David Greenhalgh death: Tributes paid to Bolton Council leader

David Greenhalgh had been unwell in hospital over the previous week

Tributes have been paid to the leader of Bolton Council who has died after two years serving in the role.

Councillor David Greenhalgh led the first Conservative administration on the council in four decades.

Mr Greenhalgh had been unwell and died after being admitted to hospital last week, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Bolton Liberal Democrats said his death was "a very big loss to both Bolton and the Conservative group".

Liberal leader on the council councillor Roger Hayes added: "He was and extremely nice and kind person and irrespective of any political differences I have always found him to be straight, honest and very open.

"It's sad, devastating news."

In a joint statement, the council's deputy leader Martyn Cox and chief executive Tony Oakman said he was "greatly respected."

• Town has first Tory leader in four decades

They added: "As an individual he will be greatly missed by many, and it will take some time to come to terms with our sudden loss.

"He was greatly respected and had many friends both in the town hall and the wider Bolton community."

Bolton Labour Group Leader, councillor Nick Peel said Mr Greenhalgh's death brought "the greatest shock and sadness".

He added: "Despite our political differences, I always found David to be a good humoured and conscientious person. I will miss his mischievous and playful sense of humour, which was often a welcome break from the seriousness of politics.

"David has been leader during the Covid pandemic; one of the most challenging times for this borough, and I know that he worked long and hard hours on behalf of us all, with little regard to his own need for time off.

"For his service, we offer our thanks. May his soul rest in peace."

Mr Greenhalgh was councillor for Bromley Cross and became leader in 2019.

With Bolton at the centre of many pandemic issues he became well known for speaking out for the region in front of a national audience.

In June he helped persuade Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to ease travel restrictions between Greater Manchester and Scotland amid concerns about coronavirus infections.

The flag at Bolton Town Hall was lowered to half mast as a sign of respect.

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