I want to congratulate the Labour Party nationally for their success in last month’s General Election, and more locally I want to wish James Frith and Christian Wakeford all the very best during the next Parliament.

I want to thank James Daly for all his hard work and success in delivery for the people of Bury North.

I want to say a big thank you to all the people who voted Conservative for sticking with us. And to those who on this occasion chose not to support us, I hope as we move forward in our leadership election we will demonstrate to you all we have listened.

Whilst it is always easy to highlight philosophical differences it is equally important to acknowledge that most elected politicians want to do the very best for the people who we all serve.

I believe that both James and Christian will do their very best for the people of Bury.

I also think that it is timely to reflect that the vast majority of the recent General Election campaign was conducted in the best traditions of our democratic process for which we are rightly proud.

It was so reassuring and dignified how both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer conducted themselves in the transition of power from a Conservative to Labour government.

I am also grateful the divisive and ugly campaign undertaken by some in Bury was soundly beaten like it was in the local elections in May.

Community cohesion is one of the major strengths of Bury and I know the Labour administration and the town's two Members of Parliament and myself are totally at one with doing all we can to maintain and strengthen wherever we can this vital issue, which provides so much stability and welcome diversity in our town.

Bury Conservatives leader Russell BernsteinBury Conservatives leader Russell Bernstein (Image: Supplied)

In a region that is now all but totally dominated by Labour following recent elections, I believe there is an increased responsibility that now faces myself and my Conservative councillor colleagues in that we need to enhance our challenge and scrutiny on the policies and actions that impact the people for whom we all serve the communities of Bury.

I am confident that the Conservative group on the council can do this constructively and in consideration of the democratic process that saw such a large Labour majority returned to Parliament last month.

The Conservative group on the council have behaved responsibly and constructively in our role as the main opposition group to the administration, challenging when is necessary and supporting equally when it is in the best interests of our borough.

As we move forward against a backdrop of a Labour government, we will continue in this manner, and through this column I will share with you the Conservative position on the important issues of the day.