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Bury First Party Launches: A New Local Voice Challenges Labour Stronghold

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, December 25th 2025 at 0:36 GMT by Manchester Evening News

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A New Political Voice Takes Root in Bury – What the Manchester Evening News Report Reveals

On Saturday, 14 November 2024, a group of community activists and former councilors formally announced the birth of a new political party in Bury, a town in the north‑east of Greater Manchester that has long been a bastion of Labour. The party – dubbed “Bury First” – positions itself as a fresh, locally‑driven alternative that aims to put the needs of everyday residents above party politics and the often‑perceived “big‑party” agenda that has dominated the town’s council for decades.

Why a New Party?

The roots of the movement can be traced back to a growing sense of frustration among Bury’s electorate with the status quo. In the 2023 Greater Manchester local elections, the council retained its 35 seats, but the margins were razor‑thin: Labour held 21 seats, the Conservatives 10, the Liberal Democrats 3, and a handful of independents and smaller parties held the balance. While the numbers seemed solid on paper, a series of council decisions over the past year – from hikes in council tax to the controversial “Bury Development Plan” that would see large stretches of green belt land rezoned for housing – have stirred public debate.

The founders of Bury First, many of whom are long‑time residents, claim that local issues have been consistently sidelined in favour of broader party politics. As one of the co‑founders, former Labour councillor Sarah O’Neill, explained in an interview with the Evening News, “We came to realise that the people of Bury are not a single monolithic group that can be served by one party’s national agenda. Our council should be a platform for ideas that arise from our own streets, not from distant Westminster decisions.”

Core Policies and Vision

The party’s manifesto, made available on its newly‑created website (a link included in the article), focuses on five core pillars:

1. Affordable Housing & Regeneration – Bury First pledges to champion “community‑driven development” and oppose any rezoning of green belt land that does not meet strict environmental and social standards. The party plans to work closely with local planning officers to ensure that new housing projects are built with sustainable designs and sufficient community facilities.

2. Transport & Infrastructure – A major concern highlighted by residents is the lack of reliable public transport. Bury First aims to lobby for increased bus services, a new rail connection to the Manchester Metrolink, and better cycle lanes, citing research that links good transport infrastructure to economic growth.

3. Education & Youth Services – The party will prioritize support for local schools and after‑school programmes, arguing that investment in education will reduce crime and increase long‑term prosperity.

4. Financial Transparency & Accountability – The party promises to publish all council expenditures in an easily accessible online portal, making it harder for opaque spending to go unchecked.

5. Community Engagement & Participation – Bury First is keen on reviving the “town‑hall” culture that had faded since the 1990s. They plan to hold monthly forums in different wards to gather direct input from residents.

In the article, O’Neill emphasized that the party’s aim is not to dismantle existing structures but to “bring them back to the community.” She added, “Bury First will work in partnership with Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and independents when it comes to the best interests of the town.”

The Backing of Local Influencers

One of the most striking aspects of Bury First’s launch was the array of local figures who publicly endorsed the initiative. Notable among them were:

• Kevin McCarthy, a long‑time resident and local business owner, who has been a vocal critic of the council’s tax policy. In his statement, he said, “The tax hikes have put a strain on families. A local party can negotiate more effectively for tax relief.”

• Local councillor and former Labour activist John Hargreaves, who had recently left the party over policy disagreements. He explained that his departure was “a matter of principle,” and that Bury First could be the vehicle for those principles.

• Sophie Williams, the Chair of Bury Youth Council, who highlighted the need for youth representation at the council level. “We have a voice, but we’re rarely heard.” she said.

The article includes links to the personal blogs of these figures, where they discuss in more depth why they support Bury First. It also links to a local radio interview where the founders answer live questions from listeners.

Community Reception

The launch was attended by roughly 200 people, ranging from local residents to journalists. The Evening News captured the mixed reactions: While some applauded the fresh perspective, others expressed scepticism about the viability of a new party in a town with entrenched political loyalties.

A resident who prefers to remain anonymous said, “I appreciate that they’re trying to listen to us, but I’m not sure if we can trust a brand‑new party to deliver on its promises.” On the other hand, a local teacher, Ms. Lisa Patel, found the initiative promising. “We need someone who understands the challenges in our schools,” she said.

Impact on Upcoming Elections

The party’s timing is strategic. The next set of elections for the Bury Metropolitan Borough Council is slated for May 2025, just 18 months after the launch. Bury First’s ambition is to field candidates in all 35 wards, with the long‑term goal of gaining representation at the council. The article includes an analysis from local political analyst Michael Hughes, who notes that while the party will face a steep learning curve, the “current dissatisfaction with the council’s handling of the Bury Development Plan could give the party a foothold.”

Hughes also warned that the party will need to demonstrate credibility quickly. “If they can deliver on the local issues they’ve pledged – say, improved public transport or better housing – they could become a serious contender.”

Where to Find More

The Manchester Evening News’ article includes several hyperlinks to deepen the reader’s understanding:

• A link to the Bury Council’s official website, providing background on council composition and upcoming elections.

• A link to a local news outlet that covered the 2023 council election results in detail.

• The newly established Bury First party website, where the full manifesto, candidate list, and policy statements are posted.

• An online forum where residents can post their thoughts and questions to the party’s founding members.

• A link to the Greater Manchester Electoral Commission’s page on the local electoral process.

These resources allow readers to dive deeper into the data that underpins the article’s claims – for instance, the council’s public spending reports, the local demographic changes, and the statistical trends of recent elections.

Bottom Line

The launch of Bury First marks a significant moment in the political life of Bury. By championing local concerns and offering a new way of looking at governance, the party taps into a well‑documented sense of disenchantment among residents who feel their voices are marginalized. The Manchester Evening News has done a comprehensive job of outlining the party’s goals, backing, and potential impact, while also providing readers with direct access to the original sources – from the council’s official data to the party’s own website – to evaluate the claims and follow the unfolding story.

Whether Bury First will succeed in turning its promises into concrete policy remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the town’s political landscape has broadened, and residents now have an additional voice that claims to be first – and only for Bury.