bury North MP James Daly, also joined Mr Hands in campaigning, which included knocking on doors of nearby residents.  

He said: “I think people are really responding to our positive message.  

“We're here trying to change people's lives, to make sure they have the frontline services they need to live the life they want.  

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Walmersley Conservative Club, Mather Rd (Image: Newsquest)

“People want positivity, they want delivery, they want people who can make a change and that's what we're doing so we're really pleased with that.” 

Mr Daly added that fortnightly bin collections and levelling up funding are among the top priorities for the party. 

He mentioned benefits being supported by the government such as a £20m levelling up fund for the centre of Bury, the stem centre at Bury College and being in the process of getting investments into Bury Interchange. 

(Left to right) Chairman of the Conservatives, Greg Hands, Mrs and Mr Berry, MP for Bury North, James Daly (Image: Newsquest)

He added: “There are also the plans for the two special schools for special educational needs and disabilities children so when you vote Conservative this is what you get, you get change, you get investment.  

“You get things that are important to the people of bury to ensure people have the best opportunities to succeed and thrive you can see that we can deliver.”